July 30 - Sliding Into 4th Grade

It's hard to believe that school starts in less than 2 weeks for Luke and Jillian. We've been really lucky this summer with mild weather for the most part (but A LOT of rain) but the Houston heat finally found us last week. In good news, we've found a new spot for Jillian and her friends to get a reprieve from the humidity, Slick City! Slick City is an adventure park with different types of slides and we've probably spent 15H+ there in the last few weeks. So fun! 

Summer slide fun

July 23 - Baby Zuko

A few months ago the kids, in rare alignment, declared "We want a black kitten." We started looking at shelters and couldn't find one but 2 weeks ago, a woman posted a black kitten on Nextdoor (found in a bush) and now we are back to a family of 4 fur babies. 

Without further ado, welcome baby Zuko! He is named after an Avatar character and he is now approx 8 weeks ago (he was 6 weeks when we got him). He is very friendly, LOVES to snuggle and already exploring the house! Jilian has had friends over almost daily and the girls love to swaddle him like a baby and hold him in their laps (he loves it). Bella is super excited-she LOVES kittens-and Zuko is warming up to her. Apollo could care less and Louie is learning to play with him. 

Welcome to the Yamo zoo, baby Zuko!

Bella is so excited!

Kitten Snuggles

 

July 17 - To My Forever Heart Cat

Dear Crumble,
I've been putting off writing this post because I've been hoping for a miracle. The last time we saw you was on January 13th. It was a normal day. We did our morning walk with the dogs and you spent the day snuggling with me and Bella on the couch. I'm sure you harrassed dad and Luke for food in the office when they came home. I remember that evening, you were hanging out in Julia's room for a little while. Someone let you out that night (you spent about half your nights inside snuggling with me and half outside) and we never saw you again. People have told me that their cats have found their way home after months away and I've been hopeful. But it's been 6mon now with no sign of you. We worry you were eaten by a coyote (which were very active in our area during January mating season) or-and this is the scenario we hope is the case- you were taken in by a wonderful person who is cuddling with you and feeding you treats all day.  

Oh Crumble. Anyone who knows me well knows 'Christine loves dogs.' And I do. But you know what-you taught me to love cats too. You were the fluffiest, most gorgeous cat there ever was. You loved to eat (you def annoyed dad and Luke, wanting to be fed nonstop). You loved to snuggle with me and Bella. You were my shadow. Cooking dinner? Laying at my feet. Folding laundry? Laying next to me or on my lap. Walking the dogs? You walked with us, sometimes up to 3 miles. Reading? In my lap. And Julia, you loved her too. You were the only animal allowed in her room. I sometimes found her snuggling with you while she was in her bed. I even saw her kiss you once (a level of affection for an animal never seen before by her). 

Crumble, I miss you so much. If you are living the life of luxery somewhere, I hope you are being spoiled like the 17lb prince that you are. Snacks and food all day long! If you have crossed the rainbow bridge, know that Bella will meet you there one day and the two of you can snuggle to your hearts content. 

You will forever be the cat I measure all others against. You will always be my #1 "cat dog". 

I love you Crumble.

Love,

Mom

Mom! Don't go anywhere without me.

Crumble & Bella - snuggle buddies 

July 8 - Melting at the Zoo

The Houston Zoo in 100+ degree heat? Sure, why not. I took Jillian and Guinevere to the zoo last week and it was a scorcher. It's been years since we've been during the week and it's usually tough to find parking if you aren't there early, but we had no issues midday. We spent most of our time in the indoor exhibits and braved the sun for the carousel! One of my friends also works at the zoo and we were able to meet up with her at lunch. So fun! Julia used to dive with her daughter, Lucy, and Lucy is heading to Hawaii for college next month. 

Zoo Fun

Christine & Gretchen

July 6 - Happy 250!

Happy 250th Birthday America! How we spent our day...

*Julia: worked a doubled shift

*Luke: worked on algebra 2

*Jillian, Mom and Dad: neighborhood pool party followed by hours of playing at the pool with friends!

Jillian and I met up with some of her friends and their families for fireworks that evening. It was a great day. Happy 4th everyone!