The Dog's New Couch

Last month while we were in DisneyWorld Cassius spent the time at Susie and Wayne's house. Walker, their son, happens to have a fold out Spiderman couch. While Mike and I were wondering through the Magic Kingdom one day Susie picture messaged me a photo of Cassius sprawled out on Walker's couch. I thought it was so hysterical that I mentioned to Mike we should buy one for the dogs. So on Saturday Mike came home from Wal-Mart with a couch for the dogs. Cassius LOVES it and takes any chance he can to have a little snooze on it. Beck is still adjusting to it, but I think she is becoming more fond of it. Here are a couple of photos of them enjoying their new furniture.

A Birthday Party & Tree Cutting

On Saturday Beck, Cassius, & I all went to group dog training. It happened to be Jeb's birthday, one of our trainer's dogs, and rather than working most of the class we spent the time playing and eating cookies. Well I should say that Beck and I spent most of the time playing because Cassius had to go and sit in the car since he can't always play nice with the other dogs. Beck did well wearing her party hat, but it didn't last too long. She is NOT a fan of any sort of costumes and after making her wear this I kind of fear for my face while I sleep, LOL. After class since neither of the dogs were tired we all went for a nice long run. We all slept soundly.

While I was baking Christmas goodies this morning, Mike and Cassius went out to have "man camp" time in the back yard. Sadly our big tree died about a year ago and we have been slowly chopping away at it as we need fire wood. Cassius was helping by mulching the smaller branches.

A New Trick

I just finished reading Cesar Milan's new book, "Be The Pack Leader." In his book he tells a story about a dalmation that is surrendered to a fire station in California. The dog is a holy terror but after the fire fighters learn to use "Cesar's Way" the dog becomes apart of the station's family so to speak. Cesar talked about how they taught the dog a trick to show the children that came to the station for tours. I got a kick out of this trick and decided to teach Beck. I thought it would also be fun to show off when we go and visit Mike at the fire station or when Beck and I go to the hospital for pet therapy. Sorry the video isn't upright, but I think you will get the idea :)

Mike the Fire Fighter

Today was the first day of Mike's fire academy for the Eagle Fire Department. I don't know who was more excited. Mike has worked really hard to accomplish his goal of obtaining a full time fire fighter job and we both are very excited to start the year off working in fields that we enjoy. Our good friend Theron will be going through the academy with Mike. They are both fired up about starting the academy. Because Theron lives close by they will be able to carpool to and from work.
This morning I was acting like a mother who was sending her child to their first day of kindergarten. I packed Mike a lunch and was snapping photos.

The Holley's Go to Disney World

We left Thanksgiving morning for Orlando to meet up with Anna, Alex, Ethan & Aidan for a week of fun at Walt Disney World. After collecting the crew at the airport we all headed to eat our "Thanksgiving Feast" which was served up to us at the Lonestar Steak House. The food wasn't great but the company made it fun. Anna's friend Julie, her husband Tom and their son Truman met up with us as well. Friday was our first day in the parks and we started at the Magic Kingdom. You can see from the picture that I am just a little bit excited to be there. We had a great lunch at the Plaza Restaurant and then hit the rides. Mike and I loved riding Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain that day. The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean had been refurbished and we enjoyed seeing the changes that had been made to both rides. Mike and I finished off the night at a local TGIFridays watching the BSU/Hawaii Game. Unfortunately the game didn't end in our favor, but it was fun chatting with the locals and having some food. We actually ended up talking with one of the cast memebers that is one of the monkeys in the Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom.


On Saturday Anna and I took Aidan to Epcot while Mike, Ethan, and Alex went golfing.




Aidan was able to have some quality time with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. His reaction was priceless. He ran right into their arms and posed for pictures.


There was a full size fire engine was parked inside the Innovations Building. Aidan had a great time climbing all over it and playing with all of the levers and buttons. Later in the day Mike met up with us and had a great time checking out the engine as well.

Next it was off to the Nemo ride where Mike and Alex met up with us. After the ride Aidan and I were able to get our photo taken in giant statue of Bruce, one of the recovering fish eaters in Finding Nemo.

Sunday we went to MGM for the day. I had to visit my favorite ride out of all of the Disney World Parks, The Rockin' Roller Coaster hosted by Aerosmith. This ride starts out by taking you from 0-60+mph in under 5 seconds. The coaster then moves directly into a full loop and doesn't stop.

Ethan was on autograph patrol the entire trip. He was very excited to meet up with one of his favorite cartoon characters, Handy Manny.

Mike and I joined in on the character meet and greet and posed with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.

On Monday Alex and Mike enjoyed another day of golfing while Anna and I took the boys to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We spent the taking turns riding Expedition Everest, a great roller coaster; watching the Finding Nemo Musical, going on a Safari and taking a trip to Rafikki's Island.
I met this funny goat on Raffiki's Island and really wanted to bring him home. He was just hanging out in the sun and the smile on his face was the topper.

We spent Tuesday through Thursday riding the rides that we love and eating our way through the parks. We were albe to see all of the great Christmas decorations and see the amazing fire works put on at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

We had a great time during this trip. I really enjoyed spending time with my sister and my nephews who are too cute for words. I have more pictures but unfortunately I have hit my limit for this post.