Puppy love

Meet Riley, the newest O'Grady. She's an 8-week old goldendoodle puppy and we are officially obsessed!

Hi there, Riley!

So far, it's kind of like having a new baby. We're spending all of our time staring at her and worrying about how much she's eating, sleeping, and going to the bathroom. She had 2 minor accidents her first day at home (good thing we planned ahead and rolled up the rug), but none yet today. Fingers crossed she figures this whole house training thing out sooner rather than later.

Jason was on duty by himself last night while I went to the Kenny Chesney concert with my sisters (that's a topic for a separate post!) and he was definitely a little frazzled this morning. Day 1 of crate training didn't go so well and both Jason and the dog ended up sleeping on the couch for a grand total of about 5 hours of shut eye. She's taken a few good naps today though, and even managed about 5 mins in the crate, so I am counting that as progress. Baby steps!

All tuckered out

Having a puppy is definitely a LOT of work, but it's also so much fun. Riley is a total sweetie and we're all getting a kick out of watching her play. Molly has been really good with her, though there are definitely times that the dog makes her nervous. Ha, there are times the dog makes ME nervous. But we are starting up sessions with a trainer in a couple of weeks and I think that will help all of us have a better handle on what to do. 

Looks like Riley is up from her nap, so that's probably enough for now. Expect many more Riley pics and posts to come! 

Eight is great

It seems like Molly is growing taller by the day. She's now 50 inches and 55 lbs -- 50th percentile all around. She has her ears pierced. She no longer needs a car seat. She's sometimes so sassy I can't stand it. But usually, she's a sweetheart, a total goofball, and my absolute favorite girl.

Molly has been waiting and waiting for this birthday. It feels kind of big time. She seems older now. At times, I can see the pre-teen coming out, and it makes me want to stop the clock. But I also love how she's changing and growing and I kind of can't wait to see what's going to happen next. 

Here are a few pics of the big girl at age 8.

8th birthday party with friends ... a gloriously messy slime party in the driveway :) 

Hanging out with Uncle Joe

With Riley ... soon to be our new family dog!

Mollypalooza

Today, Molly turned 8 on the 8th, making it her "Golden Birthday." We were lucky enough to celebrate over the weekend in Nebraska with approximately 30 to 40 O'Gradys and Molly's BFF, Ryan.

It was the most Midwestern of road trips. We drove through corn to get to more corn. The kids went free range for a few days while the adults talked and drank beer. Occasionally, you'd hear exchanges like this:

"Have you seen the girls?"

"Pretty sure they were heading North with the hula hoops."

Or this:

"Where'd Evan get to?" (My 3-year-old nephew)

"I told him to go pee by the side of the house."

It was glorious.

We stayed at Jason's Aunt Donna and Uncle Chuck's house and they pretty much rolled out the red carpet for us. It really couldn't have been more fun. We had an epic water war with the kids vs adults, caught fireflies and toads every night, rode in the tractor, ate junk food and didn't care. Molly loved it all.

It was a pretty special way to celebrate a special girl. Happy birthday to the Molls!

Checking out the view from the tractor

Taking as many Gator rides as they could get

Bowling with Ryan, who was such a good guest and earned her spot as an honorary O'Grady

Our fabulous hosts -- Donna, Becky, and Chuck

The birthday girl with her mom and dad

Cousin Will - the MVP of the water war, with Jon, Joe, and Jeremy

Corinne and I getting our turn in the tractor with "Farmer Steve"

Mini tractor rides in the shed

Hanging with my sisters in law and hopefully my soon-to-be sister in law ... no pressure, Jon! :)

Kids in the bean field at dusk