Happy Birthday, Emily!

Happy Birthday, Emily!  Can you believe we already have a pre-teen!  Emily turned 12 years old this year and she is growing up too fast.

She is becoming quite the young lady and is a big help around the house.  For her birthday present this year the only thing she wanted was a puppy.  Now this really took some major convincing in the parent department because we did not want a dog or the responsibility of a dog.  She told us she would take care of this dog and do everything for it.  We were still not really convinced until she started going over to our neighbors' house and walking and playing with their dog.  She was very consistent with that dog.  She also expressed the need for a dog or a companion so that she would have someone or something to play with and talk to when she is lonely.  Russell and I have noticed that she has been feeling a little lonely lately and when she gave us this reason, we knew we had to do something for her.  

Well long story short, we searched for the right dog for a while because we wanted the right breed and size that would fit our family's needs.  Finally we found what we thought was the perfect dog at the animal shelter.  After meeting the dog, we knew it was meant to be.

So here she is, Truly!

The kids were instantly in love with this pup and Truly has seemed to love being with us too.  She has gotten maybe a little too much love but that is okay.  Truly is about 6 months old so she is not a tiny puppy but still young enough to train to become a good dog.  She is a lab mixed with something else so basically she is a mutt which is just fine with us.

We have been busy taking care of this dog and training her lately.  We want her to be pretty well trained by the time the new baby comes.  I think Russell has spoiled her more than the kids have.  He goes out and plays with her all day while the kids are at school.  She is an outside dog which she is totally fine with because she loves to run around the yard.  I don't know what she will do in the winter but hopefully not freeze.  

Russell made her a huge dog house.  He even insulated it to help keep her warm in the winter.

He and the girls painted it red to match the shed and house.  Then they all climbed in the house with the dog to try it out.  Truly loves the dog house and knows right when to go in there for bed at night.  We put carpet and a blanket in there and she is nice and cozy.

We have loved this dog.  Charlotte loves walking Truly in the field.  They love running together.  The poor dog really gets yanked around with her though because she likes to start and stop unexpectedly.

Emily was so excited and happy to get Truly.  She loves this dog and has been really great about taking care of her.  She gets up early to take her out of the kennel and take her to the bathroom in the mornings. Emily is also really responsible about feeding and walking her every day.  I think this will be a good thing for our family.  All of the kids work together to take care of Truly.

For Emily's birthday, we all went out to eat at Angie's.

We did not "Clean the Sink" this year because we are still full of ice cream since we tried to do it last year.  Now that Emily is 12, she is no longer considered a kid for the kids eat free... Oh well, she likes to order off the big menu anyway.  

After Angie's we headed home for cake and ice cream.

Emily wanted homemade ice cream and peach cobbler for her birthday.  It was so good.

Happy Birthday Emily!  You are growing up into a beautiful young lady. We sure love you and want the best for you!