The Fennels: Birthday Bonanza!!!!

On July 31st, Ernie Banks turned seven years old. On August 6th, Pappy Van Wrinkle and Wollersheim the Whino celebrated their FIRST birthday. It is now August 15th - and I am JUST writing about it.

Better late than never, amirite?

A LOT has happened since I posted last, and I quite honestly don't even have an excuse for not writing - other than life has just been busy. I will try to bring you all up to speed on everything eventually, but for now, we are going to focus on the babies' birthdays.

On Ernie's actual birthday, my parents, Matt and I went to the Cubs/Brewers game in Milwaukee. We had fabulous seats, a great time, and the CUBS WON!!!

Ernie decided to stay home and watch the game on TV. He was with us in spirit - and OF COURSE - the Cubs won only because it was Ernie Banks' (named after THE Mr. Cub) birthday.

We intended on having Ernie's party (with just our furfamily) mid week the following week, and having the boys' first birthday party (with guests, a cookout, goody bags, etc.) that Saturday. Unfortunately, by Wednesday - we were on the way to the vet with Wally and his upset tummy.

Dr Gerbig said that he had hookwarms - which was SO SAD - and that ultimately convinced us to cancel their party.

But fear not! Both boys got some medicine, and were cured and ready to party hard by the weekend. We decided to celebrate all three boys' birthdays together - with just our immediate [fur]fam.

And we had so much fun.

For Pappy's and Wally's birthday, we bought them a swimming pool to keep cool on hot days. Sadly, they didn't quite understand and thought it was just a very large water bowl. Whatevs.

We took them for a nice, long walk.

And exhausted them before starting the birthday rave.

PARTY TIME!!!!!!

I specially ordered a dog cake (through Canine Crunchery) for the boys' first birthday: Banana and Peanut Butter flavored. And it turned out SO CUTE. The pups loved it.

For Ernie's birthday cake: it was specially made by um. Me.

So professional, huh?

Ernie got to eat an extra meal for his party (which he was so excited about), and he even let Lulu have some. Wally, on the other hand...

Mommy and Daddy had cocktails.

Trying to pose the boys with their birthday hats.

EEEEK. I JUST CAN'T HANDLE THE CUTENESS!

Ernie's and Lulu's turn!!! They were SO thrilled.

CAKE TIME!

and then PRESENT TIME!

We adopted a Sumatran Rhino and Bactrian Camel through World Wildlife Fund.

The rhino was for Ernie.... because naturally - they look the EXACT SAME.

But in all seriousness: the camel and rhino were the only two remaining animals that we hadn't yet adopted from the "extinct in the wild/critically endangered" list.

So now, we have officially adopted all five:

Amur Leopard

Darwin Fox

White-Cheeked Gibbon

Sumatran Rhino

Bactrian Camel

Now, we will start purchasing from the "endangered" animals - which consist of 42 different species. AND I PLAN ON ADOPTING EACH AND EVERY ONE!

BY THE WAY - these make GREAT gifts for kids, too. A stuffed animal, info card, gift bag, and adoption in their name. PLUS - you'd help save one (or more) of these poor animals.

CLICK HERE TO ADOPT

And now, I have to get a little nostalgic.

I cannot believe Ernie is seven.

Really.

I feel like it was just yesterday that Matt and I moved into our first apartment and brought Ernie home.

LOOK HOW SKINNY HE WAS!!

He has been with us from the absolute beginning - and has been more than accommodating with all of our moves and adding on additional furbabies.

Time needs to stop right now - because I get overly emotional thinking about how he is already seven.

Sigh.

And then - there are the pups. A year already?!?!?

I don't think I ever shared ALL the pictures taken from Tina (their foster mom) before we brought them home. From the box they were found in, to the car ride from North Carolina to Wisconsin, staying at Anne's house for the week interim, then finally bringing them to their FURever home and family.

Enjoy the eleventy more pictures -