It's the Dude, pretend he is laying down.

View from the bus.

View of the bus.

Traveling down to the river.

The dogs and the boys.

This was our first trip in the VW vanagon. We went to the Illinois River for a day trip. We had a blast. The dogs LOVED IT. You do have to always keep an eye on The Dude, he is a wandering soul. No wonder Mitch found him. He smells something, anything, and off he goes. Sally loved the water, even thought it was freezing. She could care less.

The boys threw about a million rocks in the water. You know Boy fun.

We left just before a downpour that flooded the river and the whole town.

It was a good day for us.

Dude is in the house, with Sally waiting for dinner.

Notice how big the skinny dog is! he is probably about 60 lbs. And he is too skinny. WOW!

Day one, still very afraid. Notice the leg, he has a hurt leg.

Dude arrives

Mitch went to Webbers Falls to look at an old bicycle salvage and up walked this emaciated dog. So Mitch being the good husband called his wife and said "what do I do". So of course, I said, put the dog in the car and bring him home. Which was a good thing, that night it got below freezing and stayed that way for 4 days. The dog wouldn't have made it much longer. He was soooo skinny.



The next day we happened to meet a woman for the mastiff rescue and gave her our name and number. But, meanwhile, we got to know the dog. He is very sweet, very strong, and very timid. He spent the first night in the garage on a old Volkswagen seat covered with a blanket. The second night he spent half the night in the bathroom with a baby gate blocking his exit. Every night since he has slept on Sally's bed, right next to ours.

Don't worry about Sally, she sleeps on the bed with us. (Can you say spoiled?)

Brad and I missed 3 days of school thanks to the ice and sleet. So we have totally bonded with the DUDE. Yep, he has a name, it's Dude. It is a perfect match for him. He is too cool.

He is already housebroken, we think. He will be neutered on Monday.

We love him, it is up to Mitch to whether or not he stays. If it matters I votes yes, so does Brad, Sally, Frank and Jack. The cats could care less, but they aren't afraid. :)

Thanksgiving pictures 2008

This is Ralph, the cat down the street. He is a complete doll. He purrs the second you touch him.

Brad, Audrey Grace and Ralph. Grace was in LOVE. She played with Ralph from the moment she met him until she left. Luckily, we had already eaten.

FRIENDS FOREVER!

The Happy Family. It is rare that we are all together in a picture. Thanks Suzanne!

Sally and Brad playing soccer.

Sally says "Happy Thanksgiving to all"

Robbers cave

just a cute pic of Sally and Jack.

Today we had a great adventure to Robbers Cave for a fall follage festival. There were hundreds of vintage cars, carnival games and craft vendors. When we were done we went to the caves for a climb.

Mitch's pride and joy!