Colorado Shooting

We had an opportunity to go to my brother's girlfriend's grandfathers farm outside Limon, CO and shoot the new gun my dad just got. Everyone got a chance to shoot the gun and most were able to hit the barrel they were shooting at. They were first shooting at a barrel in the field then they put up a target and tried shooting at that. You always have to know where on a person you hit!!!

Needless to say Jeremie had a lot of fun shooting.

Joe Playing in Snow

Joe playing in the snow with his Daddy.

Christmas Eve Snow Fun

It snowed ALL day in Texas today - after it being in the 70's yesterday. That's Texas weather for ya! We went to dinner in Dallas and came back to about 6 inches of snow against our back door. Once we got Joe to go outside (he only likes the snow if you're playing in it too) he had a blast playing with Jeremie. Hopefully it'll be here tomorrow so we can have a White Christmas!

Joe's Graduation!

Following James and Nattie's advice, we took Joe to Petsmart for some puppy training. We had taught him to sit, shake, and hi-five before we started, so he knew a little bit. He officially graduated beginning classes last Wednesday and we couldn't be prouder. With some motivation he has learned to rollover quite nicely. He even won a contest on the last night! He was the fastest "come when called" out of 5 dogs. 3.6 seconds to get down the shopping aisle. Go Joe!! He starts his intermediate classes next week - can't wait to see what he'll learn in that class.

Joe's new bed. Or is it Soot's?

We got a new bed for Joe because he kept sleeping on a pillow we had for our couch.  It took him a while to get used to it and he still sometimes chews on it, but he loves it.  And obviously Soot likes it too!  I came out one morning to find Soot hanging out in Joe's bed.  It's a good thing that Joe didn't see him - it could have turned into an interesting fight.  Soot has started to fight back, which makes for a very funny show.

Joe's Growing Up

Bath time with Daddy!

Bath time finally over!  Let's dry off and have some fun!

Hanging out in the back yard!

Joe & his cool name tag.

Joe & his big boy bed.  Until Julie went and took it away and replaced it with another one.  He's still trying to figure it out.

Bovine & Joe

One of the first encounters of Bovine with Joe.  It was very fun to watch them "play".

Joe & His Tennis Ball

This was Joe's first experience with a tennis ball.  He has a smaller softer soccer ball that we think is getting to small for him.  Now he LOVES playing with it even though it can't completely fit in his mouth.

Joe's new favorite toy

I finally opened the rubber chicken I got for Joe when we first got him.  I didn't know he'd like it as much as he does.

Jerm playing Wii

Ok - so I got crap for putting a video of Randy playing tennis on our Wii, I thought I'd post one of Jeremie.  We were playing a crazy Rabbit game & Jeremie was very good at the dancing/rhythm game.  Shake your bootie!!

Joe & His Brothers

Joe wants to play!  Won't you play??

Joe enjoys trying to eat Bovine's tail.  Bovine however does NOT enjoy this!  He tries to stay clear at all times.

Jeremie actually got Joe and Soot to play on the foot rest while I was gone.  Soot doesn't mind him as much.

The boys spend a lot of time just watching Joe play with his toys.  They really like when Joe's in his crate and they can rule the house.  I get nasty looks from the cats when we let Joe whine in his crate until he stops.  I guess it's as annoying to them as it is to us!

Bringing Home Joe

Last night we got to bring home the newest member of our family.  Joe  (yes Parker family, after Grandpa Joe)

Jeremie was a little worried at first that Joe wouldn't like us as much as his foster family, but I think he'll like him just fine!

Our oldest cat beats up on my parent's Lab, but is a little scared of Joe.  It might take a few days, but I think the cats will adapt nicely.

The vet let us take home some of his old toys.  His stuffed dog is his favorite, he rarely leaves it alone!  He takes it everywhere!

Jeremie Babysitting

It's never a good thing when the babysitter falls asleep with the kids!  Great practice for kids though.  He even had to deal with an "exploded diaper" while I was gone -- and didn't even throw up!!!  GO JEREMIE!!!

Party Pontoon

Julie's parents and their friends bought a party pontoon this summer.  Everyone brought something to decorate the 1970 blue pontoon.  The boat included a bar, satellite dish, Julie's popcorn ad, a sign for "your ad here", and we took a blow up palm tree.  It is a beauty - people on the lake even thought so and took pictures.  Good times were had on the 4th when our other boat TOWED the pontoon to watch fireworks.  We were quite a sight to see!!

Ranger Baseball Game

The day before we left for Wisconsin we took Haylee to her first Ranger game.  We got there early enough to watch them in batting practice and set up the field.  We also got to see the new "Friday Night Fireworks" show, which was awesome!!  We had a great time...and a VERY late night.

Giant Penny

When Haylee came up to Wisconsin with us, we took her to see the "World's Largest Penny".  Who would think that in a tiny town in Northern Wisconsin would hold such a title.

Towel Animals

One of our favorite parts about cruising...towel animals!  Every night after dinner we would come back to a different towel animal.  Here's a couple we came home to.

Sting Ray City

When we went to Grand Cayman to Sting Ray City our guide took some pictures of everyone (but Julie) holding and kissing the sting rays.  There is of course our group picture.  Everyone is so happy and excited, and I was obviously petrified of them.  I must say that I was in the water much longer than I was the time before.