FURBALLS, FIRST, & FIVE

Alright, I think I'm back to a regular blogging schedule!  I limped along with the blog through the summer but the kids are back in school, and I have lots to tell you about!  Today is a quick little family round-up of some things we've been up to lately, but I have some fun house things to show you the rest of the week.

We lost our almost 15-year-old cat in February, right when the kids were really starting to enjoy having a pet around.  There has been begging ever since for something new, and Dad was always happy to take them to PetSmart to look at the cats for adoption.  Well, they saw these two on one of those trips and couldn't stop talking about them.  They are right at 6 months old, brothers, born and raised this far in the shelter.  No way we could take one and not both of them. 

We went back to see them 2 or 3 times, and after Ray & I had decided we could get them, we told the kids that we could take them home with us.  This is Em's happy dance when hearing the news...

All ready to go in the "Kitty Kab".  Oh my, the squalling that was coming out of those boxes!

Here they are, adjusting to their new home.  They were so used to living in small quarters that it took them several days to branch out into other areas of the house.

"Chief" is on the left and has stripes on his side, and "Scout" is on the right with swirls on his side.

Chief warmed up to us fairly quickly and has got the whole "how to be a family cat" thing down.  Scout is a bit more jumpy for now...except with Em.  He's definitely "her" cat but after almost 2 weeks with us is getting more familiar with everyone.
 

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School started last Friday for us.  I CANNOT believe the summer is over!

My 6th grader-first year for Middle School(!)

My 4th grader-adjusting to going to school without her brother being there!

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Over the weekend we were invited by one of our friends and church members to tour a local news station where he works.  He's also been Caleb's Sunday School teacher, and this year we're so happy that he has Emily in his class!

Our friend Mr. Mark works for Channel 5 as a camera man, sometimes reporter on location, and all around helpful guy!  It's pretty cool to see his news truck, also.  He's made many modifications to it to house all of the equipment that they need to broadcast remotely.

Emily happened to be wearing a green top that was the same color as the green screen, and we all got a kick out of her "disappearing" on the monitor.

We were there during the airing of the 5:00 news and were able to watch everything in the studio as it was broadcast.  So interesting and enlightening!

The kids with Meterologist Rusty McCrainie in the weather center.  You can't see it in this photo, but they thought it was quite funny that he was wearing tennis shoes with his suit.  Hey, we give these weather guys a workout in Oklahoma!

The weekend anchor Anita Blanton was SO sweet to visit with us and take a photo with the kids.  She did a great job on the broadcast, also!

And, the most anticipated part of the tour for Caleb...seeing Sky5 in person.

Caleb's reaction upon learning that they once found a bullet hole in the tail section of the helicopter...a runaway suspect had shot at them!

Then, we came home and watched the 6:00 news.  So cool to have just been there for all of the "behind the scenes" peeks.

Many thanks to our sweet friend Mr. Mark who led our fantastic tour!

2 gold stars for you if you made it through that round-up of family photos!  Next time I'll show you my doors...they're finally finished!