Orlando, FL

Hey all! We just back from our week in the sunshine state. We leisurely strolled around a different Disney park each day, plus dedicated a few days to lounging at the beach. 

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

The best safari guide a gal could ask for!

Epcot 

A Quick Hello

Sorry folks, I know my blog has been pretty quiet the past few weeks. Spring break started for my work this week (Woohoo!) so Troy and I have been making the most of my two weeks off. We've been hitting the gym and going dancing. Last night we headed out for a nice dinner and the Bon Jovi concert, and today we're off for vacation. So come back next week for an updated post about our time on the beach. Take care, everyone!

Gone

Less than a week after we adopted Drake, he passed away. With his tail wagging, Troy put on Drake's leash to take him for his morning walk. He made it to the garage and collapsed. Troy scooped him up, but it was too late, and he passed away in Troy's arms.

We've known this day was coming for almost 11 weeks now, but no matter how much I believed I was prepared for this inevitable event, it still shocked me. It's hard to grasp that our happy boy could succumb to his illness that quickly. I'm trying to look at the positive sides: after being in the shelter for four months, he had a family for his last few months, and he passed away naturally. We loved Drake and as hard as it was to see him go, we're trying to find comfort in the idea that now he is no longer suffering.

Obama Who?

Isaiah is more on the ball than his fellow preschoolers. He frequently announces to the teachers what day of the week it is and that he only has X amount of days until it's time for PE again. So when he came to class last week, he was prepared. He dressed in a full warm up suit and when he entered class, removed his getup to reveal a Utah Jazz ensemble.

After class, as I was placing stickers on the kids' hands, I ask, "Do you know whose jersey you're wearing?" (25 isn't a Jazz jersey you see often)

"No," he replies frankly.

"It's Jefferson's jersey. You're wearing the same number as Al Jefferson." I inform him. "Do you have a favorite Jazz player?"

In his best sports announcer voice, he cries, "DERRRRONNNN WILLIAMS!" But he quickly adds, "He's not there anymore though."

"Oh yeah?" I say, impressed with his knowledge of the recent NBA trade. "Where did he go?"

Without missing a beat, he says, "To be President."

Drake Has A New Last Name

We made it official: Drake is now a Madsen too. Even though we've already been taking care of him for almost three months, we wanted to adopt him before he passes away. His cancer is progressing quickly; honestly there have been a few days this week I doubted he'd make it through the night, but today has been a good day for Drake. He's hopping around again, and he was so excited for the car ride to get his new tag and collar. We love our sweet boy!