Sandcastles & Shampooch!

Renee & I went to the Beaches Sandcastle Contest in Jax Beach. There was a rusty old VW bus by the lifeguard station.

We saw a beach bum ...

a big fish ...

even some kissing ones ...

a giant iPhone ...

I have a feeling this guy wouldn't have been so relaxed ...

if he knew that they dug up a dinosaur skeleton right next to him.

After sandcastles, I picked up Stella to go to SHAMPOOCH! Charity Dog Wash!!! When we got there, Beth was hanging out with Shelby & Trevor. Chris was dressed in a dog suit & Stella didn't like it ...

... at all!!!

Mini Vacation Day 3

After a morning hike, Tory & Stella patiently hung out while Renee & I loaded the cars.

On the way home, we stopped off at the USS George Bancroft submarine exhibit. Renee didn't waste any time after reading a sign encouraging visitors to climb aboard.

 

 Stella was passed out for the whole ride home ...

... & stayed passed out for about another 8 hours once we got home. She was exhausted after her first real vacation.

Hiking with Friends

While I relaxed on the screened-in porch, finally getting to read my Steve Jobs book, Stella settled down & watched all of the squirrels outside.

Then Stella got some surprise visitors. Since Greg was out-of-town, Renee & Tory came up to hang out for the rest of our trip. Stella was so happy to see some familiar faces!

We all went for a hike on the trail that was right by our cabin.

Tory passed out on Renee's lap after dinner.

Stella's First Vacation

Since I needed some rest & relaxation, I rented a dog-friendly cabin at Crooked River State Park in Georgia for a little getaway.

While waiting until check-in time, we explored some areas in the park & found these sidewalk chalk drawings.

There was really nice light on our late afternoon hike. I love the texture of this trail marker.

Stella rested in the shade of a picnic table unsure of where we were & what we were doing.

I thought she was chewing on a stick, but it ended up being a lot crunchier. I pulled this shell out of her mouth.

Here's the view from our cabin.

 

It was a 2 bedroom cabin that sleeps 8. We're hardly roughing it since it had a full kitchen, fireplace, flat screen tv & screened porch but no cell/internet signal. It's just what I needed to get away, even though I went thru extreme internet withdrawal.

Stella was bonkers all night long. Since she didn't understand where we were, she wouldn't settle down. My pup was driving me crazy! I thought we'd have to go home in the morning.

Beach After Work

Stella got to go for a ride & a walk!

Dog Day Afternoon

Hmmm ... should I play with my new toy or chase the ducks.

The ducks win!

Exhausted!

Do you mind if I pass out?

Stella's 2nd Birthday

Last year at this time, Stella celebrated her first birthday in style with her BFFs.

This year she got one of her favorite squeaky toys & then I had to leave for Doral. We were both sooooo sad  :-(

Waggin' Wagon Wheaties!

Today we went to take pictures of Rosie & Laddie's last litter before the 7 pups go to their forever homes. These are Stella's newest siblings.

Olivia & Tracie came along to lend a helping hand. Their job ... VERY important ... Chief Puppy Wranglers!

It was challenging! As soon as they let go, the pups would jump ship.

It was only a matter of seconds before the puppy would jump out of the mini-wagon & climb onto Rob.

One of the staging areas was Rob's truck.

Olivia carefully placed our subject in the wagon.

Awww! So cute!

This pup is identical to Stella at that age. So sweet! She's my fave!

This is the only Wheaten with an American coat in this litter. Her 6 siblings all have Irish coats. Usually the litters are split more evenly. Mom is Irish & Dad is American. They'll all be the same light wheaten color when they're mature.

Am I supposed to pull myself?!?

Is it nap time yet?!?

Me 'n the Stella look-a-like. How cute is that itty bitty Radio Flyer wagon?!?

Laura & her 7 puppies

Posing for Rob

Olivia had her eye on this pup! She tried, unsuccessfully, to smuggle her home.

Tracie & Olivia with their pick of the litter

Please take me home! Please!

Did somebody say nap?!?

Passed out pile 'o pups!

Revitalized after a short nap.

Laddie always remembers me when I come to visit ...

Me with Rosie, Laddie & their 7 new puppies (Stella's parents & siblings). Stella was not happy when I got home, smelling like 9 different dogs!

Thanks to Renee & Greg for letting me borrow the mini Radio Flyer and to Cynthia & TK for the all-terrain Radio Flyer limo!