Joyful news :)

Lucas is excited to announce the arrival of his newest cousin

Kellen Conway Fines!

He entered this wonderful world last night at 9:48pm weighing a whopping 8 pounds and 14 ounces and measuring 20 inches :) Isn't he adorable? God truly ROCKS!

Great job Kristi ( Barrett too!) you guys are troopers but, wasn't it so worth the wait?!?! We can't wait to see you all and the little munchkin this weekend! :)

We will miss you Hunter... :(

Hunter MacKenzie Sexton Bryant 3/26/97-1/18/09

We have very heavy hearts today...



We had to say goodbye to one of our best friends last night completely unexpectedly. Hunter passed away quickly in what seemed to heart failure or a stroke of some sort. We knew he was getting older and as many of you know our furry friends just aren't here long enough but he still seemed like a puppy at heart.

I have never met another dog who loved everyone so unconditionally. He always had a "smile" on his face and such a warm, loving, personality. His world revolved around affection from anyone who would give it to him. He would sneek up and give you a warm sloppy kiss or just lay his sweet head on your lap and wag his happy tail just waiting for some pets and attention.

Hunter was our first baby and the only one for many years. He travelled back and forth to Longwood with mom and dad when we were still in school, got spoiled rotten by grandma and grandpa, and then moved to Richmond with us after we finished school. He didn't care where we or what we were doing as long as he could be with us. He graciously welcomed Bailey and Nala into our family and endured many moments of "abuse" from both of the girls and of course Maggie too! ;) Without Hunter, Bailey and Maggie would have never entered our families;)He moved with us from apartments, to Mechanicsville, back to an apartment, and then out to our new house- taking it all like a champ! He loved Lucas and the feeling was reciprocated for sure. Lucas adored walking over to Hunter and loving on him. They were best buds, next to Bailey, and his daddy of course! We are worried about how poor Bailey will react to being the only doggie around here and hope we can ease her pain too. They were playmates and father/daughter that loved to wrestle and antagonize one another but hated being separated when we had to take one to the vet.




We know that God has a plan for each and everyone of us, including our beloved four legged friends. I am so thankful that we got to have almost 12 wonderful years with him. He showed us the true meaning on unconditional love and lifetime companionship. We know that Hunter is in a much better place running around like a little puppy again with no arthritis, or bad hips! He's in heaven today giving mom big sloppy birthday kisses! ;) But a big part of us still wishes he was here with us. We love you and miss you Mr. Hunter, we are so blessed to have known you and shared our lives with you. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Lucas, Bailey, and Nala

This is one of my favorite poems about losing a beloved pet:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

To cut or not to cut?....

.....that is the question!

We have been pondering this idea for some time now. You might think that it is an easy decision to make. Well, that might be true for you... but, for us I think it is just one more step in saying goodbye to our baby and taking that giant leap into toddlerhood and being a big boy.


Yeah, yeah...I guess you can call me a sap but it really does make me a little sad. He has grown up so fast and I have tried to savor every moment and stage of his babyhood but I tell you, it is flying by! So I think I have the neurotic tendency to try and hang on to something, guess I have chosen those precious locks ;) I am not the only mother who had a hard time, I know of a few good friends who have been in the same boat as us, but they have taken the plunge and I am sure that our day is coming. I can also look back and see that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree here- my brother had the cutest long baby/toddler hair for a few years :) It really was cute, but, I'm sure people thought "Hmm, boy or girl?". But mom and dad kept it like that and have LOTS of pictures to prove it! Although I guess back then that might have been the style.



Well that was John, but Lucas seems to be sporting a slightly different look, but none-the-less I think it is cute too. Well MOST days that is...We do have those days/moments where he earns the nickname Billy Ray (AKA- Achy Breaky Heart...Cyrus :) with his semi-baby mullet. Oh no, we can't be THOSE parents! But other times-especially right after his bath- it curls up and looks so stinkin' cute! What is a lovin' mama to do? Well, I will just love my baby a little longer with his precious curly-Q's or his business up front/party in the rear mullet until we can't take it anymore!!! He might not appreciate these pictures once he gets older but I know that we will look back and them and smile :)

These are some funny pictures we took a few weeks ago after Lucas had a REALLY good, long nap ;)

Inside fun

Can you think of a better way to have fun on a cold and rainy day? Obviously we can keep entertained for hours ;) Who says that you can't make the most of winter and time together. We love it! Also, how about all of those toys he got for his birthday and Christmas? I guess sometimes it is just the simple things that can be the most amusing. Even the dogs food bowls! He is learning SO MUCH so fast, it is almost as if we can see his little brain ticking as he attempts new things. There is never a dull moment, that is for sure ;)