at our house is pretty exciting.

In order to be accepted into his school, Max had to be up-to-date on his vaccinations. He only needed one more vaccine, so we made an appointment with our new veterinerian, Dr. Wendy.

Max was not a big fan of the scale. He is a BIG boy weighing in at 67.5 pounds!

After meeting Dr. Wendy and having her look Max over, we learned that Max had some fluid on his right elbow. She wanted to test the fluid to make sure it was not infected, so she drained a little bit off his arm. The results were no infection AND a soft little cast that stayed on his arm for all of an hour!

James playing with inflatable fleas & ticks in the waiting room of the vet office as we waited for Max.

We had a few errands to run, so the boys relaxed in the car as we ran here and there…

Out to Dan’s house to help Gramma move the Quad.

When we arrived home, James packed up his suitcase and toys for a special evening with Aana & Upa.

Max has changed our lives… in the best of ways!

We wake each morning and take max for a long walk. After dinner the family all suits up (usually in rain gear) and heads out for an evening stroll. It’s been a refreshing change to walk so often!

We bought Max a new bed for his kennel (see below) he didn’t like, so we returned it for something softer. He’s much happier now. This bed made too much noise for him!

While at the pet store, the kids each got to pick out one special toy for their new buddy. Abbie chose a tug-of-war rope and the two of them have had many fun hours of tugging and playing!

James picked out a ball for Max. It happens to be his new favorite toy. He plays with it with or without James. He and James do get lots of enjoyment out of playing “throw the ball” he has learned to bring it back already!

James and Max have also learned to play Hide and Seek together. James hides and Max finds him. James giggles and giggles and Max hops and hops with excitement… so sweet to watch! Here James is hiding in the living room.

Josh spends time each day working with Max on his commands. He is a very good listener. Max starts school on the 19th of this month.

I just love my boy!

Max.

We have been thinking and dreaming of completing the Johnson Family with a dog. We all decided a German Shepherd would make the perfect addition… so we began slowly looking. As things go, the stars aligned and we found Max. Steve and Sharon (Max’s 1st parents) were looking for Max to be with a family so he could get lots of exercise and socialization. We began talking and it seemed like we might be the family Max was looking for. We took a lovely drive out to Vernonia to meet Steve, Sharon, and Max. It was love at first sight! Max was so excited to play with the kids and while he is a puppy and wants to play, he listens well. Steve and Sharon saw that we would love Max and give him a happy home. They graciously shared their beautiful pup with our family. We look forward to getting to know Max better, playing with him, learning with him, walking and running with him, and snuggling with him too! He is a good boy! A big thank you to Steve & Sharon for taking a chance on our family!

comes true.

We have unexpected snowfall in December.

Josh and Abbie enjoyed a get-away to San Diego where they played in the sun

Rode the Mission Beach Roller Coaster

Saw a Charger’s Game (Josh’s Favorite Team!!!)

and spent some fun times with Jim & Justin.

We surprised Abbie with first-class tickets both ways. Her greatest memory of sitting in 1^st Class is that they serve soda in glass not plastic!