Remembering President Carter

We were sad to hear that President Carter passed away last weekend. It made us automatically think back to the time we got to see him at a local bookstore. Since there were so many people, he wasn't able to have long conversations with people. However, he took the time to acknowledge Katie, who loved anything related to presidents. She was a little shy, but she did say hi to him. When we left, she was very proud to have an autographed copy of his book.

Awhile after that experience, she wrote President Carter a letter. He wasn't the first president she had written a letter to, but it was by far the most personal letter she received in return. It meant a lot to her to be acknowledged by such a kind man.

There wasn't time to take photos with the president, but we were able to get one of just him as we got close.

Thank you, President Carter, for being you.

Our Tree

It was getting close to Christmas, so Katie and I decided to take a deep breath, get ready to deal with the cats, and put our tree up. 

As soon as we got our tree out, the cats started chewing and exploring.

They got even happier when the tree was upright.

I was happy with the tree, and so were the cats! It wouldn't be long before we started our collection of ornaments that the cats had taken off the tree.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving came, so it was time to get out the big stuffing pot. Even though Katie has outgrown the stuffing pot, we still make her try to sit in it like she has every single Thanksgiving.

It was much more comfortable to stand in the pot, but...

...I at least tried to sit for the joy of my family!

A Taste of the 80s

Katie got to experience a taste of the 80s when my sister, Jennifer, took her to a Cyndi Lauper concert. 

We had fun together! Aunt Jennifer used to listen to Cyndi Lauper when she was growing up, and I think she has some good music too!

A Birthday Party

Katie got to celebrate her friend's birthday with a pajama party. It was so much fun for her!

I love spending time with friends!

Jennifer's Christmas Tree

Katie and I always put our tree up later than Jennifer because our cats start taking it apart as soon as it goes up. It's always nice to go to Jennifer's festive house.

I like helping Aunt Jennifer with her decorations.

Fun at Dancing

Katie's good friend had to take a month off of dancing for a school activity. It was a celebration when she returned!

It didn't feel right when Gabby wasn't at dance with me.

Cuddle Buddies

All of the cats like to sit with Katie, but Gilbert loves to cuddle with her. Whenever she feels like cuddling, Gilbert is there for her.

We are pretty good friends!

Happy Halloween, 2024!

This year, Katie wore the same costume for trick-or-treating as she wore for comic con. She was Hatsune Miku. It was a rainy Halloween night, but Katie still enjoyed going out with two of her friends,

I was all ready to meet my friends.

We ended up with a lot of treats. I was most excited about the popcorn I got!

When Cold Weather Hits

The cats don't enjoy when the temperatures start getting cooler. Their one true benefit is that they get to cuddle up with Katie more often in a warm blanket.

Mr. Limpet has always loved being on laps - especially when the lap is wearing a soft blanket!

8th Grade Photo

Fall usually means it's time for school pictures.

I can't believe it's my last year in middle school!

Comic Con - Day Two

The second day of Comic Con was fun too!

I found the Ghosbusters car!

Then I got a picture with this llama. He was like a stuffed animal that didn't move. He was so, so calm!

Who doesn't love Totoro?

I also agreed to get a picture with part of the Breaking Bad cast with Jennifer. I was a little scared of the cousins!

Time for Comic Con

It's one of Katie's favorite things to do - go to Comic Con!

I went as Miku this year!

I was excited to find Totoro!

Happy 14th Birthday!

Of course Katie was excited for gifts when she had her birthday, but her one request was for a chocolate cake from Costco. They're her favorite!

I'll be the only one that knew my wish!

First Day of 8th Grade

Katie was excited to see all of her friends again as she headed back to school this year. She has been excited to see what 8th grade has in store.

It didn't take me long to start finding my friends.

A Day at the Zoo

When my older sister was in town, we took a trip to the zoo since she had never seen it. It was a fun day!

I was a good sport and crawled up on the mountain goat statue that I always sat on when I was little.

A Waiting Cat

When Katie is in her room, you can usually expect to find one of the cats waiting for her.

Gilbert was very patient as he waited to see me.

Day Two in Disneyland and DCA

The second day of Katie and Jennifer's trip was still pretty hot, but that didn't stop them. They used their time to their advantage until they had to leave for the airport.

Day One in Disneyland

When Jennifer and Katie were in Disneyland, it was hot and humid. Katie learned how important it was to stay hydrated after not drinking enough water and feeling sick. Fun was still there to be had!

Time to Travel

Jennifer and Katie were ready to brave the heat of Disneyland in August while I was comfortable in the air conditioned house!

All ready for the plane ride!

Nothing beats walking into Disneyland!

Time for Cousins

Katie was looking forward to the beginning of August for a long time. Her Uncle Jeff, Aunt Grace, and her two cousins were coming for a visit.

I had fun spending the day at the fair with Ian and Eva!

Morning Bonding

Katie tries to give all of the cats attention, and they love every bit they get.

Usually Gilbert and Wilson visit me for attention at the same time.

Wild Blackberry Season

Katie has been waiting for blackberry season and was very excited when she saw some were ready to pick.

I always have to taste test one before I decide they are worth picking.

The berry was perfect!

Problem Solver

Our air conditioning went out in the hottest part of the summer. Since it was so hot, we had to wait two and a half weeks for an appointment to get it fixed. Katie quickly decided she needed a cooling blanket to help her sleep.

I did research to find that Costco was the best shopping place for me.

4th of July

We didn't do much for the Fourth of July. Our pets are not fans of fireworks which makes us not love them either. Of course we had to get a Snapchat picture to mark the day.

The Pets

The cats are as happy as Katie when summer hits because it means more attention for them. 

Gilbert has become very attached to me this summer. 

A Summer Camp

Katie's friend encouraged her to join the Stem Club that was offered the first week of summer, so Katie decided to join - not so much because she was interested, but because she wanted to be a good friend. One day of that camp included going on a field trip to some caves in the area. The caves were very dark, so they had to wear head lamps as they walked through. Even though Katie will tell you she's not much of an outdoor girl, she had fun.

This is how dark in was through the caves!

Last Day of 7th Grade

It's hard to believe it's time to say good-bye to 7th grade.

My friend and I celebrated by going on our first summer walk together!

A Favorite

Katie is always the cats' favorite. When Gilbert and Wilson visit her, they always get very, very close.

Sometimes the cats can get uncomfortable, but I still like them.

A Long, Long Line

A very popular bookstore near us was having a warehouse sale. Of course Katie was interested. Jennifer took Katie and they ended up waiting in an almost four hour line. They both said after it was over that it wasn't worth the wait, but it's a memory they will always share. They took photos to document their progress.