Saturday, my younger son, Elliott, came home from college for a short visit over the weekend. I am blessed that his college is close enough that he can return home for a visit from time to time. Here are a couple of photos made on orientation day at college at the beginning of this year...
Another photo of Elliott in front of one of his classrooms in Guggenheim Hall...
I love the architecture of some of the old buildings on campus...
Look at the beautiful ornate wood carving on this building...
Hard to believe that in a few short weeks, Elliott will have his third year in college behind him. He is majoring in computer engineering.
When Elliott returns home from college for a visit, I am always happy to see him and give him a big hug. I always try to make his visit special by taking him to one of his favorite restaurants or making him one of the dinners he loves. I also enjoy making him his favorite cookies....chocolate chip. I always make enough that he can take some cookies back to school. But, I am not the only one happy to see him....
Our Maltese, Miss Sadie Mae, is right there in the action....happy as she can be! She loves to spend time with Elliott when he is home.
Seeing them together makes me think of just how much our pets are part of our families... Our little Sadie is present and a part of all the important events in our lives...
Here are some special moments with Sadie Mae....starting with a photo of Sadie with my two sons and I. This was taken just a few months after I lost both my parents to illnesses...my mom in June and my Dad in August of 2008. This was my first Christmas without my parents. Having my husband, my children and Sadie Mae with me to celebrate the holidays helped to brighten the Christmas at a difficult time for me.
Here is a photo of my husband and I with Sadie that same Christmas... Sadie looked so cute as Santa...
A group photo of us with Sadie...December of 2008...this was made in the living room of the home we lived in at that time. My older son was visiting us from Houston, Texas, for the holidays. My younger son had just started attending college but was still living at home.
Another year, another special moment with Sadie Mae....Thanksgiving at the Alderbrook Lodge in Washington...November of 2009...
Alderbrook Lodge is right on the Hood Canal... Each year, they have a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony around Thanksgiving. We love to make holiday photos for our Christmas cards in the lodge because it is beautifully decorated.
My husband with Sadie in the early morning out on the dock at the Alderbrook Lodge...
Sadie Mae and I sailing with Mark on Liberty Bay...
Hurricane Ridge in 2009
Having coffee at Hotshots Java after a walk...
New Year's Eve 2010... Happy New Year, Sadie Mae!!!
In Seattle on my birthday...February 2010...seeing the broadway show, South Pacific...
Window shopping and walking in the City of Seattle..
A Christmas in Florida...
My son, Brandon, gave Sadie this Porsche sweater for Christmas that year. She looked so cute in it...
Sadie, the jet setter, travelling back to Seattle from Florida...
Sadie was pirate for Halloween 2010... Here we are dressed for Halloween and leaving our home for a walk into town to the Halloween festival...
My husband and I dressed as "bikers" for Halloween... Here is my husband with Sadie...
Early on Halloween 2010 at the marina at our sailboat, Skye...
My husband and Sadie at the sailboat...
Sadie enjoyed our grand-daughter Brenna's first trip by herself from Florida to Seattle last summer...
Sadie Mae with the wind in her hair on the sailboat... Sadie says, "arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh-------, I sail better than Jack Sparrow..... savvy?"
Sadie relaxing with Brenna in the cabin of our sailboat, Skye--the Lillie James...
My husband and I with Sadie last summer enjoying a sail on Liberty Bay...
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a sailors life for Sadie...
Another day, another adventure for Sadie.... heading towards the San Juan Islands on a whale watching boat...
Sadie says, "Hey, I think they spotted whales up at the other end of the boat. Why are we back here?????"
After a boat cruise, a dog can get thirsty! Can you believe they had a dog fountain?
Our boat to Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands...
At the Poulsbo Marina....going for a walk...
On the ferry from Port Townsend to Anacortes...
Sadie, Elliott and I at Deception Pass...
Sadie relaxing after a long drive at the hotel in Anacortes...
Early the morning we take Elliott over to college to move into his dorm... Yes, Sadie was there....
Learning new tricks...
Now to test the trick out... Will Dad give me a treat if I do this?...
Sadie is such a big part of our lives... Even though she is only 6 pounds of fluff, she makes a big impact and touches the heart of everyone she meets... Our pets are there for us through bad times and good times. They love us unconditionally... They are our biggest fans... They are always there waiting for us...
We are blessed to have our little furry friends in our lives...
Thank you, Sadie Mae, for being a part of our lives and sharing all of our memories...
Have a beautiful day... Love, Kim
Hi Kim, Sadie Mae is sooo cute they are a very big part of the family aren't they. Our Beau is doing fine at the moment but we found out about 2 weeks ago that he has cancer. The vet has given him 2 months but whatever time he has left with us we will love him until it's time for him to say goodbye he is now 9 years old and he has an amazing personality very much the gentle giant that we love. I love all the photo's of Sadie Mae they are very special have a great day Kim. Trish xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 02:33 AM
(((Kim)))What a beautiful posting! Sadie Mae is adorable! I love her expressions! She's so portable that you can take her everywhere (at 6 lbs)! You can put little Sadie in your purse! I love her expressions! Our pets certainly are there for us unconditionally. Love the photo of her with Elliott at the computer keyboard and the one with her kissing you outdoors. They are all beautiful photos!
Your grandaughter is beautiful! You have a lovely family. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sandy | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 03:25 AM
Everyone in your family is so photogenic! I love Sadie..she's precious, and you are beautiful, my friend! Enjoy your week! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 07:31 AM
Loved this post..and Sadie. She is such a tiny armful of love. We love our pets too, they go everywhere with us. I am so glad so many more motels are letting our pets stay now. It's nice that motels can be beautiful and clean and pet friendly. (Loved all your pictures too) :D
Posted by: Julie Harward | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Dearest Trish,
I am sooooooo sorry to her about your precious little Beau. I lost my pet---a Maltese like Sadie---three years ago in April so I can understand your feelings at this time. Her name was Sassy. She was such a sweet dog---it was very hard for all of us. We will NEVER forget her. She was 14 years old and my younger son had pretty much grown up with her. Little did I know that two months later, I would lose my Mom. Then, two months later, my Dad. We found Sadie Mae shortly after Sassy left us (named after my husband's mom, Sadie, and my mom's middle name Mae) and she is 3 l/2 years old now. Sassy will always have a special place in our hearts...but we knew we had enough love to give to a new pet. It did ease our hearts to have Sadie in our lives and we love her very, very much. I will be thinking of you, Trish, over the next couple of weeks and your little Beau. Your pet has been blessed to have shared a life with someone as wonderful as YOU. I am saying a special prayer for you and your family... xoxooxox (((((((hugs))))))) Love, KIm
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Hi Julie,
Thank you for the sweet comments. Sadie is truly part of the family... Although, sometimes we think she thinks WE are part of HER pack... ha The Northwest area LOVES pets. Most stores (unless food is served) will allow you to bring your pet in and many shopping areas put water outside the stores for the dogs which is nice. We are seeing more hotels that let your pets accompany you...especially if they are small. I can tell that you love your pets, too, and have enjoyed the photos on your blog. Have a great Tuesday! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Hi Diane,
Thank you for visiting and your sweet comments. I am always amazed at how many things Sadie has done with us when I go through my pictures as I did for this post. That Sadie gets around! Have a beautiful day today and great week! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Hi Sandy,
I know how much you love your little doggies which are adorable and knew you would enjoy seeing little Sadie Mae. Thank you so much for your nice comments. Above everything, Sadie LOVES to go for a walk...she gets sooooo excited. Now that the weather is going to start getting better in our area, we will be out walking a lot again. Good exercise for BOTH of us! Looking forward to seeing more photos of your little furry friends, too, on your blog. Your dogs are sooooo cute! Have a beautiful day! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Hi Kim,
Sadie is so darn cute! I read in your comment that Sassy lived to be 14 and only passed away 3 years ago. That must have been extremely difficult to not only lose your beloved pet, but both of your parents too! I made a comment this morning, but was in a hurry to get out of the house for work. Must not have pressed the send button. I even forgot my purse so my husband drove 22 miles to bring it to me!! Isn't that sweet?
Love all the photos! You have a beautiful family! It's great that Sadie is so small and portable. It makes it much easier to take everywhere! I love her expression (almost human)! It's obvious from the photos that she has brought your family much love and joy!
Love everything that you are doing with your blog. You are learning and growing. Your space is beautiful. I just sent your link to one of my co-workers.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Trish and her family. Our beloved pets bring so much joy to our lives...it's difficult to have to let them go. Beau knows that he is loved. I hope you have some good quality time with him.
P.S. ((Kim)) What about a Sadie Mae calendar?
Hugs, Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Hi Sandy,
Wow! Your husband is a sweetie-pie! Bringing your purse all that way to you....he is a keeper! Tell him he was a hit with all the bloggers today for doing that. My husband is a man like that, too... I heard a noise very early this morning that sounded suspicious and he drove all the way back home to check it out at 5 a.m. Turned to to be nothing...thank goodness. We have two good men in our lives, girl! Yes, it was hard to lose Sassy....it happened very suddenly but---thank goodness---we were there with her. My Mother knew her cancer was back at the time Sassy passed but didn't tell me right away because she knew what I was going through with losing Sassy. Moms are like that---wanting to protect their children no matter how old we are. 2008 was a hard year... but, like I have posted on my postings...the road will be rocky and hard to climb, at times, when you lose your parents or someone you love dearly. But, if you look for signs along the path...you will see a flower or two...these flowers are signs that your loved one is still with you in your heart. Finally, you come to a meadow at the end of that rocky road and find peace. Little Sassy's heart just gave out. She will live in our hearts forever. I wish our pets lived longer lives but they sure pack a punch in our lives while they are with us. They just complete your family, you know? Sadie Mae is a blessing to our family. She is full fun and spunk. She is a great companion and we love her dearly!!!! Just part of the family as my posting says. I know you love your little dogs, too. Have a wonderful day, Sandy! You are a special lady! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM
So cute!! Brenna was excited to see herself on your blog. Sassy is such a sweet girl. I love that she gets to go out with us to different places when we visit. Your pictures are beautiful, great job! Love & hugs from Florida!
Posted by: Ashley | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Hi Ashley,
Thank you for your sweet comment. I wanted to surprise Brenna with her photos on the blog. So glad she enjoyed seeing her photos. Sadie enjoyed having Brenna here with her. Love ya lots! xoxoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Hi Kim!
I've been busy the past couple of days so just now responding to you. Yes, our husbands are keepers! It's nice when you can be married to your best friend. Glad that your noise turned out to be nothing. That is so...sweet that he drove all the way home to check on you. Now that is a man protecting his beautiful wife, and his castle! You have a beautiful family! Your photos are precious.
Yes, mothers do try their best to protect us. I can't imagine hearing that news about your mother right after Sassy died! I sure do wish that our pets lived longer. I look at my 2 fur babies and can't believe how old they are! It seems like just yesterday they were little puppies. I hope they will be with me a long time.
Yes, life does provide us with little signs of our loved ones. A beautiful flower, a bird or something lovely crosses my path at just at the right moment. Reminders that connect my heart with the spirit of love and sweet memories of those that have gone before us.
Life can be a rocky path at times, but there is always so much beauty to get us through the rough patches.
It's been raining for the past couple of weeks here in Michigan. Sure hope my flowers don't get waterlogged!
The hummingbirds have arrived! My mother loved watching those little birds because they bring so much joy!
Have a beautiful day Kim! You are a very kind sweet soul, and I'm so glad that I have met you online.
Hugs, Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 07:01 AM
Hello Kim,
It's me again. In looking at this beautiful post with all the pictures of your family I have to say that my most favorite picture is the last one of sweet Sadie Mae giving you kisses!
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Hi Sandy! Awwwww---- thank you so much! I love that photo, too! We were making photos outside in the snow and Sadie suddenly started licking on the cheek. So sweet... Have a beautiful day today! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Hi Kim,
Thinking about you today and also thinking about our dear litle pets. Sadie is so darn cute! When my little babies go to rainbow bridge, a maltese might be the next breed I get. How many pounds is Sadie? Does she shed? Is she smart? My shih tzus are adorable but so stubborn that they don't appear to be very smart. I love them so much and hope that I will have them for a VERY long time. Hard to believe that Kensie will be 10 in July and Kayla is already 9! It looks like you guys take Sadie everywhere you go!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs, Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 06:46 AM