Fort Worth Zoo

I went and visited Katie the week of her birthday and had a blast. We went out to eat at the Magic time Machine for her birthday and had an awesome and very cute waiter. We had pirate Sinbad. Of course when we told him about our poopy(Watty) he ran off and got Jack Sparrow. We had a blast with our waiter. If you go to the Magic Time Machine ask for him!

Thursday Katie, Megan and I went to the Fort Worth Zoo. It was a great day since it was cool and rainy. All the animals were out and moving around so we got some good shots. I loved that zoo it is so much nicer than the zoo here in Houston. Huge areas for the animals and different animals too.
We went through the reptile house and Megan was not a happy camper as you can tell. We kept teasing her and she wanted out. Love ya Megan.

While we were there it rained for a while. We tried to stay in parts of the zoo that had cover but after a while we said forget it and walked around in the rain. It wasn't that heavy of a rain but when a down pour started we found shelter. We finally decided to get ponchos for Katie and I, Megan didn't want one since she was soaked already, and then the rain stopped.

This gorilla had his back to the glass and when I drove up he turned his head. It was as if he was trying to figure me out. I thought it was so funny.


I had to go see the Elephants so I could see Ellie. I miss her and Lisa so had to get to an Elliephant. As we walked up all of the elephants came out and headed straight to us. One even played with balls which was cool.

This rhino was playing in the mud and splashing some kids with his tail. They were under the walkway we were. I call this the belly rub shot.

KSDS Grad Retreat 2009

July 7 Olivia and I headed to KSDS for this years grad retreat. We took a night flight to get to Kansas City because this was my first time flying with a dog and I wanted first class because Watty would have more room. Our flight was delayed about an hour so we didn't get to Kansas City till about 11 and we didn't meet our "taxi" to Washington, KS till about 11:45 since I am last one off the plane. We made it to bed about 3 that morning.

Watty waiting to board the plane.

On the way to Kansas City in style.

We got to KSDS a day early so we could take that night flight. Since we were there early Watty's puppy raiser's, Sandy and Bob, came and visited with us a little bit. They brought their pup they are raising now and boy he is huge. He is Ellie's brother and his name is Jackson. We chatted in the duplex a while till it cooled down and headed to Banner park so the dogs could play. I couldn't believe how big Jackson was compared to Watty.

Watty on the right & Jackson on the left

Jackson giving me kisses

Grad Retreat started Thursday morning and there were 17 teams. 3 guide, 1 social and 13 service. We started off with basic obedience and then broke into guide class and social/service class. The guides went out and worked on routes and what they needed to and social/service class worked on retrieving with/without distractions and other commands. Friday and Saturday we worked more on distractions and if there was still things we needed help on we had Michelle there to help.
July 11 happened to be the Kansas Counties first birthday. Puppy Raiser Lisa was at the retreat taking pictures for the newsletter and she brought Ellie. Ellie got a birthday cake and got sung to. She didn't get to have any cake but she sure did want some. I wanted to see her blow her candle out. :P The cake was yummy and everybody had enough to tell Ellie it was good.

While we were at the retreat Watty and I met his half brother Hansel. Hansel is a puppy in training and is oh so sweet. Watty looked like him when I got him only a year ago. Watty has lighted up so much.

Olivia, Watty and I headed home Sunday morning back to Houston. On our way home we rode a "barbie jet" and it was so funny how we had to put Watty. He had no room and I kind of felt bad for him. Watty was so tired I don't think he cared. Once we were in the air he was out. Slept the whole way home.

June 20

My cousin, Shannon, finally found her prince. I was blessed with having the honor of being in her wedding. I carried flowers down the aisle to represent the grandparents that had past on or were not able to make it to the wedding. The wedding festivities started on Friday June 19 with a bridal luncheon for the brides party. I got to meet the rest of her party and her stepdaughters E and V. E and V love Shannon to death and so does Shannon. During the party they kept asking her stuff and loving on her. Sweet little girls.

Mother of the bride Cindy and Bride Shannon

Bride's party

Bride's family and more of the Bride's party

Aunt Ruth and my mom

Shannon and I

Rehearsal at the church was crazy but fun. It went smooth. We had 7 little ones running around that were part of the ceremony. After rehearsal we headed to Z'Tejas for some yummy Mexican food and conversation.

Groom's family

Anne, Uncle Lowell, and Aunt Ruth

Shannon & James with friends

Shannon & James listening to speeches from friends and family

Saturday June 20 was wedding day. I went and got my hair done while my Aunt and her sister were getting theirs done. I met up with Shannon and the rest of her girls to get ready at the church around 4. We all jumped in our dresses and got ready. As I was getting ready Olivia had asked me if Shannon told me what the dresses looked like because mine was almost the same dress. All the girls laughed and said I had great taste. Before the ceremony we had pictures with the bride. The church smelled wonderful with all the roses that were used. After pictures we headed back to where we got dressed and waited for the start of the ceremony.It was a beautiful ceremony. Shannon looked like a princess and James her prince. I am so happy she found her prince. After the ceremony we had more pictures and then headed to the reception at the Headliners Club.

Shannon & James with the flower girls & ring bearers

Justin & Ian were ushers

Wedding party

Yummy cake

Jeff's, Shannon's brother, band did the music for the reception.

Shannon & James' first dance as husband and wife

Father/Daughter dance

Me & the happy couple :)

Watty even enjoyed the wedding. He wasn't in it with me but came along all dressed up. The florist even surprised us with a corsage for Watty to wear. By the end of the ceremony all of the flowers had been shook off.

An Amazing Year

Today makes a year since Watty and I were partnered. It has been a tough, crazy, and fun year. We both have grown in many ways. Our partnership is getting stronger as we work together. Yes we still have things to work on this next year to make further strides to be where I want us to be. We have had problems that we had to work through and we got through them. I want to thank Sandy for raising such an awesome pup, Michelle for teaching him more than the puppy raisers are aloud to and for being there for all my frantic calls, Lisa for giving a ear to listen and a shoulder for me to cry on, and all my friends and family, including my KSDS family, for giving me the support I needed when I wanted to give up with my hard headed little boy, and to Watty for being patient with me and being my comic relief when I really needed it. Love ya boy.

Thanks Lisa for doing the video for me.