Hippo Is Back!

After purchasing a bright fushia hippo toy (that of course lets out long squeaks) this past summer for Sydney, Jay thought I had lost my mind. Over time the toy became Sid's favorite. This month, Sid's ability to use her back legs has dramatically declined. Her state started to get the better of us this week when her personality shifted. Instead of bringing her hippo to us each evening to play (if we didn't follow her lead she would nag us with numerous barks -- a tune that grew old the moment it began) she now made no effort to engage with us. After her second treatmet of acupuncture last night she proudly came to us with the hippo. Jay and I couldn't be more excited to see Sid back in action with a huge smile on her face.

This upcomming July Sydney will be 14 years old. This last month has been a painfull reminder of the reality that comes with caring for an older pet. All of the little things Sid does daily for us have become "big" things. Each day we realize how much she means to us. We never thought a day would dramatically change if a hippo wasn't squeaked in our face. Since Sydney is constantly on our minds, last night's playtime was a much welcomed treat.

New Photos From 2000

We started to clean the house! Among a number of "mysterious" items were eleven rolls of old black and white film. After waiting a week and paying more than we ever imagined (I couldn't miss a darkroom more) we were ecstatic when the photos returned. Some of our favorite images among the rolls have to be the photos we found from an evening at Faneuil Hall from 2000. The images proved that even though our hair cuts have changed we were as goofy then as we are now.

Welcome to Maine: The Way Life Should Be

One of our new year resolutions included finding more time to spend with our family. Fortunately we were able to escape to Maine this weekend. One of the best parts had to have been spending time in our favorite city with my Dad and Melody. Melody had never been to the area and the last time my Dad took in the sites was 20+ years ago. (I guess that explains why family trips to the area never seemed to happen when I was young). Although the temperature was fairly low, we had a great time downtown taking in the shopping scene.

No trip to Maine is ever complete without stopping by 12 Belmont Street. We were so glad to see Paul and Sheila. What made the weekend all the more special had to have been dinner on Saturday night. Paul and Sheila took all of us out to the Five Fifty-Five for an incredible meal and of course good conversation. We can't thank all of our parents enough for making the weekend so special. We always love the time we spend with each of you but spending it as a group makes it all the better.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

One of my absolute favorite aspects of teaching has to be snow days. The night before a huge storm rolls our way, I find myself captivated by each and every weather report. To my disappointment, last night school had yet to be cancelled. This left me overjoyed when the phone rang around 6:00 this morning announcing school had been cancelled. Nothing can beat the luxury of sleeping in surrounded by a blanket of snow before heading outside to put all the energy you have conserved to good use lifting layer after layer of inch after inch surrounding your feet.

To make matters all the more exciting, upon waking we found the branches of our birch trees in desperate need of assistance. The weight of the snow has left them arched to the ground and finding additional support on our electric lines. After clearing some snow off the branches, we have been preparing for a sudden lost of electricity in the hours to come.

At least we have enjoyed killing the time with Sydney. Watching her prance around in the snow and attack the shovel makes the winter one of my favorite seasons. Our neighbors couldn't have made the afternoon all the more enjoyable. They seem to like shovelling for hours while blasting Britney Spears from their car radio. Could life get any better! I guess there is a new trend when it comes to shoveling. I must say they win the award when it comes to how to encourage those living near by to pick-up the real estate section and start house hunting. I'm sure they will make our life all the more interesting during the snow storms to come.

We couldn't resist including an image of Sydney enjoying the snow as a pup. Although she has gotten a bit more grey over the years, once winter comes her way her level of energy never seems to change. Hopefully Sydney's energy will mirror that of our supply inside and nothing will change today!

Happy Anniversary Paul and Sheila

Last year in the end of August we spent a wonderful week in Middleton, RI celebrating Jay's parents' 20th anniversary. Paul and Sheila, were kind enough to invite us, Jay's sister Kris, and her husband Kevin to celebrate two decades together under one roof. Sheila found an amazing house that was built nine years ago (I may be a little off on the date -- but I'm sure it's less than ten years old). The house couldn't have been more unique. The entire construction was based around old wood beams that the owners' had savaged and shipped in from Tennessee. Everywhere I turned I found myself mesmerized by the construction and overall decor. Jay and I are currently drafting new plans to renovate 59 Winthrop Street (I'm only kidding -- although the thought has crossed my mind more than once since returning yesterday. Although the house was stunning, nothing was better than having quality time with our family.

Paul and Sheila's generosity always amazes me. We enjoyed unbelievable food at numerous restaurants, but nothing could beat what Sheila was able to put together once she sets foot in the kitchen. Kris did an unbelievable job seeking out exciting places to explore. Between wine tastings, enjoying the beautiful mansions nestled along the shore while trekking around Cliff Walk (the Parker clan walked the terrain five mornings in a row), taking in the sights on a Harbor Cruise, window shopping in downtown Newport, jumping aboard a helicopter for an aerial view of RI, getting a sneak peak of Newport's rich architectural history on a tour through many of the famous side streets, experiencing everything Fort Adams has to offer, finding time to play a little put-put, and who could forget soaking up some sun on Eastern Beach.

As you can tell our week was eventful. While we filled our days with plenty, our evenings were just as much fun. Nothing compares when spending some downtime with your family. Whether we were playing intense games of Pictionary, watching the Red Soxs, or just catching-up over chocolate good times were always had. As sad as we were to return home, the vacation couldn't have been better. Congratulations Paul and Sheila! We love you and can't thank you enough for letting us enjoy your anniversary with you. Our goal now: to find a way to spend another week together next year -- if you can handle being surrounded by your family once more. This time we won't wait 20 years!

Here are a number of slide shows from our trip. I can't thank Kris enough for sending along so many family photos. Your the best!

Home Sweet Home: A look around Sheila's unbelievable find.

Ahoy One And All: The Harbor Cruise

Out and About: Admiring Newport's Famous Architecture

Food Glorious Food: Evenings Out and About

Sophie Grace Keefover

One of the many excellent events to come our way in 2007 included the birth of Allyson's (Sara's cousin) second daughter, Sophie Grace Keefover. On September 24th Sophie arrived and was only 2 lbs and 15oz! Seeing photos of her had me in awe. Aside from how beautiful she is, I was amazed by her size considering she only weighed 3oz more than me when I was born. We look forward to seeing more photos of Allyson's family in 2008. A belated congratulations and we hope to see you guys soon!

Belated News From 2007

Now that 2007 has come to an end, Jay and I have realized we never completed a number of posts. Since our blog is less than a year old, we are hopping others fall through the cracks when it comes to posting every event that comes their way, and we are not one of the few. We apologize in advance to all of you that may see some belated news including yourself in the weeks to come.

A NEW YEAR Means NEW Work

Happy New Year to all!

While we are each still pondering a number of different New Year resolutions, it looks as if one of our biggest goals remains the same: Continue Creating New Work. I don't know how often the "typical" person Googles their own name, but I did just this today and was quite surprised when the first Sara Hagan to appear under my search was actually me. Not to be pessimistic but from the looks of things, I have a feeling Sarah Jessica Parker will always win when searching under Sara Parker.

Anyways, my new found identity inspired me to continue working on my photography -- it so happen that my login information on a photography website (Photo.net) made the real me known to all. My little shot at fame has become an inspiring New Year gift. Now I'm actually using the site to showcase my photography(www.photo.net/photos/sarahagan). In the months to come, I plan to pick-up my Calumet 4x5 once again and start shooting. It looks as if this year is going to be a good one.

In hope that you won't leave this post thinking I'm too vain, I must add that I also Googled Jay's name. Unfortunately, Jason Parker didn't really get me anywhere -- Sara Jessica Parker didn't even appear! I was pleased to find Jay once I searched under JB Parker (number 8 in the listing -- not too shabby).