The Sugden Kids: Summer Visits & Vaca's

July started out a little rough. We canceled our annual 4th of July party with friends as I just wasn't up to it after discovering our cat, Cassidy... was killed only the day before. This is the first year that the boys are able to play outside with out me watching their every move, and so they are in and out... and so was the cat. With out even realizing it, he had been out all night and the coyotes got him. It was quite a hairy mess, and a loud struggle described to me by 3 of our neighbors. We searched for him until we found his tail. That was all that was left besides a couple organs. That cat was one of my oldest and dearest friends, and much like my 1st baby. I miss him every day. The next day, in spite of my reluctance to get another cat, we decided to visit the Animal Shelter anyhow... as Maddie was wandering around the house calling out for the 'kitty'..... We ended up adopting a cute little boy who is mostly white, with bits of orange and so, so soft! We named him Samual, but we call him Sam or Sammy.... "born on the 4th of July"....well not really, but that's when we adopted him so it seemed appropro. He's a little love bug and so patient and gentle with Maddie who has lifted that poor kitty by his neck more times then he should put up with with out even so much a claw in her... and she squeezes him oh SO tight... but he still wont run from her... so it's constant surveilance to insure his safety! He has brought new life to our home and although Cassidy can never really be replaced, it's nice to have a furry friend around the house. Meet Sam:

(just a reminder if you want to see any of the pictures or video in a bigger screen all you have to do is double click on them)

Tom and Sabrina, Jeff's uncle and cousin came out from Las Vegas for a visit. We only had a few days but we sure made the most of them! We spent one day in the city of Chicago... visiting all the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo... followed by a great dinner at Bubba Gump on Navy Pier. After Dinner we did a little sightseeing and a little shopping before we settled in for some Fireworks off of Navy Pier. It was a beautiful show and a wonderful day!! The next day we spent our time at Six Flags!! It was a great visit and it was so nice to see them. Not to mention, Sabrina was awesome with the kids and so much help! We sure missed them when they left!

After Tom & Sabrina went home, we were off to Michigan for a few days. We didn't get to see Aunt Jan and Uncle John, or Alicia and the kids... cause we caught a cold on the trip and didn't want to get them sick. But we made the most of our time and had a good trip regardless. The beaches are beautiful, and the hotel pools, live music and Tiki bar... really made the trip! Here are some video's and pictures from our trip: