Seven

Today my little dude turns seven. We are planning an outing to Petsmart so Darrell can pick out a new friend (stuffed animal). He is so sweet with his toys. He carries them around and loves on them like they are his friends. I can't believe we adopted Darrell three years ago. It seems like we've always had him.

Look at his cute little crooked tail:
Darrell's favorite place to be: (Mine too - shh don't tell Mike - he's not as snuggly)
This birthday, #7, make me sad though. I keep thinking that he is getting older......... one year closer...... to not being around. Too awful to think about.

Happy birthday Billy!

Just wanted to wish my one-and-only brother a happy birthday!

Happy 28th Billy!

Love,
Your favorite sister

Ellie's visit

My niece, Ellie, is visiting for the week. My brother and sister-in-law are on vacation. She is so easy! And her and Darrell are in love... it's so cute. They get along really well.

Here is Ellie laying on Darrell's bed (she doesn't quite fit...). She's playing with Darrell's favorite pig.

She's so sleepy after a long day of playing. She isn't allowed on the couch at home, but when you stay at Aunt Becka's the rules don't apply!

Me and Ellie:

It's very different to have a big dog in our house. I don't know if you can tell by the pictures, but Ellie is huge! I know she's close to 100 pounds. I have been sleeping in the guest bedroom while she's here... because Mike, myself, Ellie, and Darrell can't fit in the same bed. Ellie has been falling asleep with me, and then Darrell sneaks in during the night. I'm starting to miss my husband! He's probably happy to stretch out and not have me watching tv until wee hours of the night. Oh, the things you do for dogs!

Our newest addition

Announcing the newest addition to the McGinn family.... no, not a baby.... a tandem bike!

Mike has been on the prowl for a tandem bike for quite some time. I kept telling him NO because I didn't want to be forced into outdoor activity. I'm more of an indoors/air condition type girl. Anyway, I finally caved and let Mike buy a tandem bike. The weather was gorgeous tonight so we decided to take it for a spin.

The last time I rode a bike (a really classy Huffy from K-Mart), the chain fell off and I fell bit the dust. Here is how nervous I was before the ride:

So what if my main motivation for a bike ride was to to get a hot fudge sundae?

I made it home in one piece. Now all I need is a basket for Darrell...

School's out for life!

May 16, 2009. My sister, Brooke, graduates from the University of Iowa (with her doctorate in audiology!!!). Must work a full-time job for the first time in 26 years. No more Mommy/Daddy insurance. No more shopping trips funded by yours truly. Welcome to the real world, Brooke! Start counting the days 'til retirement.

Here is Brooke after she presented a case study for her final class:

Brooke Welch, AUD:

My family:
left to right: Billy (brother), Mom, Brooke (sister), Dad, ME!
We had a great time in Iowa City, celebrating Brooke's graduation. I am so proud of her determination, hard work, and commitment! Way to go girl! Now you can afford to buy me that Coach purse you promised...

Goodbye Libby

A few months ago, Brooke noticed a lump on her shoulder. It sprung up overnight. It continued to grow and become painful. She decided to have it removed last week. As her personal nurse, I was there.

A few weeks before the lump-removal, Brooke visited me in Des Moines. I refer to her lump as "Libby. Libby the lump." Since Brooke loves cookies from Great American Cookie Company, I surprised her with this. It says "Goodbye Libby."


Here is Libby on the day of the operation:

Brooke was embarrassed when I was taking pictures of her pre-op. I said, "Come on Brooke. It's for my blog!"

What remains of Libby:Thanks for being such a great patient Brooke! Expect your bill for my services in about two weeks. :)

Easter

What a weird Easter this has been. Mike and I stayed in Des Moines for the weekend. I was in Minneapolis on Thursday - Saturday with my sister (What was I doing there? You'll find out soon in a future blog). Our Easter Sunday started with church at 8:30, then we went to a breakfast buffet. We took a long nap and now Mike is outside landscaping our driveway. He is lining the driveway with brick and planting red tulips. He is becoming so handy. I am working tonight for a few hours... I wish I was with my family. I bet my Grandma D would still let me hunt for eggs even though I'm 26....