We had been planning an impromptu get away to the great state of West Virginia to explore the wilds we haven't yet seen there. However, since weather dictates almost every aspect of planning we changed directions, en-route, and pointed due north to try to outrun the weather.
Our new destination, Massachusetts and the Appalachian Trail. I have never even stopped in MA for very long in the past and never stepped foot on the AT there so this was very exciting to me. My kids were on the fence about it but my wife was equally excited so it sounded good. We had no information as to where we were going so we picked a local outfitters in MA and made a stop.
What an awesome place! The building, as many do in MA, was strong in history. It was a heavy timber framed building built in the 1800's. There was a very nice hiking trail in the back of the property as they backed up to a park. After being stuck in the car for a few hours it was nice for the dog, wife and kids to get out and stretch/explore a little.
The name of the store is the Arcadian Shop. Complete with about the most gentle black lab I've ever witnessed, the store was loaded with goods, knowledge, personality and coffee. While my 6 year old daughter took over greeting the dog, I met one of the friendly staff who asked what I was looking for. I explained our predicament and asked for the maps of the AT in the area and whether or not they had any suggestions on where to go. He pointed out a place on the map that met our criteria and off we went.
At the trail head the rain threatened. We had not outran it but more or less stayed in step with it. My wife was watching the radar telling me we got to get moving or we're going to get soaked. I hurriedly packed up the packs with the loose items I didn't pack before leaving and fought to hold back the inquisitive puppy from breaking out of the car and eating the roving chickens that were near by and clearly not afraid of people.
The rain started every so slightly but never developed and we got on our way. Unfortunately my son had a meltdown somewhere between getting started and something his sister did and for the next hour and a half it was pure hell dealing with him and his ADHD. The heat, bugs and humidity didn't help. As a parent I struggle every time this sort of thing happens because he's just not the loving happy boy we know and love when he gets in these moods and it's hard to enjoy sharing him these places and moments.
Once at camp, he was back to being his special, wonderful self. There were things to see and explore. He was responsible and helpful. I got the tent and hammocks set up and then made dinner. It was late, well late for camping anyway. There were multiple thru hikers there and I didn't want to bother them with our family barging into their world. My wife quietly read to my children in the tent Harry Potter as a light rain started to dance on our rain flys. I was in the hammock, for the first time, due to the kids being bigger and having a dog, the three person tent that once used to fit all of us now is tight with the three of them and a dog.
I never thought I'd get to sleep, since I didn't have a bug net and the bugs were still a concern of mine. Not to mention it takes a little getting used to before you can get comfy and sleep in a hammock. However, before long I was snoring (so my wife says) and then my son was next to me at 6:30 asking me if he could take the dog to the lake. I said yes with the usual comments about safety and knowing where he was going, etc. He went and came back a short time later, proud and happy as can be... and hungry for breakfast!
The sun was out and it was going to get hot and buggy fast. With the threat of possibly more weather on the way, we packed up and went down to the lake to enjoy the sunshine will we could. The water was perfect, clear, clean and smooth as glass. We had a nice swim, filtered some water, and after a while it was time to go. Hiking back to the car was a nice change of pace from the day prior. Everyone was in great spirits and not a complaint was uttered. We fought off the bugs, climbed the hills and got back to the car dripping with sweat and relief (my pack this trip was about 50 pounds and my wife's about 30).
We ended up grabbing some lunch in town, heading to Mount Greylock. Bright sunshine, big white puffy clouds encompassed the area while we visited the visitors center and then headed to the summit. My wife and kids got out at the top to explore and take photos. There was a $10 parking fee and we weren't going to be there long enough to make that purchase so we did our thing and headed out.
Next stop was somewhere to spend the night in the rain. And camping was not an option. We ended up finding the Gray Ghost Inn, what a gem! Dog and kid friendly, pool, hot tub and game room. Affordable and comfortable. We got to unwind on the back porch while the rain poured down. The kids enjoyed the wifi and the owners dogs. We ate at a local restaurant and got a good nights sleep.
Next we were off to the Rip Van Winkle campground in NY. It's a great campground, especially if you have children, there's tons of activities and the kids love it! After spending a very relaxing day and a half there we made a brief stop at a familiar place, the Saugurties Lighthouse in NY.
The kids love this place and it's great to check out every time. We met some very nice people, swam a bit and enjoyed a break from the car. We were running low on time so we beat feet and started the journey home. Stopped at an unlikely restaurant in a ritzy hotel on the way for a very late dinner and made home before midnight.
A bit of a whirlwind trip, with some very craziness thrown in, but a very good trip no matter what.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Sure it's cold, but getting out in nature is even more than worth it
My friend's and neighbors often think I'm nuts. For various reasons, most of which are true and good reasons to think that of me. One of them though I don't think they think as crazy, they might even think it's an awesome idea, but none of them would venture out even for a few moments to try it. I'm talking about getting out in nature when it's nice and cold.
We have a few nice parks around us, some with lakes or streams and most have a pretty good population of deer and bird life that are worth seeing. Some places wouldn't meet up on some hikers lists of places worth going but when you've only got limited time and it's painfully close, you do with what you have.
Closest to me is Peace Valley Park. There is a nice sized lake, with several trails both around the lake and in the woods. I ventured to the Nature Center area of the lake today, it was surprisingly empty considering the overcast, snowy weather with the temps dropping and the wind increasing. I was one of three cars in the lot, just the way I like it. Once out of my 4Runner I heard my favorite sound of the wind whipping through the pines, it's a comforting whooshing sound that really relaxes me. I made me way towards a mud and snow covered trail, camera in hand, and off I went.
Alone in the woods, the only prints in the snow were from deer and rabbits. There were a few small birds around, I tried in vein to get a photo of them but due to the contrasting clouds none came out. But that's fine. The walk couldn't have been nicer. The trail soft and quiet. The sounds and smells of nature were out in force. I made it to the creek, which is significantly lower then I ever experience it because they drain the lake pretty low in the winter. It really allows many features that you'd normally never notice to pop right out of the remaining water.
The experience as a whole is so different, the silence, the wind, the cold cheeks, the soft footing... all things that you don't get in the summer and you certainly don't get by sitting on your sofa at home.
So the next time it's cold outside, get out some extra layers, head to a local park that you'd never go to in the winter and experience it for everything that it's not in the summer. You might very well be surprised to see what it's all about.
We have a few nice parks around us, some with lakes or streams and most have a pretty good population of deer and bird life that are worth seeing. Some places wouldn't meet up on some hikers lists of places worth going but when you've only got limited time and it's painfully close, you do with what you have.
Closest to me is Peace Valley Park. There is a nice sized lake, with several trails both around the lake and in the woods. I ventured to the Nature Center area of the lake today, it was surprisingly empty considering the overcast, snowy weather with the temps dropping and the wind increasing. I was one of three cars in the lot, just the way I like it. Once out of my 4Runner I heard my favorite sound of the wind whipping through the pines, it's a comforting whooshing sound that really relaxes me. I made me way towards a mud and snow covered trail, camera in hand, and off I went.
Alone in the woods, the only prints in the snow were from deer and rabbits. There were a few small birds around, I tried in vein to get a photo of them but due to the contrasting clouds none came out. But that's fine. The walk couldn't have been nicer. The trail soft and quiet. The sounds and smells of nature were out in force. I made it to the creek, which is significantly lower then I ever experience it because they drain the lake pretty low in the winter. It really allows many features that you'd normally never notice to pop right out of the remaining water.
The experience as a whole is so different, the silence, the wind, the cold cheeks, the soft footing... all things that you don't get in the summer and you certainly don't get by sitting on your sofa at home.
So the next time it's cold outside, get out some extra layers, head to a local park that you'd never go to in the winter and experience it for everything that it's not in the summer. You might very well be surprised to see what it's all about.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
First Snowfall of the Season
Today is the first snowfall of the season here in my neck of the woods. It has brought happiness to kids and adults alike who love snow, happiness to plow drivers, anger to the people who have to drive in the snow and hate driving in the snow. It's a mixed bag of feelings for everyone in the area. My kids, myself and our puppies (especially the new one) is happy with the snow.
We picked out our Christmas Tree today, in the snow, which was a first and very enjoyable. We're now having an enjoyable fire in the fireplace and the kids are playing a board game. The sound of laughter and a crackling fire fill the house. It's times like this, especially knowing the snow is coming down outside, makes it even more special.
I took a short walk outside with my headlamp on to get another piece of firewood. There's something extra special to seeing the snow coming down in the beam of your headlamp. The silence of the night adds to the peacefulness of my surroundings.
Writing this reminds me to enjoy the small things, be happy for the people that are laughing even if it just temporary, and enjoy the night. That's not something easy for me, it never has been. But it's worth trying.
We picked out our Christmas Tree today, in the snow, which was a first and very enjoyable. We're now having an enjoyable fire in the fireplace and the kids are playing a board game. The sound of laughter and a crackling fire fill the house. It's times like this, especially knowing the snow is coming down outside, makes it even more special.
I took a short walk outside with my headlamp on to get another piece of firewood. There's something extra special to seeing the snow coming down in the beam of your headlamp. The silence of the night adds to the peacefulness of my surroundings.
Writing this reminds me to enjoy the small things, be happy for the people that are laughing even if it just temporary, and enjoy the night. That's not something easy for me, it never has been. But it's worth trying.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
We rented a Tear Drop Trailer!
I've been looking into renting a Tear Drop trailer for quite some time now. But never thought to justify it due to the cost and I'm a tent camper at heart. Well since it's late in the camping season and the temps are getting cooler and the prices to rent the trailer were cut in half, we picked a weekend and went.
It was very awkward from the beginning due to poor communication with the owner of the trailer rental place. Since it's off season they have limited hours and are hard to get a hold of over the phone. We didn't know for sure we were going until the morning of our trip. I had gotten out a bunch of camping stuff, in the event the trailer wasn't big enough for all four of us. Also I got out some cooking stuff, but in true form, I didn't lay everything out as to what I actually needed and was going to use. That will come back to bite me in the but at some point in the story.
I picked it up, brought it home, threw everything in it, the kids in the car and we were off. Our first stop is Hickory Run SP in Pennsylvania. We got there in the dark, searched for the entrance (which was passed twice) and picked a spot. Enjoyed a nice fire, some good dinner and the kids watched the movies we brought in the warmth of the trailer.
We took three dogs, another no no for those wondering. I can only trust one of them off leash, the other two would go explore in a second if given the chance, that point was proven on an early, cold, Sunday morning. The dogs mostly stayed in the car, while the puppy camped in the trailer with us. She's small and doesn't take up much space, not to mention she'd not be happy to be away from us and would probably cry most of the night.
It turned out that condensation was also an issue in the trailer, never opened the vent until the morning on night one. Even with the vent opened on night two it didn't do much better. We took turns being comfortable. Night number one the kids slept up against me and therefor my wife was on the more comfy side. Night number two the kids slept up against her and I was more comfortable. I honestly think that it wasn't really a king size bed, we fit with four kids in a queen the same way that we fit in the "king" size trailer. However, it was pretty comfortable all things considered. I had planned to sleep in the tent, while my wife and the kids slept in the trailer (even brought all the crap), but never did it and wish I had. It'd be perfect for two people, which, ironically, is what it was designed for.
My favorite part of it was the kitchen area with the fridge. Although there was limited storage and if I ever built one, I'd build it differently, it certainly was nice to have a countertop, stove and a fridge to prepare stuff. I didn't need to lug along a two-burner camp stove and small propane bottles, everything was already there and attached. We only prepared hot water, eggs and sausage but it was very nice to have. I can image that in warmer months when hooked to a full service electric and water, it would be a complete pleasure to have the luxury of a microwave, sink and a/c.
I honestly don't know if I'd do it again. The kids loved it but they mainly loved it for the novelty and the fact that it had a TV. I'm glad I tried it and if it was just my wife and I, with the chance of raining (and funds allowed) I think we might contemplate it again. For now, I'll stick with my 6 person tent. The best parts of the trailer turned out to be the kitchen and the ability to throw everything we didn't want in the car in the trailer and be on our way. I loved the night lighting around the kitchen and the trailer, makes for a very nice evening when wanting to have some comforts without a headlamp.
It was very awkward from the beginning due to poor communication with the owner of the trailer rental place. Since it's off season they have limited hours and are hard to get a hold of over the phone. We didn't know for sure we were going until the morning of our trip. I had gotten out a bunch of camping stuff, in the event the trailer wasn't big enough for all four of us. Also I got out some cooking stuff, but in true form, I didn't lay everything out as to what I actually needed and was going to use. That will come back to bite me in the but at some point in the story.
I picked it up, brought it home, threw everything in it, the kids in the car and we were off. Our first stop is Hickory Run SP in Pennsylvania. We got there in the dark, searched for the entrance (which was passed twice) and picked a spot. Enjoyed a nice fire, some good dinner and the kids watched the movies we brought in the warmth of the trailer.
We took three dogs, another no no for those wondering. I can only trust one of them off leash, the other two would go explore in a second if given the chance, that point was proven on an early, cold, Sunday morning. The dogs mostly stayed in the car, while the puppy camped in the trailer with us. She's small and doesn't take up much space, not to mention she'd not be happy to be away from us and would probably cry most of the night.
It turned out that condensation was also an issue in the trailer, never opened the vent until the morning on night one. Even with the vent opened on night two it didn't do much better. We took turns being comfortable. Night number one the kids slept up against me and therefor my wife was on the more comfy side. Night number two the kids slept up against her and I was more comfortable. I honestly think that it wasn't really a king size bed, we fit with four kids in a queen the same way that we fit in the "king" size trailer. However, it was pretty comfortable all things considered. I had planned to sleep in the tent, while my wife and the kids slept in the trailer (even brought all the crap), but never did it and wish I had. It'd be perfect for two people, which, ironically, is what it was designed for.
My favorite part of it was the kitchen area with the fridge. Although there was limited storage and if I ever built one, I'd build it differently, it certainly was nice to have a countertop, stove and a fridge to prepare stuff. I didn't need to lug along a two-burner camp stove and small propane bottles, everything was already there and attached. We only prepared hot water, eggs and sausage but it was very nice to have. I can image that in warmer months when hooked to a full service electric and water, it would be a complete pleasure to have the luxury of a microwave, sink and a/c.
I honestly don't know if I'd do it again. The kids loved it but they mainly loved it for the novelty and the fact that it had a TV. I'm glad I tried it and if it was just my wife and I, with the chance of raining (and funds allowed) I think we might contemplate it again. For now, I'll stick with my 6 person tent. The best parts of the trailer turned out to be the kitchen and the ability to throw everything we didn't want in the car in the trailer and be on our way. I loved the night lighting around the kitchen and the trailer, makes for a very nice evening when wanting to have some comforts without a headlamp.
Annual Neighborhood Camping Trip... and turning 40
What a scary thought it is to leave one decade and move into another. It's only fun when you're 9 or 19. I'm officially 40 this year and it's scary to think about. I know, 40 is the new 30, but I liked my 30's for the most part and loved my 20's... Nothing I can do about it and I'm going to have to change my attitude cause it's here and the number is only going to go up.
For my 40th birthday weekend my family participated in the annual neighborhood camping trip. Most of the group aren't campers, and we're only in a local campground, but the kids have the time of their lives and us parents, well, for the most part we get to to relax a good deal and enjoy ourselves as well.
We set up at the Little Red Barn Campground in Quakertown, PA. A nice, family run campground that is very clean and organized. Everything went off without a hitch with the exception of my MIL's dog got off his leash, which led to some serious bushwhacking through the local woods to find him.
The kids all played so well and they were beat by the day's end each day. We received the remainder of Tropical Storm Cindy on our first night and never received a drop of rain in my tent, the Eureka Silver Canyon 6. I have since learned they discontinued that tent, not sure why, but it's worked flawlessly for our family so far.
My wife and oldest daughter planned a special event with the rest of the neighborhood that was there to surprise me for my birthday. They got me to go away then surprised me with a banner and cake when I returned. It was very nice. I'm not one for surprises but it was a good one.
After the overnight Friday rain we received from the storm, we arose to a beautiful June summer day. Blue skies abounded and everything was getting dried out.
I had a plan for the weekend and that was to relax. While attempting this I had my MIL's dog, Eno, hooked up on his collar. The second he knew I was asleep, that collar came off and he was gone. I summoned my wife and formed a search party. Off into the briers and thickets I went. In shorts and a t-shirt I dug my way through the woods and was always just a step behind the dog. Like he was just playing with me. Eventually he came out to my wife, thank god, got him hooked back up and in the crate. The afternoon went on.
We had a nice dinner and a wonderful campfire with s'mores and sparklers. The kids did crafts and played games. Everyone was beat and headed to bed early.
Sunday the festivities continued with playing in the pool and then packing up. The weather was perfect and it was hard to leave.
For my 40th birthday weekend my family participated in the annual neighborhood camping trip. Most of the group aren't campers, and we're only in a local campground, but the kids have the time of their lives and us parents, well, for the most part we get to to relax a good deal and enjoy ourselves as well.
We set up at the Little Red Barn Campground in Quakertown, PA. A nice, family run campground that is very clean and organized. Everything went off without a hitch with the exception of my MIL's dog got off his leash, which led to some serious bushwhacking through the local woods to find him.
The kids all played so well and they were beat by the day's end each day. We received the remainder of Tropical Storm Cindy on our first night and never received a drop of rain in my tent, the Eureka Silver Canyon 6. I have since learned they discontinued that tent, not sure why, but it's worked flawlessly for our family so far.
My wife and oldest daughter planned a special event with the rest of the neighborhood that was there to surprise me for my birthday. They got me to go away then surprised me with a banner and cake when I returned. It was very nice. I'm not one for surprises but it was a good one.
After the overnight Friday rain we received from the storm, we arose to a beautiful June summer day. Blue skies abounded and everything was getting dried out.
I had a plan for the weekend and that was to relax. While attempting this I had my MIL's dog, Eno, hooked up on his collar. The second he knew I was asleep, that collar came off and he was gone. I summoned my wife and formed a search party. Off into the briers and thickets I went. In shorts and a t-shirt I dug my way through the woods and was always just a step behind the dog. Like he was just playing with me. Eventually he came out to my wife, thank god, got him hooked back up and in the crate. The afternoon went on.
We had a nice dinner and a wonderful campfire with s'mores and sparklers. The kids did crafts and played games. Everyone was beat and headed to bed early.
Sunday the festivities continued with playing in the pool and then packing up. The weather was perfect and it was hard to leave.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Brief Overnight Camping Trip
Well it's not officially winter yet, but I needed a night in the woods like no ones business. After a week of being super busy, scheduling jobs left and right, keeping on top of home stuff and the kids, I needed a cold night in the woods.
A week earlier I called my brother who's always up for a camping trip. Turned out that a few wrenches were thrown into my plans and I didn't think I was going to be able to go. So I cancelled the trip. Then, by the camping gods grace, I ended my tasks early on Saturday and made the call to meet up and go camping. Him being his normal hesitant self, couldn't decide on whether or not he wanted to bother with the trouble of packing for one night's worth of camping. But in the end, he caved and he met me at our usual car pooling location and we headed north, then west to get to one of the trails heading to the Pinnacle on the Appalachian Trail.
This was also my new dog's first trip in the woods. Puppies being what they are have endless energy and she's no different. My brother's dog and her were happy leading the way, through the cool dark evening through the woods. My brother assured me that there was a great campsite located just up the trail. He accused me of not believing him that he had the perfect spot located just ahead and endlessly threw it in my face when we got close to the site.
The site was located between two nicely flowing streams on either side, the chores of setting up the camp, collecting and starting a fire and making sure the dogs didn't wander off too far. In no time we had a roaring fire, the tent was setup and my brother started on his dinner routine. I had already eaten on the road so I didn't need anything.
I had wrapped up the puppy in a sleeping bag and blanket while we hung around the campfire. The dogs were pretty tired from the hike but more importantly they were happy to be warm.
I was ready for bed from the minute I dropped the pack but my brother wasn't so we hung around and enjoyed the fire and after we burned the firewood for the night, we were off to bed. I slept like I've never slept in the woods before, like a rock. Warm and cozy buried deep in my sleeping bag. The puppy was wrapped up in her bag huddled next to my brother's dog.
The morning came, I had responsibilities that I needed to get to a little later in the morning, so we had a small morning fire, packed up and out in recorded breaking time for us. Made great time back to the trailhead, only to find a ticket on my truck. Unreal. We then got on the road and made great time back to the park and ride. Then I was early to my appointment and everything went well.
I'm ready for the next trip but I'm not sure when that's coming. It seems like I could be happy doing a trip every other weekend. The feeling of being in the woods is such an enjoyable and relaxing time, it's like a drug.
A week earlier I called my brother who's always up for a camping trip. Turned out that a few wrenches were thrown into my plans and I didn't think I was going to be able to go. So I cancelled the trip. Then, by the camping gods grace, I ended my tasks early on Saturday and made the call to meet up and go camping. Him being his normal hesitant self, couldn't decide on whether or not he wanted to bother with the trouble of packing for one night's worth of camping. But in the end, he caved and he met me at our usual car pooling location and we headed north, then west to get to one of the trails heading to the Pinnacle on the Appalachian Trail.
This was also my new dog's first trip in the woods. Puppies being what they are have endless energy and she's no different. My brother's dog and her were happy leading the way, through the cool dark evening through the woods. My brother assured me that there was a great campsite located just up the trail. He accused me of not believing him that he had the perfect spot located just ahead and endlessly threw it in my face when we got close to the site.
The site was located between two nicely flowing streams on either side, the chores of setting up the camp, collecting and starting a fire and making sure the dogs didn't wander off too far. In no time we had a roaring fire, the tent was setup and my brother started on his dinner routine. I had already eaten on the road so I didn't need anything.
I had wrapped up the puppy in a sleeping bag and blanket while we hung around the campfire. The dogs were pretty tired from the hike but more importantly they were happy to be warm.
I was ready for bed from the minute I dropped the pack but my brother wasn't so we hung around and enjoyed the fire and after we burned the firewood for the night, we were off to bed. I slept like I've never slept in the woods before, like a rock. Warm and cozy buried deep in my sleeping bag. The puppy was wrapped up in her bag huddled next to my brother's dog.
The morning came, I had responsibilities that I needed to get to a little later in the morning, so we had a small morning fire, packed up and out in recorded breaking time for us. Made great time back to the trailhead, only to find a ticket on my truck. Unreal. We then got on the road and made great time back to the park and ride. Then I was early to my appointment and everything went well.
I'm ready for the next trip but I'm not sure when that's coming. It seems like I could be happy doing a trip every other weekend. The feeling of being in the woods is such an enjoyable and relaxing time, it's like a drug.
Friday, September 1, 2017
A New Puppy! And the Chaos that follows it......
Well we have had two dogs for 12 years, both were rescues. My wife had gotten them during her previous marriage, one who was 5 years old and later a puppy. Well fast forward, today the 5 year old left us about two months ago, at the ripe age of 20. The then puppy is still here, fifteen years later. There's not but one real complaint about either of them with the exception that the now 15 year old, Lucy, is a trash eater, if she's allowed.
After two months we started talking about getting another dog, we went to several rescue adoption events and like most people, immediately fell in love with all the cute puppies. We eventually chose one and started the adoption papers. We had our three puppies picked out and by the time we got everything in order, two of them were already adopted. So we went and adopted the third puppy. She's asleep next to me on the couch as we speak. A 12 week old hound, boxer mix that is about as adorable as they come. So far has fit right into our family and seems to be enjoying herself.
I expected a lot of things when getting a new puppy, whining, chewing, nipping, accidents and early mornings. I expected my kids being super excited and overwhelmed with the addition to our family. What I didn't expect was my young son and daughter's insanity tonight when I brought her home for the first time. To add to it we had my other daughter's, impromptu birthday dinner with my parents, my mother in law and my brother. I don't know if the excitement of the new puppy or the other people coming over set my kids off but both of them were out of control fighting for pole position over the dog. They were constantly trying to be first inline for the praise and admiration over the dog and each other. It was exhausting.
It's official that they love the dog and they are both exhausted from trying to show off and wear down the pooch.
I'm looking forward to their love continuing and the fighting for pole position calming down.
After two months we started talking about getting another dog, we went to several rescue adoption events and like most people, immediately fell in love with all the cute puppies. We eventually chose one and started the adoption papers. We had our three puppies picked out and by the time we got everything in order, two of them were already adopted. So we went and adopted the third puppy. She's asleep next to me on the couch as we speak. A 12 week old hound, boxer mix that is about as adorable as they come. So far has fit right into our family and seems to be enjoying herself.
I expected a lot of things when getting a new puppy, whining, chewing, nipping, accidents and early mornings. I expected my kids being super excited and overwhelmed with the addition to our family. What I didn't expect was my young son and daughter's insanity tonight when I brought her home for the first time. To add to it we had my other daughter's, impromptu birthday dinner with my parents, my mother in law and my brother. I don't know if the excitement of the new puppy or the other people coming over set my kids off but both of them were out of control fighting for pole position over the dog. They were constantly trying to be first inline for the praise and admiration over the dog and each other. It was exhausting.
It's official that they love the dog and they are both exhausted from trying to show off and wear down the pooch.
I'm looking forward to their love continuing and the fighting for pole position calming down.
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