My tribute to the best cat ever

Yesterday was a sad day for our family. We had to put our kitty cat, Gus, to sleep after the vet found that he had cancer. He hadn't been doing well at all that day and so we were prepared to hear the news, but it was still hard to let him go. He had been a part of our family for 16 years. We got him as a kitten when Jamie was 8 and I was 10. We named him after the chubby rat on Cinderella because the enormous amount of fur he had made him look much bigger than he actually was. Over the years, we gave him more nicknames than I can even remember! He was the best of both worlds, an avid mouse and bird hunter but also very kind and gentle with people. Gus was different from most cats in that he was never aloof. He was always eager to be cuddled and have his ears scratched. He loved kids and even our dogs. His best friend was our dog, Mackensie (who died about 9 years ago). Gus loved to swat at Makensie's tail and he would even curl up next to his doggie friend at night. I think that he must have learned a few things from growing up with Mackensie because he would actually follow us on walks around the neighborhood just like a dog. Gus really was a sweet cat who loved to be loved. I will always have a special place in my heart for that little orange and white puff ball and we will miss him! I'm sure that if there's special place for animals (and how could there not be!), he's there enjoying a nice nap in the sun. Thank you Gus, for being the best cat in the world!

Camping at Utah Lake

Well, sort of. We didn't actually stay the night, but spent most of the day there so I guess that counts. I chickened out in the end and decided that my big pregnant belly would be more comfortable in my nice, soft bed. Parker had a great time playing outside with his cousins. He loves dirt now! Most of his time was spent picking up rocks, sticks, and dirt clads and throwing them as far as he could. He also loved being with his grandma and grandpa Barnes. They are so good to him! Andrew got stuck on a sea-doo when the battery died so he spent quite a while out on the lake. He said it was "peaceful" though. Thanks to the Barnes' family for putting together such a fun day!

Toe Puppets

The other day I decided that in the unlikely event that Makenna decides to come before my scheduled c-section I should have a few basic things ready for her. So, I pulled out the infant car seat to give it a good wash. The next thing I know, Parker is lounging in it, perhaps remembering that this used to be his not to long ago. It was nuts how huge he looked in it when it used to look so big compared to him! He really has grown up.








We went to a birthday party for my step-sister's husband last Sunday and Parker had a great time. He even got some neat little finger puppets. While he thought it was cool to put them on your fingers, it wasn't long before he figured out that they fit on your toes too! That, of course, was much more fun!

Parker loves dirt!

We went out last night to see the progress they've made on our house so far. They are working fast and our house is now competely sheet rocked and most of the exterior is up! It has been fun to see it come together and we can only hope that they continue at the same pace (unlikely, but we can think positive, right!) So, as we were walking out, we ran into a new neighbor of ours and we had a little chat with him. While we were talking, Parker decided that he was going to check out the dirt. Now usually he's a little weary of getting his feet dirty, but not last night. He was running around in it and throwing it. He was in a little boys heaven! By the time we left, he was covered in dirt and happy as could be! Here are some pictures I took (some of them, he is actually throwing dirt at me!) Hmmm, maybe we need a sandbox for this kid?















PS-I didn't get any of our house. I don't know what I was thinking?!

Parker turned 2!

Well, we have been busy here in Barnes' household latley! Last weekend I was off to San Fransisco with my aunts, cousin, sister, and grandma for their annual girl's weekend. I had a great time with everyone and even did a little walking around town. I'm so glad I got to go and see just how fun and silly my aunts can be when they all get together! I'm already looking forward to next year's trip! Parker and Andrew had some good bonding time and both seemed like they really enjoyed it being just the two of them. Here is a pic of a few of us on the trip. I think they all look so beautiful in it!






I got back just a few days before Parker's 2nd birthday! It's hard to image that he's already 2 years old. It's so fun to watch him grow up, but hard to see that he's not my little baby anymore. The party was wonderful! We had so many family members come to wish him a happy birthday! I don't think that we could ask for a more loving and supportive extended family! He got A LOT of gifts! Parker pretty much just wanted to play with everything he opened right after he opened it and so we had to coax him to open each present. As you can see from the pictures, we had a Thomas the Tank Engine theme (one of his favorite characters). I think his favorite thing that night was just running around with his cousins! We couldn't even get him to slow down for some of his cake and ice cream! I'm so grateful to have a healthy, happy, smart, cute as can be little boy! I'm so lucky to be his mom and everyday with him brings new joys! Looking back at all we went through to have him and what he's meant to our family, he really is a miracle! Happy Birthday my little man!

September 13th is the BIG day!

We have a date set for Makenna's birth! So, let the countdown begin! I have to admit that while I'm very excited to meet my little girl, I'm a little nervous about being a mother of two. I keep thinking that I am much too young and inexperienced for this, but I guess that's how we all start out. These next few months are going to be big ones for our family! Andrew is back in UT for good this time! It's great to all be together! We also have our house under contract again. We are being cautiously optimistic this time around. So, keep your fingers crossed that this deal goes through. Our new house has a scheduled completion date of around Sept. 19th, which is exciting. Parker is less than 2 weeks away from turing 2! Yesterday on the way home from my dad and Kathy's house, he was in his carseat chatting away to himself and he counted from 6 to 10 all on this own! What a smart cookie! I can't wait until he sees his Thomas the tank engine birthday cake! I think he will go nuts! Here are a few funny pictures that we took a recently.

Sorry I'm a slacker!

It's been a crazy month, but here I am again. We had a great time in Tahoe and I even took part in a bike ride despite being seven months pregnant. Parker reallly enjoyed being outdoors so much and being the center of attention most of the time. Andrew has been in town these past couple of weeks and it has been heaven! I can't wait until that is the permanent arrangement again. Things are looking up on the house selling front too. We've had a lot of interest in the last few weeks and I think we should be able to get it sold by the end of the month. Now we just have to hope that our new house will be finished on time (it's supposed to be finished the 1st of Sept). Here are some pics of our trip while we were on the beach in Tahoe waiting for the fireworks to start.










And here is are some pics of our trip to visit Andrew in California. We got to go out to LA to see Spencer and David one weekend. They have a pretty neat lion sculpture in their condo that Parker was fascinated with.