the perfect v-day gift . . . a stolen chihuahua

Wednesday night I came home from class to excited cheers of "Happy Valentine's Day!!!" Josh was holding the cutest little dog. Our neighbors had seen someone 'dump' the dog on a nearby street and had asked if we wanted the dog. Josh knew I had wanted an inside dog, so this solved his valentine's day gift dilemma. :) The next morning as I drove the kids to school, there on the stop sign was a big poster stating . . . LOST CHIHUAHUA . . . no, not my valentine chihuahua . . . it couldn't be . . . but yes, Josh had tried to give me a stolen dog for valentine's day. We did call the owner, and he excitedly came to get his (well, his wife's) dog. So, the next day . . . Josh was on a mission to get me a more (how do you put not stolen kind of dog?!) . . . he went to shelter after shelter and finally found our new family member . . . CHICA!!!!!This is Chica with my Dad . . . isn't she cute?!?!! She's been a perfect family member for our home . . . so far. :)

My Mom & Dad came to our home late Thursday night. We had a busy weekend planned, and they were happy about coming to take a part in all the events. First, our Cami was finally baptized. Memaw and Papa spoke at her baptism. It was really a wonderful event to see our Cami make special promises with her Heavenly Father. We know she is a very special girl, and we are lucky to have her in our home. :)After Cami got baptized (wearing all white), she then changed into the same dress I wore after I was baptized . . . a few years ago. :) My Grandmother Ricks made me this special dress. I got to pick out the colors and patterns and everything . . . I never realized I would be picking out the colors on my daughter's dress as well. It was very special to see her wearing MY dress.After a tasty meal at La Playa (it being a holiday and all . . . we got to eat at a Mexican restaurant), Papa & Karston cuddled up by the fire for a long winter/spring camp out. :) AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH! It is a pirate's life for me!!! Karston's birthday party was Saturday. All of his friends came to wish him a Happy Sixth Birthday . . . pirate style. :)

We played tug-of-war, walked the plank, pirate says, row row your boat, and who could stand on one leg the longest (being pegged leg pirates of course).

In the above picture it sure looks like Dad is having most of the fun--enjoy beating kids Dad?!

Papa & Kaykay reading books together. Memaw doing flips with Kaykay. :)