Aster is our 4-year old domestic long-haired cat, and if we’re being honest, he pretty much runs the house. He’s got this quiet wisdom about him – the kind that makes you think he’s seen some things – but don’t let that fool you, because he’s also got a streak of sass a mile wide.

Aster is very much a momma’s boy. He follows me around, claims my lap the moment I sit down, and insists on sleeping as close to me as possible at night (bonus points if he can pin down my arms or feet). But sneeze anywhere in his vicinity? He’s gone faster than lightening. He tolerates the dogs, occasionally swats at them for existing, and spends his days alternating between naps and plotting world domination.

Dahlia is our 3-year old boxer and Chad’s shadow. She absolutely adores her daddy and has perfected the art of sad puppy dog eyes – a talent she uses to score bites of his fruit (especially oranges and strawberries). She’s high energy, loves long walks through the neighborhood, and believes chasing Aster is her full-time job.

Dahlia has a knack for finding socks and underwear (clean or not – she’s not picky), so laundry day is always an adventure. But she’s also one of the cuddliest pups you’ll ever meet and lights up with pure joy every time her big sister Jillianne is home, because that means she gets to snuggle up with her at night.

And then there’s Walter, our 4-month old Frenchie – proof that good things really do come in small (and slightly mischievous) packages. Potty training with him is… let’s just say “a work in progress.” He’s stubborn as they come and has boundless energy, always finding new things (and places) to get into.

Walter may be small, but in his mind he’s as big as a Great Dane. He loves playing rough-and-tumble games with Dahlia and would eat us out of house and home if we let him. And while he’s way too cute to stay mad at, let’s just say he keeps our carpet cleaner and Clorox wipes in constant rotation. At night, he curls up between Chad and me – sweet as can be – while releasing gas that could probably power a rocket launch. We love him anyway.