Saturday, March 31, 2012

Faithful Companion


We lost an important family member tonight. Our dog, Willie, passed away this evening. We have lost a wonderful, unconditionally loving, best friend. Willie joined our family shortly after we moved into 192 E. 850 South in Orem, UT. We knew our little Dakota needed a playmate after Mike's parents moved to Washington, taking with them their dogs-Duke, Panda and Suzy. Mike, Dallas, and I went to the local animal shelter and looked at lots of different dogs. But then we saw the most sad looking dog curled up in one of the cages. WE knew that this was our dog and we would love him so much. The first couple of days he was so quiet but after that he quickly made himself at home chewing up multiple garden hoses, digging holes, stealing Dallas' snacks and quickly won our hearts over.


Willie loved to love more than anything. He wouldn't really ever jump on you, but would want to lay on you and just sit there next to you. Of course he loved his treats too! And would almost take your hand off if you didn't pull it back quick enough-just ask Cody! A couple of things that I will always remember about Willie are how he loved everyone! He never started trouble and was always so good with the kids. Second, his favorite toy-Mr. Fluffles. One of the boys gave it to him and he played with that toy, carrying it around in his mouth, for days!!! Lastly, whenever he would hear a siren, no matter what kind, he would howl along with it. We would hear a siren and wait to hear him howl along with it. The next time I hear a siren, I know I will think of Willie and shed a tear. I love you Willie-good bye ol' friend.

Monday, March 5, 2012

My baby is 4-










Brandon Malachi turned 4 today. I can't believe that our youngest is that old already. He has such a sweet personality and adds so much love and spirit to our home. I love being Bandinos' mommy. We celebrated is birthday on Sunday while everyone was together for family home evening and then tonight took him out for ice cream treats at Dairy Queen. Grandpa and Grandma Cooper left for Salem this evening as well. What a packed weekend but lots of fun!!!

It's Great to be 8!










Saurday Cody was baptised! WE had such a wonderful day. There was a nice talk about what baptism means and represents. All the moms were also given an opportunity to go up and say something about their child being baptized. (Of course I started crying as soon as I got up there) but it is a neat thing that the stake does. Cody had lots of family there to support him and congratulate him on his special day. Afterwards we had the family over and some friends for refreshments. Thanks everyone for all your support on this special day in our family.

Final Farewell




Friday night Mike played his last show with Mister Miyagi. When Mike started with MM, I was pregnant with Elijah! It was an action packed, high energy performance-if only all of their gigs had been that packed! I'm glad that I had an awesome friend, thanks Maribel, who volunteered to watch the kids so late so that I could go with my parents (who were up for the weekend) and my sister and her husband. I couldn't think of a better way to go out! Bonsai!!