Doggy Diggs

On Tuesday we decided to take the dogs over to the new house to get acquainted. I have been researching ways to make moves easier on animals, here is what I found:

• Bring them to the house ahead of time to check it out
• Make their dog beds and toys the FIRST thing to go in the house so they have a safe cozy place to go to

Sampson especially got so stressed out when he saw us packing at the old house. For a week straight, he basically lived in his kennel. Because I do not want him to feel that way again, we will be leaving him at my parents' during the BIG MOVE. 

When we pulled up to the new house, the dogs definitely looked anxious. They were ready to explore. They went straight into the basement and I was a little surprised by their reactions. They both had their tails between their legs and were cautiously searching through each and every room. Of course, Oliver stayed close by his big brother - just in case. It was funny because they would peek into a room, and quickly back up.

Eventually, after searching every room (even behind the doors), every toilet, closet and shower - they determined it to be safe. They went back down stairs and started their search again, but this time - with wagging tails.

Sampson longing to go enjoy that beautiful yard (no fence yet)

Oliver apparently made himself at home - by jumping on the kitchen counter???

He saw his Dad at the bar and needed some lovin'

Mike showing Sampson his new room

He is not a fan of the sound wallpaper makes when being ripped from the wall

Trying to escape the deck

Best friends <3 br="">

Picture quality is not the best. Like most of my belongings - I do not know where my camera is for the time being. More fun projects to come...like wallpaper removing, fence building and lawn mower buying!

A Little Sanity Never Hurt Anyone

With my new busy schedule I must find small things to keep me grounded. Taking our sweet puppy on walks has certainly been a wonderful break from reality and has been a productive activity for my husband and I to do together. We usually walk him around our house, through the neighborhood and in the forest nearby.

To mix things up a bit, we have been going to an off-leash park near our home that is absolutely FABULOUS! The park is called Thousand Acre Park and it is off of 84 before you get to any of the falls, Exit 18 I believe. It is so beautiful and so vast that it would take quite some time to have explored the entire park. Sampson loves it because he gets to roam free and meet dozens of sweet dogs who can't wait to play.

In the summer we like to ride bikes on the trails. It's a little bumpy but quite the adventure. Beautiful view of Mt. Hood and a fun little tribute to the Lewis and Clark expedition. Seriously guys, check it out...especially if you're a dog owner!

Snow Day

This morning at about 8am, my Husband (supposedly a grown man) - runs into our bedroom, jumps on the bed and tells me it's time to get up. Then he proceeds to rip open the curtains and exclaims, "SNOW!!!"

 Playing in the snow.

 Mike & Sampson throwing snowballs at Carl's window.

 Sampson is a sloppy runner.

Multiple times today Sampson has come in from outside with a little pile of snow on his nose. 

Who lays in the snow? I mean...come on!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I absolutely LOVE Christmas. Decorating. Cookies. Music. Family. Shopping. Pretty paper and bows. And DELICIOUS food!

Of course, I had to wait until the day after Thanksgiving before I could decorate...in order to make The Husband happy. After a weekend of cleaning and scrubbing, my house was ready!

 Our cute trees we decorated on Thanksgiving (Michael is rather proud of his)!

 Michael's Granny used to give the kids Santas each year for Christmas, and here are a few.

Nativity Scene from Granny.

 I really like snow globes.

 Sampson has his own stocking. It reads, "Dear Santa, I've been a very good doggie!" Let me just tell you, I think he is stretching the truth a bit.

 Sampson is not sure how he feels about the Climbing Santa to the right. They may or may not have become enemies in the last couple of weeks.

 All the decorating really wore him out (it was actually all the barking at the climbing Santa).

Christmas lights! Don't worry, we have since removed the Pumpkins!

They Call It Puppy Love!

We are loving these Fall walks...especially Sampson!

Yup...that's my husband, he occasionally forgets he is a human being.

A little recharging...

Since I was about two, my family has rented a family friend's beach house almost every year. The beach house is in Tierra Del Mar, which is Pacific City I believe. The house is spacious and right on the beach. The view is amazing and we always spend the weekend watching movies, playing games, and of course...eating.

This year was a little chaotic because in the house were Michael and I, my Parents, my Brother and 3 dogs! Sampsy Pants had a blast and was clearly saddened by our departure. He moped around at home for about 3 days, poor little guy.

 Our days were filled with numerous walks on the beach, where Sampson tested the waters (get it!?) to see how much trouble he could get away with.  He spent his walks exploring, chasing Mike, and visiting other doggies. It was this trip where I discovered his stubbornness and complete naughty-ness!

It was incredibly entertaining watching Sampson with Daisy. He followed her everywhere and had to do everything she did. For the most part, Daisy enjoyed his company. When she was sick of him, she did not hesitate to let him know.

We could see the big rock from the sand outside the beach house. So pretty. I didn't even mind that it wasn't warm and sunny.

 Like I said, Sampson was pretty sad about leaving the beach and his best friend Daisy. He slept almost the entire way home.

Oh Sampson...

Oh married life...Now that the wedding has finally come and gone there is a chance I can get back to life as I used to know it. Oh wait...on our one week anniversary - after much begging and convincing, Michael and I took home our very own furry little monster. It is crazy how "at the right place at the right time" we were. I don't even know how we ended up at the PetSmart on 82nd, but we did. Our little Sampson didn't even make it into the cage before I scooped him up and knew he was mine...I mean...ours (especially when it comes to picking up his mess in the backyard).

He loves flowers...eating and smelling them.

Daisy looks huge now compared to Sampson. She has been playing with him very nicely. Sampson loved going over to Mom and Dad's and exploring in the huge backyard.

He was a rescue puppy and is a little small due to having Parvo in his first months of life. This is a very contagious and sever virus that can be caught by puppies who have not yet had their shots. Our tough puppy made it through with the help of his amazing Foster Mommy Tracy who has been so helpful to us so far in our journey as dog owners. When we first took him home we were a little concerned with his lack of energy and were worried that he wouldn't be the outgoing, fun-loving dog we wanted. Then comes Monday morning when I wake up at the crack of dawn for work to a barking, running, tail wagging puppy who really wanted some quality play time! Our worries of having an energyless puppy have now been replaced with worries about chewed up shoes, and knocked over garbage cans as well as getting our fingers bitten off!

Long story short, we are so in love with him and although at 2am when I hear his little cries from the end of our bed and I think to myself, "WHAT DID WE DO!?", I still love coming home to him every day and taking that stubborn leash-hater on his nightly walks!

Sampson trying to prevent getting "leashed". We promise, it's not as horrible as it sounds.

This is what he does when we try to take him for a walk. He is getting much better.

He is just like a baby, if we want him to sleep, we just put him in the car and he's out like a light!