It is with a heavy heart that I must report that Harvey the Wonder Hamster died earlier this evening. At some, unknown point, this afternoon Harvey escaped protective custody (read: Elli left the top of the cage open) and was found later underneath the kitchen table (read:probaby found by Charlie and played with to death). She was mourned for a total of 3 minutes, when Ike asked.

"Can I go to the pet store and get a white mouse now?"

The private funeral was held this evening. Its solemnity was touching, and the children are doing fine.  (Read: it wasn't quite like the scene from the Cosby Show, but close.)

Ike is still asking for a white mouse.