Hello Hudson!

We were 

very much missing

that extra spirit

in our home.

The "welcome home",

the

sit on your feet to warm them

the

playful silliness

only a pet can provide.

So, we decided to start 

our search.

From experience we know

nothing beats

an animal

that has been rescued.

So, there was no question

how we would find 

our new family member.

My only request, 

"No Border Collies".

AHEM......

After searching

rescue sights

and visiting the

Human Society

for 4 days,

this guy

won us over.

Our family

was back and forth

between him and 

a sweet little boxer.

When we first visited,

Hudson only wanted to play ball.

(This is what I worried about

with a BC,

task oriented.)

He would not even

let us touch him.

But after taking him out of the

"Jail",

his true personality

has been

just what we were looking for.

Yes,

he has lots of energy

and likes to play ball....

but

he tries to sit on our laps,

get in our beds,

gives lots of kisses

and loves the boys.

He makes us laugh.

He discovered the pool 

very quickly,

running across the winter cover

he would sink into the water

and splash, 

then run around the yard

like a mad man!

Since we can't let him

do that (even though it was fun to watch!)

we got him

a little "winter pool",

as you can tell,

he loves water!

We can't wait to see him enjoy

the pool and lake with us.

The best part about

adopting a 1 year old?

He was potty trained,

knew sit,

is leash trained 

actually so well,

he has already proved to be

a great running partner.

He has chewed on only

one "important" item

even though the humane society

warned us he chewed up

all blankets.

Poor guy,

after being locked up that long,

I would chew up blankets too!

And, even though

he still plays like a puppy,

he does get lazy too

and likes his sleep.

The boys were used to a dog

that basically ignored them.

So, getting used to one that jumps,

licks and plays more

has been an adjustment.

But, Big Guy

is slowly getting 

to know Hudson,

and vise versa.

I read that the life expectancy

for BC's is 12-17 years.

So, I am hoping for a 

long lasting good buddy

for my boys.

It has just barely been a week,

But, 

so far, 

so good!

Welcome to the family Hudson!

love, the rockinryans

running & eating

Last month

I accomplished

my second

half marathon.

My BRF (best running friend)

and I trained together 

for 12 weeks.

She was a great influence

and motivator on those mornings

where my head did not

want to lift off my pillow.

My goal was

to shave 13 minutes

off my last time.

After lots of hard work

I shaved off 15 minutes!

This accomplishment 

was great for me.

The time for training

was a big commitment.

But, it actually helped

me stay sane.

It gave me time for ME,

made me a more patient mom

and

a good influence

on my boys.

I really appreciated

all the support during 

training and the run itself.

I can't wait for

the boys to join me

on these adventures!

Supporting Mama

was exhausting!

Our celebration lunch

was at a small airport

where you eat outside

so you can

be up close

to airplanes

taking off and landing!

The boys loved it!

I loved relaxing, 

eating some yummy food,

and thinking about

my next goal.

love, the rockinryans

fun foods!

A couple weeks ago

a bug invaded

our home,

giving us all

sore throats,

and coughs.

I think I felt the worst.

Which meant

all I felt like eating

was

soup, ice cream and sprite.

The boys

never

complained

about

their soft diet.

In fact,

I think they 

will learn that

its fun 

when

Mommy is sick!

thankfully

we smushed

the bug

and are onto

solid foods again!

love,

the rockinryans

(I don't know why its so fun

taking pics of dirty kids!)

Halloween day,

a story by Trent Ryan~

I loaded the bucket up

then I put it by the door

then when Ethan came

I handed it out to everybody.

I made cupcakes then

we 

decorated

and ate them all gone.

Seanie got a ball

and I learned about bats.

I was a dinosaur

and I listened.

I made my cupcake

and I licked it

and ate it all gone.

I ate the wings and tail all gone!

Seanie was not going to eat it.

I went trick or treating

I was outside

and Seanie had his basketball suit on

and I had my dinosaur suit on

and we got our pumpkins ready

then I got my candy!

They were all dressed up too!

I got candy

then went bye-bye.

Then I went to Ms. Brooke's house

I got candy and pop.

I went back home

and Seanie watched

me and Daddy 

go see a girl witch!

I looked  at my candy!

I ate some candy.

Seanie looked at his candy.

and that's all!

Love, bubbarockinryan

Punkins

We tried out a new

Pumpkin Patch

this year.

They had the 

nicest animals!

I think (good) posed pictures

are NOT

our thing!

Daddy's turn 

to do the train!

They both insisted,

and tried hard

to

carry their own pumpkins!

Big Guy is getting

super brave.

Didn't think he would ever

stop going down this slide.

Time for some

hide

and 

seek!

Guess who

enjoyed this most.....

Big Guy~

Look out behind you!

He is getting so brave,

he had no problem

jumping right

up onto this horse.

He wouldn't even

go near a pony

half this size

at the fair.

Maybe it had something

to do with the 

pretty girl on lead?

Neither one

were impressed

with the

feel

of cleaning out the pumpkins.

Not impressed

with the taste either!

Say

"Pumpkin face!"

love, the rockinryans