My furry friend

This is my awesome dog, Duce. Yes, he's the same type of dog as the old "Spuds MacKenzie" dog mascot for Bud Light products in the late 1980's. This type of dog is also the same type of dog as the white Target dog featured in a lot of their marketing. He's the best dog a boy could ask for as a friend. He is playful like a puppy, but can chill and be a great couch companion. They are excellent pets for households with children. You can find more information about them here http://www.akc.org/breeds/bull_terrier/index.cfm and as the first paragraph states, "Playful and clownish, the Bull Terrier is best described as a three year-old child in a dog suit. This is so true for this breed. Another great thing about my dog is that he is protective of his family, but especially whenever dad leaves the house he's on guard the whole time. So, mom and I always feel safe when we're home alone because Ducey Boy turns into an affordable 24 hour security system making everyone who approaches the house fully aware that he's there. He does nothing but sleep when dad does come home because he's usually tired from doing his protective watch. He's a great dog and a great family member.

Taking a nap together. We both love nap time so we get along really well during this time.

A few months ago Duce hurt his paws so I pulled a bunch of blankets together and made a little bed for him. Then I sat by him to comfort him and keep him company. He'd do the same for me, right?

Don't get me wrong we get along and I love him, but we also play pretty rough, dad included. The following can be heard non-stop throughout the day. "Quit messing with Duce." "Stop hurting Duce." "Please leave Duce alone." "Duce has had enough." Duce does get tired of me beating him up all the time, but at the end of the day we are still good friends.

Company for the weekend

Chris and Leslie came into town from Illinois to see the family and to get away for the weekend before the busy season kicks into gear for Chris. Thanks for coming to see everyone. It was fun to have you around for a weekend. Also, thanks for the ice cream from the creepy ice cream man. It was yummy. (Yes, Chris & Leslie...I hijacked a photo from your facebook page because I went to upload a photo of you and my mom informed me that she forgot to take a picture of you two while you were here. That's why it's so small.)

Cousin Chris brought gifts for everyone back in Kansas. Racing t-shirts in all sizes. Chris is our racing cousin and I am hoping to make it out there several times this summer to watch him race and start getting some pointers. Thanks for the t-shirt Chris! I love it!I was asleep when Chris and Leslie left and missed saying good-bye, but my tears lasted only long enough for me to stumble upon the really cool helmet they left behind. It's the racing helmet that Chris wears. I, of course, had to try it on to check out the fit. Don't worry Chris, my dad only let me try it on the one time and then I had to put it away. I did like it though and cannot wait to have one of my own.

I scream...you scream

we all scream for ice cream and for the Jayhawks victory today, which takes them to the Sweet 16 baby! Mom and dad are going to be broke by the summer if the ice cream man keeps making his daily rounds in our neighborhood.

My daddy rocks!

My mom has been singing praises to dad all week/weekend long. He redesigned the master closet and made it a much more efficient space. It is really nice to have a dad that is so handy and so talented. He makes projects like this look so easy, but they really aren't. He whipped this new closet together within 2 1/2 days and costing very little $. Yay for dad! Thanks dad. We love the new closet. It's helping mom get more organized.

Before the renovation.

Before. Just 2 clothes rods on one side and one on the other side. BORING.

After photos. He built in a "her" side and a "his" side, and gave mom more than 1/2 of the space. Bonus for mom!

Mom's side.

Dad's side.

Finished product. It rocks!

It didn't take long to fill.

Thanks Dad! We love you!

Manning the tattoo artist?!

Manning has discovered the wonderul magically power of markers, pens and highlighters. When he is lucky enough to find one within his reach he is eager to start creating art...on himself. This is one of many drawings that have been washed off.

Happy Friday!

Just some fun pictures for today. I never thought this week would end. Have a great weekend!

Another year older...

another opportunity to catch up with our good friend Coach Self. Mom and I went to Hawk Talk with Grandma Linda and her friends. I gave him a high-5 for the big win against Missouri and shared with him a secret play that I've been working on and told him he can use during tournament time, if he needed it.
Below is a picture of my first meeting with Bill. I was only 8 weeks old. So far we have pictures of me and Bill when I was 8 weeks, 14 months and now 25 months. It's the school pictures of this Jayhawk family. Thanks Coach Self for another great year.