Hungry Hungry HIPPO

is a game of four hippos that try to eat as many marbles as they can--as fast as they can. As I was walking through a new thrift store with Monike, it caught my eye and I just had to get it so we all could play together. I am a sucker for board games. Love to play em and play with others. Score. Only $1.50! I tried it out at breakfast this morning and Isabella LOVED it. I think Bob enjoyed it too.
This game is fast-paced and riotous for kids who get to take turns popping a white marble into the ring, then furiously pressing on their hippo's levered tail to catch the prize. Utter mayhem ensues, and whoever snares the most marbles wins. If only it would get kids to clean their plates as well as those pudgy hippos do!

Baxter's Super Special Evening

Last night, Baxie attended the ninth annual fur ball at the Drake hotel sponsored by PAWS Chicago. The lucky dogs in attendance were treated to massages and "paw" dicures while they dined on a gourmet doggie buffet. Say what? Yep, this was the cats "meow" event for Baxie and while I didn't think he would dig up on the five star treatment - he enjoyed every minute of mingling with other dogs and getting pampered!
Meanwhile, we were treated to a top-of-the-line buffet, delighted with a silent auction and then we danced the night away. There were so many beautiful dogs and everyone was decked to the nines. Not to mention, the room was beautifully decorated. It was quite the event and one of the nicest I have been to in a long time. We really enjoyed ourselves and were thankful that Bob's boss was a sponsor of PAWS and asked us to go. What a treat!

Princess Baxie

Baxter seems to hide out alot these days and for the longest time, I didn't know where "his spot" was. I come home from work and he doesn't greet me for at least five minutes. Odd. What happened to my puppy that ALWAYS greeted me at the door with his tail wagging and a toy in his mouth?
Well TODAY, after 4 months I totally BUSTED him. I tried to run downstairs as fast as I could and grab the camera before he moved. And I captured him!! Where was he you ask? Upstairs sleeping in Isabella's princess castle in the middle of her bedroom. Princess Baxie.........

Halloween and Trick or Treating

Isabella dressed up as a fairy this year for Halloween and it was her first time trick or treating since she was a baby and we had to carry her door to door. She put her costume on along with Bax - her furry friend wore a nice warm, bright pumpkin sweater and down the street they went. Baxie scored a few dog treats along the way for his handsome sweater and Izzy scored a bucket full of candy. Only thing is, we practiced and practiced with her to say TRICK OR TREAT when the door opened but when the time came, the door opened and Isabella just stood and stared at the person with their bowl of candy. I tried, as each door opened to get her to say TRICK OR TREAT, but she didn't budge. We even practiced what to say in between houses.
One can only try. I think next year she will for sure get Halloween and really be in to the tricks and the treats! Till next year!!

Izzy & Tristan Michael

got to hang out together today and watch the Bears game and paint pumpkins! These two cousins hammed it up for the camera too. It was a fun filled day with yummy treats and great laughs.

Sunny Acres

Isabella spent some quality time with her grandparents over this past weekend and while she was visiting, grandma Vail and Aunt Meg took her to Sonny Acres Farm.
Isabella got to see the farm that was decorated with mountainous piles of pumpkins and she also got to feed the goats. She sure does love her animals. In between, she had fun trying on different wigs and hats. Check out the picture of grandma Vail and Iz kid in front of the elephant!!

Project Candy Bar

2 weeks to sell 5 boxes of candy bars....do you think we can do it? When I picked Izzy up from school today, I was handed a heavy bag with: "Mrs. Vail, it's candy bar time and you need to work on selling these." My immediate response was: What? Are you serious? You want me to sell candy bars? For what??!!
"Mrs. Vail, the candy bar sales benefit the school - for your child Isabella. Now would you like me to carry them to the car for you?" No - no thanks - I just wanted to know WHY I needed to sell these things. For cry eye - WHY on earth do they hand a pregnant woman 5 boxes of candy bars? I am bound to eat at least half - especially since I am craving sweets! Speaking of - I better be good - my sugar glucose test is bright and early tomorrow morning. I get to drink the sugary liquid, sit for an hour and then give blood.
If you would like to buy a candy bar to benefit twinkle toes pictured above - we have milk chocolate, chocolate with almond, crunch, dark chocolate, and caramel. They are $1 each and help to maintain updated educational materials and equipment, all of which stimulate and challenge (twinkle toes pictured above) emotionally, physically, intellectually and last but not least socially.
Let us know if you are interested...I had one and it was YUMMY....and we just got them today.