one more warner: Life at six | Happy hellos, and a really hard good-bye

What have you been up to little girl?

The cutest haircut- After the dance recital, we chopped those little bun locks, and with the mad talent from our friend and stylist Kayleigh, Parker received what has become "the cutest haircut". She rocks her sassy little style...but already, it's time to start growing. The recital is only 10 months away! :)

Last day of kindergarten - Her first year of school down! She did it with flying colors, and mommy and daddy couldn't be more proud! She had such a great first year, making new friends, being the best little teacher's helper, and really growing as a little girl. Thank you to Mrs. Feetham and all the Myers staff for making her first year so great. She's loves and is going to rock this school thing!

4th of July - It's not the fourth without going to the Independence parade with Aunt Kimmy! It was HOT, and the float water guns were a welcomed feature...unless you were papa.

Marion County Fair - Rides, animals, the Home Depot workshop, and running into friends on the grounds.. A busy time a the fair!

Grammie and Papa came to visit...and ended up Oregonians! - Could there be better news than Grammie and Papa moving to Oregon? After selling their home in Nebraska, and living with us for a full day, they found and bought their dream property, and started their life in Oregon. We are so blessed to have them so close and take part in all things Parker as she grows up. And now we watch as they soon officially experience their first Oregon winter (Remember, Grammie and Papa...true Oregonians don't use umbrellas!)

River house, floating the river, a great way to spend summer - It was a great summer at Grammie and Papas house. Playing in the river, floating the river (lessons learned in floating said river), barbequing, horse shoeing, and the beginning of so many memories. I'm not sure who is happier - Grammie and Papa, or us!

(Cousin Danny was a HUGE help in moving Grammie and Papa to Oregon.
We owe that guy - more than the float in the shallow river. Lesson learned #1, take the deep side)

Summer Camp (Camp Grieder) - Parker spent her entire summer at Camp Grieder, a camp full of canoeing, archery, games (Ga Ga Ball - seriously what is this game!?!?), cloud watching, dress up days, and dirt. LOTS OF DIRT! The child came home exhausted and filthy. Just how summer camp should be.

Total Eclipse - What an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse. We lived right in the path of totality so proper eyewear was essential.

State Fair - We LOVE the state fair...starting with painted faces, a ride on the tram, a visit to an alligator and parrot, then lots of walking, people, and sun later...

Clearly they don't follow the signs.

Started 1st grade - We officially have a first grader. Shaking with excitement on her first day, she told mommy "please don't cry in the classroom. It's embarrassing. You can cry when you get outside in the car." Touché child...I did just that. We are so excited for her class this year, with a really great teacher, in a first/second grade blend. This will be the class to really work her little smarty pants. She's ready for that challenge.

Said goodbye to a part of the family - This morning we had to say goodbye to our furst baby.

Our lil guy gave us 12 years of snuggles, love, and many chewed up toys.
Bugs gave us laughs as he worked his paws to open up presents, and never met a water bottle he couldn't destroy. He took over the bed at night, and during the day he and Mr. Goose spent hours on his chair in the window barking at any innocent passerby. He had his favorite guests and those he wouldn't let move without him letting them know he was watching. He hated hiccups (or even the word hiccup) and ran comfort when he heard them. He could beat his daddy in any growling match. The dog loved vegetables, including sharing Brussel sprouts with Parker. He wasn't too sure about Parks, but never left her side while she ate. He loved his treats, making extra potty trips outside just so he could get another. Every morning he brought me his crunchy little possum to get his dingo chip. Every night he curled up in daddy's circled arms on the floor. He wouldn't eat his food without an audience...and couldn't beg harder for belly rubs. Bullitt, Boogs, Bugs, Booker-Do, Bullitt Marie, DAMNIT DOG, he answered to all of them. A bad day was always made better coming home to that sweet little face.

Our hearts are broken, and our home is empty. We spent his last two weeks living his bucket list...trips to the river, beach, and copious amounts of human food - bacon and hotdogs for the win. We know he ran over that rainbow bridge to the first dingo bone he could find. Run free little man. We'll miss you...always.