Merry Christmas 2013

Happy Birthday Jesus!  

Because of the new baby, we decided not to travel to TN this year.  Thankfully and graciously everyone came to visit us.  First was DD and Biggie, then Nana and Papa, followed by Gran-Gran.  It was truly a Merry December for us.  We are teaching Gav the true meaning of Christmas.  That Jesus was born on this day and why He is so important in our faith.  

DD and Biggie's visit included...

First Ginger Bread House of the season as well as Hot Chocolate

Trip to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

Wrestling...

Nana and Papa's Visit included...

Snuggle time.

Opening Presents (too many to be exact)

Having indoor snowball fights

Gran-Gran's Visit was lots of the same. 

Grandparents Rock!

Not just a dog...

Tobiah Cromwell: October 13, 2003-December 23, 2013

He was a companion...

a master at finding great sleeping spots...

an easy-going fella...

that could go for hours in a car...

put himself to bed...

loved 'laying-out' with Mom...

guardian of his brothers

gentle while playing with little ones...

would wear out after a run...

loved each and every sunrise...

taught Gav that dogs love their brothers...

would lay ON TOP of you...

had a face only a mother could love :)...

Occasionally thought he was a hunting dog...

was at peace while in our arms

bones and sticks were his favorite chew toys...

Will always be an integral part of our family

Running was 'his thing'

the woods were his 'happy place'

he never took them for granted...

Actually 'liked' the water but couldn't swim to save his life...literally

gave lots of kisses that only his daddy really enjoyed :)

loved to play tug-of-war with our shirt sleeves.  Winter time was great for this.

adapted well to whatever environment we put him in...as long as we were there too

realized he really enjoyed  human food after the kids were born

He was a dog in body but a companion in spirit.  He can never be replaced.  Thank you T-money, taquito, Tobster, T, and all of the other countless nicknames you inherited over the years.  You truly changed our lives for the better and you will forever be missed (even your fish breath)!