Info Dump!

Yes, I know, if I hadn't been so lazy for three months and kept you guys updated on my life I wouldn't have to dump a ton of info on you. But, I'm sure (at least you better have!) noticed I have been gone. Unfortunately it wasn't because I was off having grand adventures. Nope, I achieved nothing on my summer wish list. I've just plainly been too lazy and I felt like I needed a break. I can't promise that I'll continue to update frequently again, but I'll try harder. Here is the update on the important people and issues in my life.

Riley--She went to science camp for a few weeks in the summer. We spent most of the summer together doing nothing. She made the track team at school and goes four-wheeling with her dad every Saturday.

JJ--She spent the summer swimming and made the competitive swim team. Her baby sister Jadyn will be turning 1 next month. She has gotten so big!

Mac--I barely saw my cousin all summer. She's been very busy with her friends.

Lyra--The Lyra I met in Chicago decided she didn't want to blog with me. Oddly enough I met another Lyra, Mac's cousin on her dad's side. Even weirder is that they look the same! This Lyra is fourteen, like Mac. I don't really know much else about her.

Aaron--I started tutoring again with him yesterday and he gave me his own info dump. He and Viggo (his boyfriend) are doing very well and Viggo's father is going to get Aaron a part-time (very part-time, as in one day a week) job at his office doing computer work. Aaron isn't very excited, but it's a big step for him to get a job and leave the house. But things aren't all roses for him. You remember Nora? The girl he was dating before he came out? Well, she's pregnant and is 90% certain he's the father. You know all those things you learn in sex ed about how to prevent pregnancy? Yeah, they didn't listen either.

My dad--I haven't said much about this situation in awhile, mainly because nothing has come up. He is still, apparently, missing which is fine by me.

My mom and Casey--They are still together, but I'm not sure if it will ever go anywhere. Casey is getting impatient for my mom to act and find a way to get divorced from my father, but since she hasn't yet, I don't blame Casey for getting annoyed. I don't want another dad, and I do not want Jess to be my step-sister so I am hoping Casey leaves.

I promise next time I will actually post something more interesting! I hope everyone else had a more thrilling summer.

My Summer Plans

Okay, so most of my plans are more like what I want to do this summer than what I'll actually be doing, but it will be fun to see how much I am able to cross off when September rolls around.

What I want to do:

• visit Yellowstone
• go hiking in the mountains
• go to the river
• horseback ride
• make mud pies
• go swimming
• blog with Lyra

What I'll actually be doing:

• karate lessons

See? My want list is a lot more fun. JJ will be doing swimming camp for several weeks and Riley has science camp. All three of us plan on teaching our dogs how to do agility. The only thing that is going to stand in the way of my plans is the grown-ups. I kind of need an adult to drive if I want to do most of the things on my list. Since we're out of school, Mother can work a little more since she doesn't have to drive us back and forth to school. Sean does just as much tutoring and classes during the summer as he does teaching in the school year. Aaron doesn't drive so he can't take me anywhere.

I'm optimistic that there will be time, though. After all, I do have three months. Does anyone else have any plans or wishes for the summer?

Road Trip Part 2

Now for the rest of my trip. After spending the night in Chicago, we went to the zoo in the morning. It wasn't the most exciting zoo I've ever been to (Denver's was much better), but it was still fun. Plus I got to wear my new outfit I got at the AGP.

This is me compared to the size of a polar bear. I totally don't want to meet one! I barely come up to it's elbows!

Once we left Chicago we drove to Iowa and stayed the night. From there we headed to South Dakota. I never knew SD was so beautiful! I would love to go back there again. The state really loves its billboards, though. We probably saw over a hundred signs for Wall Drug and the Reptile Gardens. We did stop at Wall Drug and Sean bought a jackalope.

We got a hotel 15 miles from Mt. Rushmore for the night and early the next morning we got to see the mountain.

 

It was different than what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be bigger, but it was so far away. It was completely amazing, though. I'm really glad I got to go on this trip. We went through 8 states (9 if you count our layover in Denver): Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana! I've only been to three of those states previously. It was quite the adventure!

Now it's back to normal life, but I will never forget this trip.

Road Trip

Riley, Sean, and I got back Saturday afternoon. We had a blast, but we were quite exhausted, especially Sean since he had to do all the driving. You know what the most confusing thing was? Trying to figure out what state we were in. Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois do not mark their borders very clearly. We had fun trying to figure where we were and what time zone we were in.

We flew into Ohio and stayed with Sean's friend (the person we were getting the car from) the first night. I though the friend was a dude the whole time, but he turned out to be a woman. She was very nice, but it was hard to get a good sleep after flying all day and being in a strange place. Riley had never been east of the Mississippi River before, so it was even stranger for her.

We were on the road by 8am the next day and stopped in a small town in Ohio to have lunch at a park.

 The park had a really big pond full of little fish. Riley and I had a blast feeding them our lunch. We discovered that the fish loved Nutter Butters, but were afraid of Oreos. They also really liked cheese.

There was a bunch of geese and goslings, too! Sean said we couldn't take them in the car, though. Actually if was amazing that we all fit to begin with. We each had a suitcase and a backpack. At Sean's friend's house we got loaded down with food for the road, too.

After our lunch break we didn't stop again until we got to our stop in Illinois, about two hours from Chicago. We stayed with another friend of Sean's there. Sean was pretty excited to get us some free places to stay and free food. I was excited that his friend had a dog.

The next morning we left again at 8am and headed to Chicago. We had reservations for a hotel there and would have a chance to see some sights. I have lived in Illinois before and been to Chicago, but it has been a long time. It was so bizarre! I loved it, though. It was like another culture compared to Montana. Most of the people were dressed so nicely and always in a hurry. Messenger bags, iPods and headphones, little dogs, and black or khaki coats seemed to be a typical Chicagoan. We had fun picking out the tourists. I'm sure we stood out like crazy!

 We went to the American Girl Place and some stores in the Water Tower Place after we unloaded our stuff in the hotel room. Huge TV! Anyway, after that we walked a few miles to Lake Michigan.

 Riley was fascinated by the water, although the seagulls scared her a little. I think Chicago was a little overwhelming for her in general. She was born near Denver, but never spent much time in the actual city before she and her dad moved to Wyoming.

 I thought the city was gorgeous, but it did make me homesick for Montana. I wanted my clear, blue sky and cows back.

 

 At the beach we made a friend. Her name is Lyra and she has lived in Chicago all her life. We spent awhile playing and talking with her.

Lyra and I decided to become pen pals and possibly co-blog together on another blog. I hope we can find the time to do so. I really want you guys to get to know Lyra. She was a lot of fun. It was sad to have to leave the beach.

I'll post the rest of the trip another day. I'm still pretty tired. But it was an amazing experience.

Ready to Go!

Riley and I have been packing all day and now we are ready to go.

Unfortunately Sean is not even packed yet. Grownups! Riley and her dad have this obsession with strawberry licorice = road trip. Ever since Sean opened the package to divide it (he got 2 pounds!) for plane trip and car trip, they've been practically drooling and way too excited. I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into!

Riley and I each got new shirts for the trip as you can see in the picture. My hoodie is the most comfortable thing you can imagine! The inside is fleece-lined and cozy but not too hot. My new t-shirt is really comfy, too.

I can't wait to head out tomorrow and start the adventure. I don't know if I will be able to post along the way (although I am bringing my laptop). If I can't I'll go picture happy when I get home.

Road Trip!

My apologies for having disappeared off the face of the earth. You wouldn't believe how much homework and essays school decided to cram in these past few weeks. Luckily all that is done now.

I have great news! Mother said I can go on the road trip! Although who I am going with has changed. Olivia's family decided to postpone their trip. Which is fine because I didn't feel totally comfortable going with them since I don't know them to well. Instead I will be going with Riley and Sean!

The plan is this: We are going to fly to Ohio where Sean has a friend. This friend apparently has some cool car that he is selling and Sean wants. We will drive that car back to Montana with stops in Chicago and Mount Rushmore. In Chicago we will get to go to the zoo and the American Girl Place! Riley and I each got a new shirt for the trip. I'm so excited!

Now, I know you're wondering about Aaron. There is no way in the world that he could get on a plane (he does not do well in cramped, crowded places). He is going to stay home and take care of the dogs and he might get his boyfriend to stay over. I think he will be alright. He's been doing pretty good. I guess he met Mac the other day, but you will have to read her blog to hear that story (yes, shameless plugging for my cousin).

Well, I best go finish packing!

Movie Tag

My good friend Sophie has tagged me for the Movie Love Tag. I get to list three movies and tell you why I love them. I'm more a TV person than a movie fan, but I do have a few favorite movies.

1) The X-Files: Fight the Future - Why do I love it? It's The X-Files, of course! I love the alien plot in the movie and the fact that Mulder and Scully are a tiny bit closer to admitting their feelings for each other. It's pretty creepy and suspenseful.

2) The X-Files: I Want to Believe - Why do I love it? Do I need to repeat myself? It's The X-Files, of course! This one isn't as good as the first one (and they look so old!). But it's still a good movie and fun to watch.

3) The Day After Tomorrow - I know, I know, it's not about aliens or ghosts or anything paranormal so why do I love it? Because it scares the crap out of me and I really like natural disaster movies. I think this is one of the best filmed disaster movie with awesome special effects (except for the wolves, epic failure there). This movie keeps me on edge even though I've seen it several times.

Alright, I shall now tag three more people.

Frankie
Rory
Sarah Annaliese

Spring

Actually, it doesn't feel much like spring right now because it is super windy. But we did get a thunderstorm last week. Total awesomeness! I love a good rain. It's starting to green up just a little bit. Calving and lambing season is in full swing, too. Calves are so cute and tiny! I wish they didn't grow into 1,000 pound bovines. Maybe Mother will get me a mini cow?

I can't believe Easter is next week! Lent went by so fast I never even missed not having ice cream or candy. Not that I won't be thrilled to have a basket full of candy, though!

I'm trying very hard to talk Aaron into coming to the family Easter party and bringing Viggo, but so far he won't agree. He says "maybe" but that means "no" to him. Maybe it's safer if he doesn't come since he got drunk at my family's Christmas party.

Alrighty, I need my blog friends to back me up on something. There is a chance I might be able to go on a road trip in six weeks, but Mother thinks I'm too young to go without her. I would be going with Olivia's (Mac's friend) family. Mac might not be able to go so she offered me her place. But Mother has to agree. Anyone have any tips to persuade her? Or am I too young to go without her?

Versatile Blogger Tag

The awesome Bolton Girls tagged me! Thanks, I love doing random facts!

1) I have a stuffed Yeti on my desk and it's starring at me right now.

2) My friend Riley and I have sworn off boys until high school (or even college).

3) But that doesn't stop me from having a crush on my math tutor Aaron.

4) If I had to chose one food to live on it would be peanut butter.

5) My mother's name is Elizabeth Margaret and two of my sister's are named after her (Elizabeth and Kathryn Margaret "Kit").

6) I'll be taking karate again this summer.

7) I might be going on a road trip this summer.

RULES:

1. In a post on your blog, nominate 4 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.

2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.

3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.

4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.

5. In the same post, include this set of rules.

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each

their blogs.

 

I tag:

 

The Greens and the Roses

Sabine

Edie

Makennah

The Post in Which I Learned Something

Even though I'm on spring break I still had tutoring on Thursday. But I was glad since it gave me a chance to talk to Aaron without distractions. I didn't bother to try and be subtle (it's not my thing anyway) and quickly jumped into telling him about my family. First I told him about my dad: how he hurt Mother, was never there for us, moved us around constantly, and finally abandoned us. Then about my paternal grandparents who were the physically abusive ones to Nellie and Gillian and how they constantly endangered us. I told him how Nellie and Gillian were getting help and how the rest of us moved on by talking about what happened and not blaming ourselves. We knew we were safe now and all that was in the past. It still hurt, I told him, but it never consumed us.

Aaron listened quietly and nodded a few times to show he was listening. When I was done he said he was glad I told him. He said I was lucky to have such a strong family and great friends to rely on.

"You do, too," I reminded him, but he wasn't easily convinced.

"I don't think you're ready to hear what happened to me," he said. "It's really hard for me to trust people, and I care about you deeply, Em. I don't want you to be haunted by my past."

"But you'll feel better if you talk about it," I said. "I did."

Aaron shook his head. "I've told Sean and that was enough soul spilling for awhile. Please respect that, Emily."

What else could I do? I had to respect his wishes. But he did volunteer information about the guy at the park. "I tutored him before he went to college," Aaron told me. "He needed to get his math skills up a bit to get into a college level course. But he had only one thing on his mind."

Aaron's cheeks were pink, it was the first time I had ever seen any color on his face. I waited eagerly to hear what happened, but, of course, Aaron stalled and fidgeted and it was like pulling teeth to get him to continue. Eventually he did. The guy's name is Viggo and he's twenty. He's going to school to be a lawyer like his father.

"I'm not sure why, but he had a crush on me," Aaron went on. "I tutored him for about six months. But his father thought I was taking advantage of Viggo since I'm eight years older and Viggo was eighteen at the time and I got fired. I was apartment hoping and high most of the time. I wasn't surprised I got fired, but it pretty much threw me into a tailspin. I managed to get into a drug rehab program and Sean sponsored me, that's how I ended up living here."

I kept very quiet, afraid if I said something that he would stop talking. Aaron continued on, his hands busy playing with my math compass. "I've seen Viggo a few times since I was fired, but I wanted to respect his father's wishes. I hadn't seen him for about six months when we saw him at the park. But it wasn't really a chance meeting. I knew he brought his cousins there and was hoping to see him. He'd been trying to get in touch with me by email, but I wasn't sure yet if I wanted to reply. I still wasn't sure when I saw him. I didn't expect him to actually see me. That made things pretty awkward."

Aaron took a deep breath. Our tutoring time had been over a half-hour ago. Riley would be back from her orthodontist appointment soon. "We're going to start seeing each other again," Aaron said. "His father is coming around to the idea. We'll see if it works out."

"I thought you were with Nora?" I blurted. A million questions were about to pop out. I don't think I had ever listened so long and quietly before. Aaron half-smiled. "I go either way."

I didn't expect him to be so easy-going about that and I forgot all my questions. Riley and Sean came home then. They seemed surprised that I was still there, but Sean instantly guessed what we had been talking about. He told Aaron "good for you" and squeezed his shoulder. Riley was still in the dark, but Sean said he would tell her later. I'm certain Aaron had more to tell, but he looked pretty talked out. I had never expected my telling him about my family would lead to him telling me he was bisexual, yet it did and Aaron looked a lot happier. Maybe learning about his past isn't so important. I think his future is going to be a lot more interesting and a lot happier.

And Now for Something Different

Taking a detour from the Aaron drama today. Don't worry, though, he's still my main focus. However, he has been having a few bad days and I want him to calm down before I tell him about my family.

Anyway, I'm certain spring has come! It's been so warm and sunny lately. It's awesome! Since winter has been a total dud this year, it might as well warm up for good. I'm excited for hiking and picnics.

Riley's dad made us pose for a picture before we could go play. Yeah, it was in the 60's, but I love my ghost hat too much to put it away yet.

 First thing we did was climb a mountain. JJ is the strongest so she helped boost me and Riley up.

 Next it was up a tree.

 I'm not sure who took this picture of us, but it turned out cute. JJ is so excited to wear her bright, summer-y clothes again. Unfortunately the poor girl's wardrobe is stuck in the '90's! Gotta love her though.

 Then we got this bright (stupid) idea to let all our Westies out. It was instant chaos. Coco and Colin found a crevice in the rock and proceeded to investigate. Misfit tried to get see, too, but Westies aren't known for sharing!

Yeah, they are all nice and grouped in that picture, but as soon as the crevice got boring each dog went in a different direction. Coco is the only one that comes when she is called. I know, I know, maybe we should teach them obedience, except Westies don't think like other dogs. They are way too smart and strong-willed. Eventually we did catch them all. Knut was the quickest, I swear that dog is motor-powered!

I can't wait for more nice days to play outside. I grew up in Las Vegas and the summers were the most miserable time do to the extreme heat. This is the first time I've ever looked forward to summer so much! Even mosquitoes can't ruin it!

More About Aaron

After our park outing, I was way too curious to not pester Aaron with questions. Yesterday I had tutoring so it was the perfect chance. After we did some math I asked about the guy at the park.
"Yeah, I know him," Aaron said.
"How?" I asked.
He shrugged and so I had to carefully pressure him. He can shut down pretty easily if he feels attacked. I went through a couple different options of how they might know each other until Aaron agreed to one. Yes, he had tutored the younger guy, but he wouldn't say anymore.

A few math problems later, I asked Aaron where he had grown up at.
"Wisconsin," he said. "But I wouldn't call it growing up so much as being tortured." He very briefly told me that his step-father had been abusive and he had run away at sixteen. I wished I could have let him stop there, especially after what I learned today, but I kept pressing.
"Where did you go after you ran away?" I asked.
"Hitchhiked."
"For how long?"
Aaron shrugged. "Awhile."
"How did you get to Montana?"
Another shrug.
I tried to prompt him. There was a twelve year gap between when he ran away and I met him. I wanted to know his story. But he shut me out and said we were done for the day.

This morning Sean dropped Riley off at my house and I heard him talking to Mother that Aaron had gotten himself incredibly drunk and was in the process of destroying his room. He hadn't wanted Riley to know. I couldn't tell Riley either because she was all excited about a surprise her dad promised her for Easter. She is certain it's a new pet.

Right now she's watching a movie with Nellie and Kit. I want to talk to her since she knows Aaron, too, but I don't want to tell her I'm the reason Aaron got himself drunk. It would be nice to meet someone simple without as much drama as my own family has. I hope he gives me a chance to tell him about my own family. I think if he knows that I know what it's like to live in an abusive family, he'll be happier. Ones of these days I might be able to post something lighter! I hope I don't depress everyone.

Feels Like Spring

I can't believe how warm it is today! It is 60 degrees! Unfortunately I don't think it will last since it's kind of supposed to snow tomorrow. I do have my doubts about that, but I'm sure it will be cooler.

Because it was so nice out, Aaron and his (girl)friend Nora picked Riley, Kit, and I up from school and took us to the park. They brought us play clothes so we didn't have to wear our silly school jumpers. I was really surprised that Aaron planned this. He rarely leaves the house or even goes outside. No, I don't think he's a vampire. I know he isn't an alien either since I asked him. But I had to know why he suddenly had a change of heart. But, he being Aaron, didn't give me an answer. He just shrugged and said it was a nice day.

Anyway I wasn't going to let that distract me too much. Riley and I swung on the swings and Kit played on the monkey bars. Nora brought cookies and lemonade for a snack. Afterwards Riley and I talked Aaron into playing catch with us. There were a few other people in the park by then, but I didn't pay much attention to them... at first.

You should know that Riley can't throw a ball straight for the life of her. I didn't mind diving and running to catch her wild throws, but, of course, Aaron wouldn't. When Riley threw the ball to him it went way to his left towards the swings.

There was a college-aged guy pushing his little sister on the swings. What was the chance that he would know Aaron? I would have thought zero, but I would have been wrong. Aaron froze when the guy called his name. I asked Riley if she knew the guy, but she didn't and Aaron still hadn't acknowledged him.

Finally Aaron picked our ball up and nodded his head to the younger guy. He asked how Aaron was; Aaron said he was fine. The guy asked if Aaron wanted to hang out sometime; Aaron said maybe.  Then Aaron tossed the ball to me (Riley can't catch a ball to save her life either) and walked away. Riley and I looked at each other and went after him. Of course I asked Aaron who the guys was and of course Aaron wouldn't tell me. Luckily Nora was there and said: "Didn't you used to tutor him?"

Aaron didn't deny it, but he wouldn't say anything either. Kit, who had been digging in the sand, joined us then. It was decided it was time to leave. It would have been nice to have a drama-free day, but the more time I spent with Aaron the more I can figure out about him. I hope he'll take us to the park again.

Riley's Room

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile! School has been taking up so much of my time and not a lot has been going on.

Anyway. Way back for Christmas, Riley was promised a new room and it's been slowly being put together and now it's finally done. Here's her critter corner:

 The bird's name is Shay, and you know Colin the Westie. Shay is such a funny parrot! Although not the most appropriate one! Apparently Aaron taught him how to cuss and now that's all he wants to say. Riley is trying to retrain him, but every time Shay sees Aaron he starts cursing again. Aaron and Shay have to be separated now, hehe.

 In the background you can kind of see Riley's cool bed. It's a trundle bed so I can sleep over and it's very comfortable. Her quilt has Scottie dogs on it. Oh, yeah, I'm holding a chicken. It's not real, but since Riley had Shay I didn't want to be left out.

Here's Riley and Shay again. Aren't they adorable? The pictures on the wall are from "Ice Age", Riley's favorite movies.

I'm trying to patiently wait for spring break and hopefully something more exciting to blog about.

Snow Day

Well, actually the snow day was several weeks ago, but I have been too busy (lazy) to post. We don't have any snow anymore. The one good snow we had only lasted a week.

 

Riley and I made a snow fort...

 

 ... and JJ attacked!

 Later we had a snowball fight. Perhaps my snowball was too big? Is that even possible?

 JJ said she was ready for it.

 But... She was not a happy camper after that.

 Riley looked so cold in the snow!

 The last thing I did was make a snow angel.

When we went inside we had hot chocolate. I gave JJ extra marshmallows since she was still mad about the snowball. She forgave me after that. I wish it would snow again. There is something magical about that white stuff.

My Present

You might recall that Aaron had gotten me a present, but it was going to be awhile before it arrived. Well, it arrived and Aaron gave it to me at tutoring yesterday. What is it?

A laptop!

 I think I actually squealed when I opened it. I don't think I've mentioned what kind of computer I use since my first blog post a way long time ago, but I was using an old Mac (no, not my cousin Mac!). Having a laptop to blog on is so much better! So far it hasn't frozen or died or not saved my stuff. I couldn't thank Aaron enough.

It even fits in my backpack, so I can take it with me to tutoring or wherever. I'm just so excited! I want to do something for Aaron to show my thanks. Any ideas? I think I might invite him over for dinner and cook his favorite meal, assuming it's not something complicated!

On another awesome note: It snowed! And not just a little bit, like a foot or more! It's so beautiful... and cold! Misfit and Coconut love it even though they keep getting stuck in snow drifts. That's a terrier for you!

Well, I'm off to play--I mean, do homework on my new laptop! Thanks, Aaron!

Meet Cute

No, I didn't meet anyone. This is about how cute William and my Westie's first meet was, hehe.

JJ came by this morning with William. All the Westies were in my room so we brought him up there.

 

Poor William looked quite overwhelmed at first! But, can you blame him? Four terriers starring at you is quite scary!

 

But it didn't take long for Misfit to be brave and leave the pack. She and William got along really well. Since it was another warm day (and not windy for once), JJ and I took the dogs outside. Misfit, Coconut, and William chased each other around and had a blast. Coco and Knut weren't too impressed with the puppy and sniffed around on their own.

We let the dogs come in and cool off while we had lunch. Then JJ and I talked and played with the dogs some more.

 

And because I know you love seeing pictures of me, here is one of me in my new t-shirt. Mother safety pinned the applique on, so I can change it with other ones and move it around.

I'm Still Here!

I can't believe how long it has taken me to post! My family has been pretty busy since we are all on break, although we start back to school this week :(

Anyways. Christmas Eve was a blast! The party was at the Sullivan's and Aaron even came! However, he got really drunk and Sean and Riley had to take him home early. On Christmas day, I went over to their house to exchange gifts. I got Riley a watch and a calendar for Aaron. My gift from Aaron still hasn't arrived yet. He said it will be here in about two weeks. I can't wait that long!

I bet you want to know what the present from Mother was. It was the purple hoodie I have been wanting forever! It is so soft and warm.

 

 I also got another great gift from Mother. A desk! My computer doesn't fit too well, but it works. Now I have a place to display some of my toys. Plus it looks so much better than my old desk.

 

I must say, even though my hoodie and desk are totally awesome, I think JJ got the best gift ever! Take a guess. No? A puppy!

 

JJ has been wanting a puppy forever. After Jadyn was born, she had given up hope of getting a pet since babies are expensive. But somehow her parents worked it out and got the kids a Chocolate Lab pup. JJ really wanted to name it Rowe or Grylls after her favorite Discovery Channel show's hosts, but her family vetoed those ideas. She settled on William after Will Turner from the pirate movies that she loves. William is a pretty crazy fellow. It's a good thing JJ has just as much energy!

Onto my family. Things have been going pretty well right now. Gillian is going to be away for awhile, but she is doing very well and is happy. I think it's actually been more of an adjustment knowing that she and Morgan are Casey's children and not my dad's than anything else. My dad hasn't been found yet, but Casey is footing the bill to find him and make sure he doesn't contact us kids.

Misfit the Westie is still with us and doing great. I'm certain we will adopt her soon. She and Coconut get along great. They're so cute when they snuggle together! (Don't worry, they're both fixed. No puppies for us!).

I think that is everything. I could complain about the weather--how it hasn't snowed yet and it feels like spring, and that it better get cold soon or I'm going to go crazy--but I won't. Happy New Year everyone!