Here is a little something to wet your whistle while I put together a review of our Alaska trip.
My brother Phil and his fiancee, Gretchen, took this amazing video on our last day there.
Enjoy...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Fourth Fun
The annual 4th of July Schnelle family bash was a blast this year. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to have so much fun. Everything depended on how Mia would fare. Last year, she was 4 months old, colicky, and NO FUN! In fact, she and I went home early so she could go to bed.
This year, however, Mia lived up every minute of her first real 4th of July experience.
This year, however, Mia lived up every minute of her first real 4th of July experience.
All the way to Randy's house, Mia said "Horsss, horsss, horssss..."
So, Uncle Randy let her sit on Dutchess...
But, she wasn't quite ready for that step yet...
However, after we took her out of the corral, she wanted back in...
Instead, she decided to help Uncle Randy water the horses...
The bash isn't complete without a competitive game of wiffle ball.
Even Rascal wanted in on the action...
Meanwhile, Mia was having her own fun...
Then the time came for fireworks. Notice Mia sitting patiently in her little wee chair???
Oh yea baby! This girl isn't scared of those fireworks. Under that pacifier is a BIG smile while she claps after each one.
At 10pm, Daddy took her home to bed. One pooped, but happy little girl.
Thanks Schnelle's! It was another great year!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Canine Spotlight
A continuation of a series I started long ago...
In the Spring of 2007 we were blessed with the addition of Miss Cookie to our canine brood. She was adopted as a puppy by my Brother-in-Law Michael and his family. But what they thought would be a smallish lap dog quickly became bigger than they bargained for. Though they loved her dearly, they didn't have the proper yard and time for a feisty 60lb dog with lots of energy. So, they began looking for a better home for her. Having met Cookie, her sweet disposition tugged at our heart strings. We knew we could give her the life she needed. Lots of love and room to run. We couldn't bear to let her go to anyone else.
And so entered into our lives a wild and crazy 6 month old mutt with too much penned up energy. Hence the nickname, Cookie Monster. The next year would bring with it all the typical costly puppy hood charades. Our favorite had to be the hot tub cover that she completely destroyed. Of course, the deck took it's share of abuse as well with Gabe having to replace more than a handful of rails.
But, we take the responsibility of animal ownership very seriously. They are as much part of the family as our children are. We wouldn't get rid of our children for destroying a hot tub cover. The same goes for our animals. It is just part of the deal.
Eventually, Cookie calmed down. Once she was able to be trusted to run the property without running away, we saw a huge difference in behavior. She quickly made friends with the neighborhood canines and exerts all her energy playing and running all day long.
Three years later, Cookie has turned into an exceptional dog and a terrific addition to our family. She is sweet, loyal, friendly, protective, and well mannered. We didn't put her through much training, but she still seems to always know what you want.
She lost a good friend when Linus died. But she has since created a pal in Mia, who calls for her each and every time we come home from an outing. 
We can't image our lives without our Cookie. Her sweet face melts your heart.
In the Spring of 2007 we were blessed with the addition of Miss Cookie to our canine brood. She was adopted as a puppy by my Brother-in-Law Michael and his family. But what they thought would be a smallish lap dog quickly became bigger than they bargained for. Though they loved her dearly, they didn't have the proper yard and time for a feisty 60lb dog with lots of energy. So, they began looking for a better home for her. Having met Cookie, her sweet disposition tugged at our heart strings. We knew we could give her the life she needed. Lots of love and room to run. We couldn't bear to let her go to anyone else.
And so entered into our lives a wild and crazy 6 month old mutt with too much penned up energy. Hence the nickname, Cookie Monster. The next year would bring with it all the typical costly puppy hood charades. Our favorite had to be the hot tub cover that she completely destroyed. Of course, the deck took it's share of abuse as well with Gabe having to replace more than a handful of rails.But, we take the responsibility of animal ownership very seriously. They are as much part of the family as our children are. We wouldn't get rid of our children for destroying a hot tub cover. The same goes for our animals. It is just part of the deal.
Eventually, Cookie calmed down. Once she was able to be trusted to run the property without running away, we saw a huge difference in behavior. She quickly made friends with the neighborhood canines and exerts all her energy playing and running all day long.
Three years later, Cookie has turned into an exceptional dog and a terrific addition to our family. She is sweet, loyal, friendly, protective, and well mannered. We didn't put her through much training, but she still seems to always know what you want.
She lost a good friend when Linus died. But she has since created a pal in Mia, who calls for her each and every time we come home from an outing. 
We can't image our lives without our Cookie. Her sweet face melts your heart.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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