A Sad Day In the Phillips Household

Today, Harley, our 10 year old golden retriever, lost his battle with cancer. About 2-3 weeks ago Harley had trouble seeing so we took him to the vet. The vet told us he had cancer in his lymph-nods. The vet predicted that he would live at least 2 months. Harley did well for two weeks. He was perky and had energy. Then yesterday, Tuesday, he could hardly move, even lift his head. He did eat, drink, or go to the bathroom. Harley was a great dog! I know this entire situation is going to be hard on all of us, but especially hard on my mom, dad and Kelli. My mom has been home for the past month due to her foot surgery, so she has been with Harley the entire time. My dad is the person that takes care of Harley the most, so it is going to be very difficult for him. When we got Harley Kelli was only 10 years old, so she has grown up with Harley. IT is hitting her hard. Kelli actually came home from school last night so she could see Harley. For those of you who are dog lovers even just pet lover you understand how difficult this situation came be. It is going to be hard the next few week. Thank you for your prayers.

Here are a few fun pictures of Harley:
This was one of Harley's last pictures. He was up at the Adirondacks with Dad, Laura, Kelli, Uncle Vince and Nika. He loved to vacation at the lake, both in the winter and summer!


This is Harley's sleeping position!


At Christmas we give Harley a huge bone to occupy him.  He will eat the presents if we don't. He was so excited about the bone that he jumped for it!  (At 10 years old)


He and his buddy Nika both had bones.  They played outside all Christmas.

Jacob came to visit

Last weekend a friend from York came to visit, Jacob McKinley. He drove up Thursday and stayed with us through Sunday. We had so much fun showing him New England.

Friday we locked him in the apt with the cats for most of the day due to the fact that we both had to work, but we made it up to him. That night we drove him around the area. We stopped by the Book Barn, went out to dinner at Mystic Pizza and took him to Mohegun Sun Casino. It was the first time he had ever been in a casino. HE was fascinated, but also heart broken for those who should not be there.

Saturday we took Jake to Flanders Bakery (best bakery / donut shop ever). Then we made our way to Gillette Castle. The Castle itself was closed, but we were able to walk around the grounds. The view of the CT river is wonderful. After exploring and taking pictures we made out way to Devil's Hopyard to see the waterfall. Then we headed back home for a quick lunch before going to Jonathan Edward's Vineyard. Jake likes red wine, but had never been to a wine tasting. After the wine tasting we went to dinner at Margaritas. Then we went back home to unwind before church the next day.

Sunday, after church, we had lunch and then Jake was on his way home. It seemed like a quick visit, but it was great to show him New England.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

At the Book Barn:


At Devil's Hopyard:

Jonathan Edward's Vineyard:





Jacob loves cats.  He said he really liked Mystique, but he didn't think Mystique liked him (she is shy.) But Tanzi, on the other hand, Jacob had so much fun with her.  


She is such a flirt!

Scrap-booking weekend

After Eric and I got back from California we spent the weekend with his parents. Eric and his dad had a bonding weekend while Mrs. Frett and I bonded in a much different way! We scrap-booked! Eric's mom, Nana and I went to Lancaster for the weekend and worked on our scrapbooks! It was a lot of fun. I was able to start Eric's and my first year of marriage (I got through 6 months).

Here are some pictures from this weekend:

The Group:


The Store:


The Room: 


Our Table:


Mom and I working:


My work area:

California over winter break

I had off for a week in February, so Eric and I decided to travel out and visit Amanda and Josh Dishmon in Monterey, CA. We haven't seen them since last August. We made a road trip out of our week.

We started by driving down to Philly and stayed the night with our friends, Bridget and Jake. After a nice breakfast on Saturday we took a plane out to CA. We stayed with Amanda and Josh for 6 days, Saturday to Thursday. While in California it rained almost everyday except the last two days, but we made the best of it. We took two trips to Big Sur. We went to Pacific Grove and mainly spent time visiting with Amanda and Josh. Of course Amanda and I were able to do some baby shopping, that is always fun! It was great to visit with them. I told Amanda I was actually glad it rained a lot, that way we could just relax and spend time with them. Eric and I miss them both very much!

Here are some pictures from out trip:


As we drove down Rt. 1 in Big Sur was watched  storm come across that the Pacific ocean.  It was beautiful, but we didn't want to be out in the rain when it hit.  


This is a foggy, rainy picture of the coastline. 


Julia Pfeiffer State Park's waterfall was brown from all the mud, due to the rain.  


After all the rain passed we went to a Monarch Butterfly Farm/ winter pit stop. We were supposed to see thousands. We only saw one, but he posed for us nicely!


He even showed off all his colors for us.  


We did, however, see a lot of CA deer.  They do look different than the east coast deer.  


There was an entire herd.  


The sun hit this lilly perfectly!


The following are some of the views we saw of Rt.1 the second time we went. 





















On our way back to Monterey we noticed that the mountains off in the distance are snow covered.  It was in the 60s along the coast and snow covered mountains in the distance.  So Cool!


This is the Monterey Bay Marina: 




A picture of the boys in the Pacific Grove Natural Museum.  


and enjoying Jamba Juice.

I took this shot of Amanda and Eric looking over the Monterey Bay.  Amanda was weirded out by this picture because she thought it looked like they were a couple.  So she took a picture of Eric and I...


Here is Amanda's picture of Eric and I.


I love this shot of Amanda and I!


Cute picture of Amanda, Adah and I!


The last night we were there we went to the beach and watched a beautiful sunset!  This is a sweet picture of Amanda and Josh!


I loved this picture of Eric.


Eric and Josh went and explored the rocks.  Every time they found a pool to look through they each took their "pose" - Eric bending at the waist and Josh squatting.  

These are a few pictures of the beautiful sunset: