Oh Dear

Listen, when we're all found dead, covered it scratches, this will show you why you should acquit the cat in self-defense:

Lucy's Game

Lucy runs with a long piece of yarn and the cat chases it. It's fun for everyone. Except Owen.

 She tries to convince him to crawl through small spaces, as she likes to do.

 And he has to pounce repeatedly, because she's pretty fast.

 Here is a picture Jamie took, of Lucy climbing between the back of the couch and Owen's bed, trying to get Butterscotch to chase her.

Kitty Love

Butterscotch is a well-loved addition to the household. He hasn't been feeling well since his vaccines, but he's still tolerating the adoration.

 Lucy loves him, and her snack.

 Charlie too. He's like a kitty magnet and the other pole is the kids.

 Nope, he doesn't want to nap here.

 Look who else still lives here! He doesn't seem to mind much.

 Lucy felt she and foxy were just as important as Owen and needed their picture taken. Doesn't she look big?

Cat

Well, we did it. We got a cat. He's an orange tabby we called Butterscotch. He is a huge hit - I can't even describe how excited the kids are. It's like they physically can't stay away from him. He doesn't seem to mind. Owen was a little put out at first, but he quickly decided he didn't care and they ignore each other.

 The cat thought he might want scraps, but it's not worth the feet in his face.

 Oh, they love him. And if I had a nickel for every time we've said "get off the cat!" or, "Jamie, you can't drag the cat by his neck!" I could pay for his upcoming claw removal :)

Lucy Uses the Bathroom

But this is how she prefers to sit on the potty

Jamie Request

He wanted his picture taken with his bear and blankie. Who can resist that smile?

Somersault

Jamie wanted his picture taken while he did a somersault. Lucy can get in position but not go over :)

Whoohoo!

Big Bed

Lucy got a new bed! She likes to get in it herself

 It's pretty exciting

 Must be sleepy time

Bennett Springs

We took the kids out to a trout hatchery. They really liked feeding the fish!

Charlie was very concerned about Lucy. He kept yelling that we should "watch Louster!" and thought she was going to fall in.

Fun with Grandpas

Grandpa Jeff got to read lots of books

 and do some playing

 and Grandpa John got to give tractor rides!

Bluth Bananas

We celebrated group pictures (stay tuned!) with frozen chocolate bananas

Children's Museum

We went to a great children's museum in Davenport. Lucy's favorite was the shoe store. She loves to try on shoes.

 We got Jamie to walk around awhile in some cowboy boots

 And Charlie liked the fancy dress up men's

 She just had to wear the heels

 She also enjoyed playing in the Give a Mouse a Cookie display

 The boys found a combine

 and had to be dragged from the screen showing them how to use it

 There was a structure to run around in

 and a water feature

 Jamie is making a whirlpool

 We built a snowman like The Snowy Day

 and Jamie loved being a firefighter

Have you ever seen a cuter fireman?

 Charlie's favorite was canning corn. We had a blast

 lots of levers and wheels

 They also made some ice cream cones. Grandma Margaret and Grandpa David love fake ice cream!