McCormick Train

McCormick Train Station! It was our first time going, and we would definitely like to go again. Bundling up in hats and winter coats was really fun. I love little Levi looking like a big boy and walking around. Lots of fun trains to look at and a big park too. We rode a train around the park and had fun on the carousel. After wards we met up with our friends (Hunsakers, Vanzyverdens and Leavitts) to go eat at YC's Mongolian grill. A real treat to see the boys pile up their bowls of veggies and meats and then see them chow down. A busy night in Scottsdale with a car show nearby, but really fun!

Jared (33) and Wesley (9) Bday

Before we lost Wrangler, Jared did have a nice birthday breakfast with waffles and homemade cards. We later had breakfast burritos for Wesley on his big day, more milanesas for dinner and of course lemon heaven cake (a family favorite). Food is fun for birthdays!

Wrangler Roo's last day with us

It really came as a shock. Wrangler had been losing weight recently (over a few months) and we weren't quite sure what was going on. We took him into the vet on Jared's bday where they told us that he had a "mass" in his belly. Most likely cancer. The flood gates then opened. His gums and ears were white b/c there was no longer any blood circulation (all going towards the mass with internal bleeding). He was very anemic and weak. He couldn't even hide from the camera as I took pictures, or prop himself up in the truck for a ride. We knew something was up when he no longer had energy to go for a walk, but just laid himself down on the sidewalk before going into the vet, Jared had to pick him up.
    It was a peaceful time when we put him to sleep. The boys were able to have one last good bye as we drove him home for hugs, pictures and a family prayer. Gpa fortunately was nearby and was able to say goodbye to him as well. So sad to see Gpa Lowe with tears falling down his face too. The orange blanket was laid down, and one to cover the door window. One injection. Made him sleepy. He nuzzled his last breaths over to Gpa where he kept caressing his ear and loving him. We all were touching him and talking to him with kind words. Second injection that made his heart stop. It was so weird seeing that last beat from his heart. He looked so peaceful. Just like he was sleeping.
   No words to describe the loss. I wrote a post on facebook: Dear Heavenly Father: Please take our dog into your arms and love him like we did. Let him eat as many rawhides, cheese and bones as he likes. He loves to play hide and seek with boys in trees, chase rabbits, jump on trampolines and go swimming. We hope his cancer will be gone now and that his appetite will return. Our hearts are so heavy as we think of our loss, but know that he is healthy, happy and FREE there in Dog Heaven. Thank you Wrangler for loving us for 10 years and for letting us love you. We will miss you everyday. Love, the Wilson's.
   I had crying moments for two days, thinking about him and just remembering the great days of swimming, jumping through flowers and snow, fetching frisbees in the park, eggs in his food and spraying him down with the hose during summer. We don't want another dog for a long time. Need to heal. Need to have the desire to care for another animal. Someone told me that we helped "fulfill the measure of his creation on earth." That made me feel better. Still a loss. A void. Something missing. So hard. We talked about how my brother Andrew was probably there to greet him and love him. I hope so.