Goodbye, Sweet Bobo

Today was a very sad day for our family. We had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Bobo. Bobo was a part of our family for the past 12 years. Bobo was a very loyal and obedient dog - we will miss him very much.

Bobo the reindeer

Bobo and Casey taking a nap

Our family in 2001

Tommy giving Bobo a hug

Our family in 2003

We loved you and will miss you, old friend

Happy Birthday, Paw Paw!

Today we celebrated Daddy's 68th birthday. We had a fun time opening presents, having lunch, and finally cake and ice cream.

Daddy, Aunt Gayle, and Tyler goofing off

Say cheese!

And more cheese, please!

Aunt Gayle has had enough cheese, already!

Paw Paw makes a really big wish!!!

Journey to the Promised Land

Today was an exciting day in the life of our church. We recently purchased 60 acres adjoining our property and today we celebrating by lining up and crossing over into our "Promised Land". It was a beautiful day, and we all really enjoyed a great time of food, fellowship, and fun!

Lining up to cross over

The line went all the way to the back lot

Entering our new land

Each family brought a stone to build an altar

Our altar

Gathering to hear the message

Alex, Tommy, and Nathan

Tyler

Tommy on the swing

Alex and Nick on the swing

Tyler on the swing

Tyler is having a big time

Tyler heads up the rock wall

Up to the top!

Free fall!

Betty and Aunt Gayle

Me and Aunt Gayle

Tommy, Heath, and Nick

Beth, Carsten, and Sam

Bonnie

David

Bonnie, Cana, and a friend

Vicki

Janice

Ed and Robin

Matthew and James

Suzi, Chris and Christian

Ron and Bernadette

Cassie and Pastor Brian - finally getting to eat

Fishing Widow

Recently, Jamie has taken up fishing with his friend James on Lake Murray. Needless to say, I have become a fishing widow many weekends. James posted this video of Jamie driving the boat on YouTube. He is having a great time!

Never a dull moment

There is always something chaotic going on in the Atkinson house. Last week was no exception. Sunday night at 11 after we got back from Mimi's house, Tyler started the week with a bang by getting sick all over 3 blankets, my bed, the dog, and the floor. Tommy bathed the dog in the shower, Tyler got in the other tub, I washed the linens, and Jamie cleaned the carpet. On Tuesday night, I came home to a mysteriously quiet house. I didn't see the kids anywhere. I found them in my bathroom with Tommy in the jacuzzi tub trying to give the cat a bath. While Tyler was playing outside that afternoon, he didn't want to take the time to go inside to use the bathroom. There was a surprise inside of the bush he decided to relieve himself on - the cat! Needless to say, Emily was none too happy. She was even more unhappy to get a bath as you can see from the photo. The other shot is from Thursday. Since Paw Paw retired, he has decided to help our family out my coming over on Thursdays to help with the laundry. Thanks a million to Paw Paw!!!

Poor, unhappy Emily

Paw Paw the Laundry Man!

Happy Birthday, Mimi

This Sunday we went to Mimi's to celebrate her (belated) birthday. It was a beautiful day, and the boys had a great time riding around in the golf cart with Jake, the dog from across the street. Michael, Stacey, and Liam had a hard time getting there due to trees blocking the road from the storm on Saturday. We had a good time when they finally arrived!

Tommy and Tyler with Jake

A frustrated Michael finally arrived

Liam is so happy to be out of the car!

Cousins

Tyler gives a birthday performance

Michael and Stacy a bit more relaxed

Me (possessed) with Jamie

Mimi and Oneil opening her presents