Sasha

We had been wanting a dog for some time. Kyle and I are both animal lovers and couldn't wait for the time to be right to bring one home. Over a year ago we were at dog beach in Solana Beach when I saw a massive creature. I had to run over to see what this HUGE thing was. Kyle and I talked with the owner and found out it was indeed a dog, a Newfoundland. We fell in love immediately. Why, you might ask, would we want such a beast? After doing a lot of research on the breed, we couldn't think of a better family dog to get. Many sources declared them as THE BEST breed to get with young children. Remember Nana from Peter Pan? A Newfie. They were bred to be great swimmers in the icy cold waters of Newfoundland. One saved Napolean's life after he fell overboard. They even have webbed feet!

Here is a description that wikipedia.com gives:

The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are famously known for their giant size and tremendous strength, and for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due to their great muscles and partly to their webbed feet and acute swimming abilities. Newfoundland dogs require grooming at least once per week (and frequently more often). They are extremely loving and patient, and Newfoundland puppies are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak. When it comes to physical strength, this breed is thought to be the strongest--even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound.

Temperament

The Newfoundland dog is legendarily known for its benevolence and strength. It is known to be one of the kindest and gentlest dogs, if not the very best and gentlest dog of all when it comes to children. It is for this reason that this breed is known as "the gentle giant". International kennel clubs generally describe the breed as having a sweet temper. It has a deep bark, is easy to train, makes a fine guardian or watchdog, and is extremely good with children.
The Newfoundland dog is also extremely good with other animals. Its caring and gentle nature comes out in play and interaction with humans and animals alike. As with any breed, the Newfoundland can have dominance issues, but this is unusual for the breed. "Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed." - Newfoundland Club Of America.
"Its soft expression reflects its benevolent and dignified temperament." - Animal Planet about the great Newfoundland Dog.

We decided it would be easiest to train a puppy while we still had only one little peanut running around. On halloween day we purchased our little newfie, Sasha.  Two weeks later we brought her home. She is now 9 weeks old and we love her. She is already huge, but doing great. We are currently crate training her and can't wait for her to be potty trained so she can be out with us all the time. She really has been great. The only problem is the chewing. We hate it, but she will grow out of it when she is done teething...

Here are some pics of the day we brought her home. The first is at the breeder's. The rest our at our home.

 

 

 

Halloween

We started halloween out by carving pumpkins at my dad and stepmom's. Kyle and I loved doing it! This was about the only time we could get Jillian to stick her hand in and help. I guess she wasn't too into the slimy texture.

 Jillian lokked so cute in her fairy costume! I was so glad I got to get a couple pictures in before it got too cold. Brrrrr!

 

 

 

 

Jillian had a special time going door to door with my dad. It was really fun to watch. And yes, that is snow!

 

 

 

 

 Jillian's favorite part of the night!

 

 

Until next year!

OMNITURE halloween party!

Aly's boyfriend Mark works for the awesome company OMNITURE. Every year they decorate their corporate building into a huge halloween bash with themes and everything. It is for the families of the employees. Since Mark doesn't have his own family, he adopted us for the day. Thanks for the tickets Mark!

We found our way over to Sesame Street! Elmo always makes us giggle...

 The law department was converted into a Japanese game show!

We got a little crazy in Vegas, Mark's department. Aunt Aly and Jillian went clubbin' and showed us some super cool moves! Then Elvis married Kyle and I! Fun!

 

 

 

 

We then headed over to Smirfland. We saw Paper Smirf and all the others.

 

Star Wars has always been my personal favorite. Darth Vader wasn't as bad as he seems.

 

Bedrock...

 

 

We had such a blast at the party. And there was so much more! It was amazing how much detail went into everything. What a fun way to bring families and coworkers together!

October

Time for another update! October was filled with fun, excitement, and beauty.It has been so magical for us being in a new place and watching the seasons change. Jillian and I have never seen the changing of the leaves and loved driving by the mountains admiring all the colors. Green, orange, red, yellow, and purple! There were more colors then I had thought there would be. Beautiful.

In the beginning of the month we decided to pick up some pumpkins at our town pumpkin patch. The Alos joined us. Jillian had a blast running through the patch with Keanae picking trying to pick out the perfect pumpkin. They were all giggles until Jiliian tripped on a vine and fell into little thorns. Her hands were covered in splinters! Poor girl. We had no idea pumpkin patches coould be so dangerous. Her body eventually pushed out all the splinters on its own. Hopefully next year will be better...

We love to go exploring on the weekends. We took a drive up to snowbird to see some snow. Kyle helped Jillian make her first snowman. He was such a good sport, his hands were ice cold after!

 

I have been dying with anticipation for Jillian to turn three so she could start ballet. The first week sshe was a little confused, why couldn't Mommy dance too? It took three weeks for her to figure it out, and now it is the highlight of her week. It's the highlight of my week too! I love peeking through the window to watch. Most of the other moms take off, but not me. I love to sneek peeks! The girls are so adoreable. Jillian now prances on her toes in the house and says cute little phrases like "cutie pie". Just like her teacher Miss Kristina.

Our yard changed so fast. Here Jillian is enjoying the yellow walnut trees.

 Aunt Aly also had a birthday on the fourth. It was the first time in a long time that I was able to celebrate with her. Happy birthday Aunt Alyson!

 Goodbye October. It was so nice enjoying your beauty!