Some things never change!

This is just too cute to not share!

Here are my girls one of the first times we caught them actually touching each other! Nala must've creeped in after Rahja was already asleep, but we were so relieved that MAYBE Rahja was giving in and was going to end up loving Nala. We could only hope they would turn out best friends...

And this was just the other night. Two years later. The only thing that has changed is Nala's size, and the fact that now this is so normal we never would think to take a picture of it. They are so lucky to have each other, and we are so lucky to have them!!!!

Almost summer!

Wow, I cannot even believe that May is more than half way over!!! Feels like it just started! This has been another busy month in our lives...
I have been working a ton!!! I know this is good, but just like all the teachers who are taking all these days off, I am feeling burnt out too. I am so ready to be in a place where I know what to expect everyday. Where I know the kids' names, and the procedures for each building. I have enjoyed my time subbing because I knew I wouldn't be doing it forever, and because I have been able to pick up things I liked in each classroom, but I am ready now to have a "home." I am ready for long hours and knowing where everything is. And I am so ready for building relationships with just my 29 kids. (Which yes, is how many 2nd graders I will have next year).
I subbed in the room I will be teaching in yesterday and picked up a whole packet of information that the teacher has been writing for me. It overwhelmed me and excited me all at the same time. I know the beginning of a school year is stressful even for a seasoned teacher, but I also know that I have an amazing support group. It should be a fun ride!

My darling husband has been busy this month as well. He has completed the brick walls... That's correct, COMPLETED! A job that we dreamed up when we bought this house, that at some times I'm sure we both thought "is it really worth all this?" is working it's way to an end. Here is what our ridiculous hillside looks like  now... 

But now, don't be fooled. This yard is FAR from being finished. The garden will be in the middle of these two walls, and that is what Kevin is tackling next. It will have raised beds and a brick "floor". Then we have to pour a concrete retaining wall at the bottom of the yard so that we can attempt to level all the dirt from this hill into our yard. After that wall there is more leveling, topsoiling the entire yard and planting grass. And since we will be gone for a big part of the summer, we are hoping to have it all finished by the time school is back in session. It's closer to being a usable yard than it has ever been, and I can't wait to look out and see nice green grass and a garden full of stuff!!! THANKS to my amazing, hardworking husband our dreams and visions continually come true!

On another note, we leave for Europe in 40 days!!!! I cannot believe it is that close now! We can't wait to be writing on here every evening from our journey through Europe. Please cross your fingers that that horrid volcano calms down and we are able to fly on time to each of our four stops :) 

Thanks for taking the time to stay updated with our lives! We hope the sun finds you and yours happy and well!!!!

 The O'Neils

May Day!

When I was searching the internet one day in early April, I found an annual fundraiser for the SW Wash Humane Society called Walk for the Animals. You pay an entry fee and then go on a 1.5 or 3 mile walk on the Vancouver waterfront with your dogs. Well since Rahja's birthday is in May, (hence the middle name Maye), and because there is nothing else in the world Rahja likes more than other dogs and walking, we figured this would be a perfect event to base her fourth birthday around. Also since both of our dogs are rescue dogs, (one from the humane society and one from a shelter in Gresham), this is something that is very dear to our hearts.  

The weather did not look promising, and as far as we had seen there hadn't been any advertising for the event beside on their website, but we were determined to make this a fun day, so we went thinking we would be three (Kev, my mom and I) of maybe 20 people there. Much to our surprise, when we reached the park where the registration was, there were HUNDREDS of dogs. The look on our dogs faces was of amazement. It was a really heartwarming thing to see, around 1,000 people, most of who had brought their furry sidekicks, were lined up ready to walk for the cause. And although it was a busy and kind of smushed walk along the water, it was a sight to see. Rahja, who knows what birthday parties are, was SO excited that we had done all this just for her. :) The weather held up for us all day, and we were even able to stop along the way and let the dogs swim in the Columbia. 

Needless to say, after we got home and ate birthday cupcakes, the girls were a little tired!

And so was their Daddy.

And their beloved Grammie!!

What a fun way to spend a Saturday! And thanks Mom for always joining in on our crazy dog birthdays! Oh, and notice Nala's collar in her picture... We went shopping at the farmers market that started after the walk and Grammie bought the girls new collars for Rahja's birthday, aren't they cute? 

I feel like May is starting off on the right foot. It feels good to give back. Let's hope the sun hangs around and we will be able to get this yard moving again! Talk to ya'll soon!