swimming lessons...

Everyone says Weimaraners are natural born swimmers… Yeah, False.  Grace was not so amazing at it, especially considering her first time in the water was jumping from our boat- all because she was just that excited to be with her dad…  And our little Penny baby seems to be following right along in her older sister's footsteps.  You see, the first time she finally ventured out into the water, she froze like a deer in headlights… sweet girl.  She was neck deep in water and wouldn't budge an inch!  Now Birdie (totally fearless & yes… maybe a bit of a natural born swimmer) went straight out to Penny, not once, but twice- trying to coax her back to shore…  And that pretty girl absolutely refused to move a muscle- until mama came out to her rescue.  So… insert swimming lessons here.  And success!!  Our friend's pool + a lifevest, and she started paddling!!  Here's Birdie on the left and Penny on the right (sans lifejacket).  Good girls.

We also took a day trip to Lake Murray.  A little more practice & a lot more fun for everyone!

Of course they found the absolute perfect stick… which meant it had to come home with us.

Moral of the story, just because a dog has webbed feet, doesn't mean they will be amazing swimmers.  Sometimes they need a little extra help from mom and dad.

dog days of summer

Summer's coming to an end, and before I can post any of my "favorite time of year," autumn loveliness… I need to get caught up on this summer's happenings.  (Because I like to remember my life in some sort of seasonal order, and… I'm just a weirdo like that.)  But I kinda have a perfect reason for being a bit behind on my postings.  You see, I have been busy-busy-busy!!  (Lots of fun moments, but also some I want to pull my hair out and cry moments…)  I'm sure a few of you are aware that we've added four more paws to our home recently…  We've been fostering another furbaby for the last few months, which has been quite an adjustment for this girl!  I mean, it goes without saying that two one & a half year olds sure do have a ton of energy, right?  Understatement.  So say hello to our newest addition, Birdie (aka bulldozer, wrecking ball, & Tasmanian devil).  And take a peek at what these pretty little grey girls have been up to this summer!

the girls on their first (REALLY LONG) walk together

playing patty cake and hanging out in the yard

working on our manners so we can be proper patio pups!

visits with crazy aunt Frieda & a few summer storms

dog parks & lake days!! Oklahoma is HOT & we are practicing our swimming… 

And in case you wondered… Penny's the one on the left, in every single one of the two of them… RANDOM, I know.

vanilla chai jax weekend

Well this post may be a bit behind schedule, but the title is pretty self explanatory… toes in the sand, South Jax Beach, & drinking vanilla chai lattes all day, right?  Uh huh- sounds like perfection.  Okay great, where do I sign up?  -Well that's exactly what a few of my college besties planned and made happen.  Now I won't bore you with all the girlie chit-chat and bracelet making that happened during our stay.  (Shopping?? Check out Rosie True!!)  Instead I'll just share a few pics of our weekend getaway that will be sure to make you jealous & will have you planning your next beach vacation in no time!  Ps. You MUST go to Lillie's Coffee Bar… TRUST ME.  You'll thank me later!!

week 15

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

99. apr 23. learn how to change a tire so you can do it yourself or someday help out a stranger in need » okay, so this is a bit of a cheat day, because I learned how to do this a really long time ago… but good skill to know, especially if you drive a car!
100. apr 24. stop and pet a dog and say hello to the owner » I keep running into a couple on our walks that also has a pretty new rescue pup.  The were struggling with her at first, she has a bit of a protection/aggression issue, but I love seeing how much they've worked with her and just how far she's come!
101. apr 25. offer your car truck to a friend without wheels that needs to move big furniture » My only wish is that I could have lent a hand as well, but I know just having the truck helped greatly.
102. apr 26. make signs for the trash, recycling, and compost so it's clear what goes where » Calling all label maker lovers everywhere!!
103. apr 27. donate a little bit of money to aid disaster-relief work somewhere in the world » You may remember me boasting about my cousin's upcoming climb on Mt. Everest.  Well the Nepal Earthquake pretty much gave our entire family a heart attack, because it occurred during her ascension!  She is safe, thank goodness.  So this good deed seemed to peek out of the book right when help was needed.  I hope you'll consider making a donation as well.
104. apr 28. don't eat meat today » pretty excited to have discovered the sofritas at Chipotle (and loving that their menu is now GMO free).  Well let's just say everyone that tried mine, had no idea it wasn't meat!!  Bet you can't tell what it really is!
105. apr 29.  learn how to say "thank-you" in other languages so you can thank people in their native tongues » I've always appreciated when someone can't speak our language, but I can see that they are trying…  It may not be easy, but it shows respect.  Of course I do my best to return the favor when I am speaking to someone knowing that English isn't their first language.  It is so funny to see how tickled they get just to hear me say a few of their words!  -Danke, Merci, Gracias, Kheili Mamnoon!!  Any idea which language the last one is??

I bought the little one her very own pool and honestly thought that since she was still a puppy, I may regret the decision…  But it wasn't the flying leap into the water I had expected, hah!!  We're still working on getting in the pool, so for now it's just bobbing for toys!

back with family...

After four long years… we took a week long drive from the east coast, and were able to visit family along our way home from Germany.  It was so nice to see everyone after such a long time away… It was wonderful meeting my nephew for the first time & seeing my niece again!  Here's a few pics from our afternoon together.  

Until next time… eat some yummie Chicago style pizza for me!!

little miss claire bear...

The first time I got to photograph this cutie, she was in her mama's belly… Now she's eight months old, where has the time gone? So full of personality, when she wasn't sticking out her tongue or making all her sweet funny faces, I'd catch a glimpse of her cute one-toothed grin. Such a joy & full of wonder…

amongst the wildflowers...

Have loved every moment I've been able to spend with these two… from the time they were three weeks old and about five pounds each, to now at eighteen months.  It's been a pleasure to photograph these sweet babies, and who knows… maybe I'll see them again somewhere down the road, when we're all back stateside.