Saying "Goodbye"
to our beloved Sammie was one of the hardest things I have had to do. I took Sammie to the vet last week, after much incouragement from my father, and had to face the fact that it was time
to let Sammie go to Heaven.
I have been dreading this day for a very long time. I just knew that it was coming sooner than later. Sammie had gone down pretty quickly in the last couple of months. She has had a tumor in her mouth for about 1 year now. It had gotten pretty large and there was no way we could remove it because the vet didn't think she would survive the surgery. Not to mention we probably wouldnt survive the vet bill! She had recently started limping and was having a hard time breathing. So my mom and I went to the vet all the while trying to prepare myself that she would probably suggest putting her down. I called Perry before I left to get his opinion and see if I should bring her home so everyone could say their goodbye's or just do it while I was there. We decided it was probably best for her to just go then.The vet asked it I wanted to be with her, at first I said no but then I decided that I couldn't not be there for her in her last minute of life. So, I held her while the vet gave her an injection and before you knew it she was gone. She was very peaceful and I am glad that she is free from pain and nice and chipper like she used to be. I must say it was much harder than I thought it would be. I just bawled and bawled, I think it took me 20-30 minutes before I could leave. She was such a special dog. I can't imagine that we will ever find one as great as she was. We haven't put her bed away yet or her dishes but I'm sure the day will come and we will be strong enough to let go completely.I still find myself looking for her first thing in the morning to let her out and checking on her at night before bed. This is a picture of Sammie before I took her to the vet. Goodbye to my Sammie girl...the best friend any girl could have. For 16 years she has been a great dog for my kids and always such a gentle spirit inside her. She was very wise. She always was a great watch dog! People were always afraid when she barked. I loved when she would talk to us in her dog language. She loved the beach and I'm sure Perry will miss his walks along the beach with her. I could go on and on about how great she was, I just hope if she gets to pick a family in heaven, she will know how much we loved her and pick us!!
Chad and Ethan on the parking lot shuttle from the hospital to go see the new arrival
Proud Grandma
After her bath, about 2 hrs old
minutes after she was born
We are so happy that she is here safe and sound with all 10 toes and fingers. She is beautiful
Ater the movie
At Grandpa and Grandma Bennetts
After we went back and enjoyed ice cream and some fun in the sprinklers
4th of july at Bass Lake 2009. Another great year with family and friends.
Lazy Days!!
Thank goodness she had her jacket on. She fell in feeding those hungry ducks!!
Chad and Monique came for a day and played. Chad with Ethan and Colin. No picture of monique..sorry about that. Not to sure how she feels being photographed at 7 months p.g. looking forward to a bundle of girl joy in Sept.
Roni, Dustin, Dylan and Sheryl... Good times with family, thats what it's all about!!
Dallas Landon and Parker (I think Landon still thinks he is in Hawaii)!
Riley feeding the ducks
Colin and Cambria feeding the ducks that came to visit quite often
There's just something about the sun, juicy gossip magazines and the water that go together!!!
Dallas and Parker on the dock......aren't they soo goofy
There was plenty of time on the lake for tubing and just floating in the water
Colin and Cambria were so excited to begin their fishing adventure...Grandpa/Daddy bought them new poles (spiderman and Barbie). They gave it a try and although they weren't sussesful this year they are sure they will catch one next year.
This is the view from our cabin balcony. We love to just sit and watch the boats and relax 
Changes are coming for us....Riley will be leaving grammar school and headed to the dreaded middle school. Riley was blessed with the most amazing teacher. He had her for 5th and 6th grades. Riley absolutely adored her and she loved him as well. She had a special place in her heart for him and she took great care of him during some of his trials over the last 2 years with older siblings not so wise choices and Logan's accident. She was a great Listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when needed. It is hard for a mom to be everywhere that they are needed and I'm so thankful for her compassion toward Riley and extra tender care when needed. The most important thing is her encouragement to him to keep striving to be his very best academically and athletically. He was awarded the highest award you can achieve for the school the Block R award and honor roll. This is him with his award and his teacher Mrs. Brocklebank. Way to go Riley!!!
Lily and Cambria in the campground
Some of the boys that dominate the beach each year!
Cambria with her sweet friend Ellie. She sees Ellie 1 or 2 times a year and they just pick up where they left off!! Playin and having a great time.
Chad, Monique and Ethan were able to come with us for part of the week.
Lilly was just lovin the beach, I wonder if she is going to be anything like her mother!
Kristi and Brayden came to spend the day with us. We had so much fun spending time with them and it was really special that Logan got to spend time with them. Thanks Kristi for making the drive! This is Logan and Brayden in the campground and on the beach.
