August's End

 After our little trip to Minnesota, we picked up Brutus from the kennel.  He was throwing up and peeing everywhere so we got him in to see the vet as we weren't sure what was wrong.  He ended up needing an IV for fluids and had a severe UTI.  However, the vet took a couple of x-rays and discovered a mass (the blood work results pointed towards cancer).  We decided to leave him overnight to get good and hydrated and then pick him up Saturday morning.  However, when we spoke with the doctor Saturday morning he said things had taken a turn and he believed the tumor had abscessed and if we brought him home, we'd have to take him to emergency care the next day.  Saying good-bye to a pet is never easy, especially one you've had in your life for the last 12 years...there were a lot of tears that morning but we know it was the right thing to do.  Rest in peace, you crazy dog - know you're missed.

 

Thankfully, children are pretty resilient.  Before Ryan even went to the vet's office Saturday morning to say good-bye, Phoebe ran up to me and said very enthusiastically, "Mommy, Brutus is sick and going to die!  He's going to Heaven and we'll see him again.  And I'm going to get a puppy on Sunday!"  Huh?!  Ryan rounds the corner and assures me, "Someday.  Not Sunday."  Phew.

 

All our cooler, low-humidity weather has disappeared and been replaced with sticky, sunny August.  There's no better way to stay cool than at the pool!

 

We even took a little trip on the trails once the sun started to go behind the clouds.  Phoebe opted to have her training wheels put back on awhile back - she'll be ready when she's ready so we see no sense in rushing her. 

 

Maverick had to get off his bike several times to see moths, butterflies, etc.

 



 

At least I didn't have to carry him this go round which was a nice change.

 

Friday after school, we headed to our local Farmer's Market which is on Friday evenings.  The kids found lots of goodies to snack on before dinner, we grabbed a couple of yellow zucchini to throw on the grill and got a few cinnamon rolls for breakfast the next morning.  All in all, I'd say it was a success!  After dinner, we took a walk with our neighbors to a frozen yogurt place not too far from us.  The older kids rode their bikes with Ryan and the rest of the adults handled strollers with the youngest.  Phoebe had a blast but despite the mile and a half round trip venture, the kid still didn't conk out till 11:00.  She's had a rough time going to sleep recently - just wanting to stay up with us.  So tonight we went to bed before 8:00 and will try it again tomorrow...staying strong is the hard part, especially when the offender has a cute face like this one!

 

Saturday, we headed to the 40th Annual Greek Festival with YiaYia and Papou.

 

Full of hot dogs and maybe a little feta, we headed towards the kids' tent.

 

Phoebe got her face painted.  Maverick said he wanted to but each time we tried to sit down, he promptly changed his mind.  Probably for the best, considering he wanted the same picture as Phoebe...

 

 

Tattoos!

 

They had the inside of the church finally painted. 

 

While most of the adults stayed in the air conditioned sanctuary, the kids opted for a puppet show.  Maverick almost made it half-way through the 20 minute performance.

 

 

Sunday at church, modeling one of my Mall of America purchases.

 

After Ryan's fantasy football draft finished up at our house, we took a bike ride around the neighborhood and ended at the playground for a bit.  Showing that she still has the bug-touch - this time a preying mantis...