If you know Ava, you know she adores her little raties. Unfortunately, sweet Skidders passed away on November 1st. This wasn’t a big surprise, since she was having some heath troubles. But life for Ava just isn’t complete without these little companions, and poor Ratsie had that big cage all to herself. She needed a playmate. We headed down to Zamzows and Ava found the sweetest blue rat. She immediately knew it was the rat for her.

Meet Josie

Ratsie died a couple of weeks ago. Both Ava and Annalise were really sad. We went to zamzows again, and Ava selected yet another rat! I don’t know if my heart can handle all of this! Overall, I think we give them good lives and our lives are enriched too.

meet Elsa:

Ava just started training these two. So far, Josie can come (but not 100% of the time). And Elsa can rollover. Elsa is a spunky little girl, and Josie’s pretty calm and cuddly.

Annalise with Ratsie

Annalise often tells me that she misses ratsie, and her eyes water when she thinks of her.

Ava with Ratsie

Seems like 2013 flew by… hope you all had a great Christmas this year. We had a very blessed year and are looking forward to 2014. We all had a fun Christmas; we spent Christmas Eve at Jenn’s grandmother’s house, then Christmas at her parent’s house, then the day after Christmas at Scott’s parents house. Ava was super excited about Christmas this year, must be something that hits around 6 years of age.

Ava and Annalise, just before their Christmas Ballet performance:

Ava enjoying her Musketeer costume:

Annalise getting ready to dig in to her giant stocking:

The Cousins eagerly unwrapping Christmas presents:

Not really Christmas-related, but Farley had a good time ice fishing. This is her playing with a perch and trying to stay upright.

Sweet Sisters:

Cascade w/ friends and family:

Egg Dying:

Egg Hunting:

Chipmunk Fever:

Ava loves the chipmunks!! She has collected all 6 of them, and began designing clothes for them.