To Our Loyal Four-Legged Friend Auzzie

June 4, 1997-January 6, 2009

I knew it was going to be hard, but I had no idea how hard it was going to be. It has been a long week at the Smith house. Today we had to say goodbye to our best buddy of 11 1/2 years. Few dogs come along as good as Auzzie. While Dayton was taking a bath tonight he asked me why people had to die. He said it was so hard because Auzzie was so special. I think there are few dogs as good as Auzzie was. He and I have traveled many miles together around Billings. He was the best running partner anyone could ever have. He always seemed so happy and willing to do whatever you asked him to do. You always think your pets will live forever and Auzzie's death just came on way to sudden. To make a long story short he went in for surgery today and never woke up. I sat with him earlier today just petting him telling him it was going to be ok. I had a feeling all week that his time was getting near. It is funny how our gut reaction is usually our right reaction. Robbie brought home Chinese for lunch and oddly enough our fortune said. Time heals all wounds. Today it could not be more true. Our hearts ache right now, but we know Auzzie is no longer suffering any more. Little did we know that 2008 would be his last Christmas. Thankfully enough he got to spend it with his best girl Maddie. She was without a doubt his best doggie friend. I thank the Nemers for always taking such good care of him while we were away. You all were his home away from home and second family. I appreciate the many, many times you took him in. Auzzie had been us through so much with us. We got him right after we were married, he's been through two homes and also had to deal with two new little babies but still loved us every step of the way. Life truly does fly by so enjoy every minute. Auzzie we will never forget you and always miss you. You were one in a million. Thanks for making our lives so wonderful for 11 1/2 years!

This was taken Sunday evening. One of our last as a family with our dear friend. We were not sure how much longer Auzzie was going to have so we decided to dedicate our dinner to him. We make steak and even gave him the "You are special plate today." I hope he felt he was treated like royalty.

I actually really love this photo. I accidently took it while I was trying to set up the automatic timer, but I think it really shows how much Auzzie was loved.

New Years Eve

It its a tradition at the Smith household to attend the Bulls game on New Years Eve and then skate with them after their game. We have been doing this for the past six years now and it has been so much fun! This year did not disappoint. We were fortunate enough to have Grandpa Dave and Grandma Diane join in our tradition this year. As an added bonus we were able to watch the game from the Bob Smith Motors Sky Box at the Metra. I will never forget Dawson skating around in all his party gear not caring how "dorky" he looked. I myself was shocked because he continues to tell me everyday he doesn't want to look like a dork wearing his winter coat. In his words he says, "Mom have you ever seen a hockey player wear a winter coat?" I am happy that he was confident enough to wear his "cool" party hat and mask and not think that he looked like a dork. I love all my boys no matter how dorky they can be sometimes and I look forward to a fabulous 2009! As a first we all made it to midnight and blew our horns and shook our noise makers. Next year we figured we might have a fireworks show!

Dayton and I almost to midnight!

You will be happy to know Grandma Diane did make it all the way to midnight even though this photo was taken at about 6:00 pm.


The boys in the sky box.


I don't think Dawson took off his party appareal all night. He was quite the life off the party.

Christmas 2008

Here are a few photos from our Christmas. We certainly had a wonderful time with all our family and friends. Christmas Eve was spent at Robbie's dad's house. The boys had a wonderful time playing their Wii and the dinner was fabulous. Christmas day we were able to spend at home enjoying our traditional breakfast casserole with Glenda and Grandpa Dave and Grandma Diane in the morning. We hosted an early dinner as well and enjoyed playing games and great conversation. I truly love the magic of Christmas and am disappointed when it is all over. I can't wait for next year!

Grandpa Dave and Dawson are dressed up and ready for mass.

Christmas Eve dinner at Rob's house.

Our aspiring chef helps make dinner.

Another wonderful present from Uncle Josh. Both Grandpa Dave and Uncle Robbie were extremely happy with their gifts. What fun Yankee Red Sox games will be!! Go SOX!!

Dayton did a fabulous job making our table look beautiful.

This year we made our own Christmas crackers. Dawson is sporting his purple party hat.

Believe it or not these soda hats were almost first on their lists. Thankfully Uncle Josh and family pulled through and they were not disappointed. They will come in handy during those Yankee Red Sox games!