I'm getting old

Elizabeth graduated!  Most of you know the story but I will tell it again for good measure. Fresh out of high school and just a baby myself, I boarded a plane (for the first time) and flew to Virginia to be a live-in nanny.  At the time, Elizabeth (blue dress) was just 18 months old and her mother was expecting a baby just a month after I would arrive.  Sarah (black dress) soon was born, and then Samantha (Tech shirt) joined the family a few years later.  My plan was to live here for only one year and then return to Utah (I had a contract). That was 1992.  Needless to say, I like it here.  I ended up living with the family for 5 years and after I was married continued to work for 2 more years.  The girls are like family to me.  Elizabeth and Sarah were flower girls in my wedding.  My kids sometimes think the girls are their cousins... that's fine with me. Anyways, before I get all mushy, they are growing into beautiful young women.  Elizabeth graduated this past June and is now attending the Coast Guard Academy.  I am so proud of you, Elizabeth!  Next year will be Sarah.... and then I'll really be old.

Meet Charlotte

I caved! Here is the newest addition to the Gay family, and no it is not a baby this time.  Dave said we had to get either a dog or four chickens.  I went for the dog.  Her name is Charlotte Sadie.  She is a golden/lab mix and is 8 weeks old.  We picked her up today. 

I never thought I would hear myself say this but she is so beautiful.

The kids absolutely adore her and will not stop picking her up.

Nicole just said, "I can't stop thinking about her, she won't get out of my mind."

Lunch Time

This is what happens when you give Elise a bagel with peanut butter on it. By the time she was done it was smeared through her hair. 

Of course she received a bath after.... her second one of the day.

Joining the crowd

I know, I know.  Most of you are probably saying where does she have time to blog.  Truth is, I don't have time.  I hesitated and went back and forth for quite awhile.  When I told Dave I was going to create a family blog he quickly responded, "I want nothing to do with it."  Can't you just hear him? I finally decided since my family lives in Utah and we have friends spread out all over, it would be a way to invite them into our lives.  Especially since it has been 2 years since we have been to Utah.  In the end I just plain decided it would be fun.

As you can see my blog is not creative, not pretty, it's very plain.  I'm new to all this and have no idea what I am doing.  Enjoy!