Checking on the Dogs

Katie has been interested in her doctor kit again lately. She checks on the dogs quite often and diagnoses any problems that she sees.

I was just busy giving Sadie a check-up. 

She's really good to hold the thermometer in her mouth. 

Her ears looked nice and clean. 

Bailey was a little less excited for her check-up, but she still let me give her one.

Starting the Morning Off Right

Katie loves to see the dogs as soon as she wakes up. Since Sadie is a bigger puppy, it makes it easier for Katie to start her day with a back rub.

This helps Sadie relax in the mornings!

Making Sadie Comfortable

When we got Sadie, Katie loved having a bigger dog around. I think it reminded her of everything she used to do with Chloe. One of the things Katie loved doing was covering Chloe with blankets. Right away, she discovered that she could cover Sadie with the towels that she loves.

I can make you comfortable, Sadie!

Teaching Sadie to Love Reading

After the first day to relax in the house, Katie started teaching Sadie to enjoy reading. During her first few days of adjustment, Sadie was an extremely patient dog who would sit still and listen to as many books as Katie wanted to read. As time has gone on, Sadie has developed more lab-like energy, but Katie still finds time to read to her.

On this first full day together, Katie had me read a rhyming book to both of them. Then she told me it was her turn to read. She chose one of my chapter books and turned it into her own rhyming story. She did it with much more ease than I could have done! The book had roses on the bottom of the cover. Without taking any time to really think about it, she announced the title, "Flower Gardens, What Do You See? For Puppies, Ages 1, 2, 3." I was pretty impressed and even more impressed that she went on to tell a rhyming story that mostly made sense.

You're a good listener, Sadie!

A Fashion Show

Katie found all of the towels we use for the dogs, and she decided to create her own fashions and have a fashion show.

I thought the towel on my head looked like a new hairstyle. 

I love towel fashions! 

What do you think?

Fun with Grandma

My mom got Katie a Highlights' "Hidden Picture" magazine. Katie loves to find the hidden pictures and color the remaining picture together.

Grandma and I love to find the hidden pictures!

A Surprise

When we were out walking the dogs one morning, we were surprised to look down and see a snail in our path. Of course we had to stop for a closer look!

Bailey and I couldn't believe our eyes! 

We usually see a lot of slugs but hardly ever see a snail!

A Giraffe Friend

Katie got sick right as I was heading back to school. She had a couple of days with a high fever and just not feeling herself. During that time, she had to have her giraffe with her. It seemed to give her great comfort in the midst of being uncomfortable.

I love to have a friend with me when I'm sick.

Looking for "The Little Mermaid"

Not only does Katie think the mountain we live by is "Elsa's Mountain," but she also thinks the river we live by is "Ariel's Ocean." On my last free day of summer, we decided to take a walk next to the river, so we could look for Ariel.  Unfortunately we never found Ariel in the water, but Katie did see "the glitter that Ariel left" on top of the water. The glitter just happened to be where the sun hit the water.

The funny thing that happened on this walk was Katie was in a posing mood. Most the time she saw my phone come out, she'd pose, and every time she'd hear the camera click, she'd quickly change her pose for a new picture. She's a creative model.

As soon as we got to the walking path, I led the way. 

We didn't get very far until the dogs and I were distracted by something. 

It was a very fast caterpillar! 

I wanted a picture. Take 1. 

Take 2. 

Take 3. 

Take 4. 

Take 5.  

After all of that posing, I needed to rest on a rock. 

I got enough energy to hop off it though. 

This was the perfect place to look for Ariel. 

I was trying to be sneaky so I wouldn't scare Ariel off. I didn't see her, but I saw all the glitter on the water behind me. Ariel must have put that there! 

Do you want to take my picture again? Take 1. 

Take 2. 

Take 3.  

Take 4. 

Take 5. 

Take 6. 

Take 7. 

Take 8. 

Take 9. 

Take 10. 

Take 11. 

Take 12. 

Take 13.  

Take 14. 

Before we turned around to leave, I spotted one more thing that I wanted... 

…a beautiful flower. 

So long, Ariel! 

We'll see you the next time!

More Mail

This was a summer of mail for Katie, which made her very happy. She likes to write mail and get mail in return!

I loved getting a card from Aunt Jody in the mail! 

Then Grammy Noreen wrote me a letter and sent me some new magnets! It was great!

Upgrades to the House

Katie decided she needed to upgrade her cardboard house by cutting some windows into the wall. She drew where she wanted the windows, and I helped her cut them out. It did need a little ventilation since she always closes herself in there!

It feels so much cooler in my house now. 

I like to look out my windows to see what's happening. 

After I played in my house, I realized I could turn my box this way and make a rocket ship!

All Dressed

While I was getting ready for the day one morning, Katie decided to get herself dressed. I was shocked when I opened her door to find her all dressed up in her Easter dress!

I found the perfect dress to wear!