Leuka Martin

We said goodbye to our Leuka on July 18. She was 16 1/2, and suffering from arthritis and kidney failure, but in her last days she was her sweet and affectionate self, thanks to the kitty opiates the vet prescribed. Here's posting some favorite shots of our girl. 

The floor in this next shot dates it as pre-Gaithersburg, when Leuka was still the head lady of the Martin house. 

 Her first Christmas in our new place. Note the recently purchased Ikea furniture, and the suitcase full of Christmas presents about to head to CA. 

Classic. 

Even more classic. 

Passionately nuzzling her crack celery bag. 

She weathered the addition of two babies

And became a friend of the little people as they grew to appreciate her. 

In the end, she spent about 23 hours a day in this spot in the kids' bathroom.
These are from the morning of her last day.

We've had a lot of conversations with Peter (usually the same one) about where Leuka is and what death is. That's been sad--but important, I think. 

We'll miss you, old girl. 

More Spring

This should catch our little photo album up to the earlier Outer Banks post. 

Here's some more of what happened this Spring...

Here was Anna not quite walking, but none the less mobile .

Anna with a sweat/sunscreen powered mohawk; Peter basking in his bubbles. 

Zoo Day with the Mercados: En route

Lunch 

I didn't get many pics of the animals, except these 4 little tired ones:

A little magic on the stairs

 A big boy bed!

My handsome artiste

Love, love.

Peter fishing in his boat with Leuka

Oh this was a good moment:

A little yard work with my sweaty, muddy, getting-drenched boy. 

My little sillies on the kitchen floor

Found:

PB&J face. He likes to open up the sandwich and chew the PB or J off the bread. We're working on that habit.

Lovin' on Leu

Memorial Day?

First pool of the summer

The Mama Robin and her poorly located nest of younguns. 

My garden assistant

My Lady of Hats

...and her prized watermelon

The Fort

Anna took over Peter's tricycle when he gave up on his lessons. And here's my view on our morning walks. 

Strawberry picking!!!

And, for those with less responsibility...

And just a few more of these beautiful little goofballs I love with all my heart...