RIP Hobbes: May 2002 - July 2016

It was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to one of my best friends today: Hobbes, I will never forget you and the comfort, sense of security, and loyal companionship you gave me over the last 14 years. Your purr was second to none. Your hunting prowess was notably on display during The Great Cricket Invasion of 2005 and The Basement Mole of 2012. I hope kitty heaven overcomes all of the challenges of being a cat in this human world and is full of warm sunny spots, exciting things to hunt and loving snuggles. I love you so much. May you rest in peace (Darcy). 


From Cincy to N. Kentucky to N.W Arkansas to Atlanta to Boston and finally to SoCal - Hobbes lived a full, well traveled life and was always a faithful companion to Darcy. He tolerated two baby girls, eventually even warming up and accepting them. Here is to many uninterrupted naps and excellent squirrel and bird hunting in Kitty Heaven. RIP Hobbes (Matt). 

Oceanside Vacation

We spent the week of July 18 in Oceanside CA with Bob and Jamie and Stacey and David's family. Lots of good beach and pool time! Plus a trip to Legoland. 

Big thanks to Bob and Jamie for taking the kids at night and letting D and I get to sleep in a bit. 

Great view from our room at the Wyndham in Oceanside. 

We happened to be there during a surf competion and if you walked  out on the pier you had a great view of the surfers / shark bait. 

The girls had lot of good beach time!! 

Pool Time

Ellie is getting closer and closer to being able to swim on her own. Towards the end of the week she was jumping in without her floaties (as long as Mom was there to catch her). 

Family Time 

Bobpa teaching Ellie how to play Solitaire. 

Darcy and I were able to watch the sun set into the Pacific on a date night. 

On Tuesday evening the San Diego Reifenberger's drove over to see us. Ellie and Em had a blast with Owen and Anne.  

Bobpa showing Ellie and Anne to shoot! 

Legoland 

Vader meets his match! 

Galena IL Family Reunion

Getting caught up on pictures this weekend. 

Back in June we took a trip to Galena IL for a family reunion on the Stanton side. What a great time seeing everyone. 


Jody and Darcy playing Sorry with the kids. 

Emmerson - ~ 2 years. 

 Emily ~2.5 years 

Owen - ~5.5

Ellie - 5.5 years 

Anne - 7 years

The house we were staying at had a great porch! Love a good porch in the summer.

Nothing says summer like a water gun fight! 

The whole Stanton Clan, together again!

The Reifenberger / Stanton Clan. 

Jeff, David and I with our cousins. 

Ellie and Annie putting on some sort of show. 

Emmerson hanging out with Owen - not sure what was so funny?