Coffee, Grandmas, and BARKBOX

Hi pals!

So my amazingly awesome weekend. It started on Friday when no one's alarms woke us up. That's when I knew that day was going to be special. Once finally did wake up, we had family snuggle time in the big bed. I love the big bed so much. Why I'm not allowed up every night I'll never know.

After snuggles, we were off adventuring! There is a coffee shop near Dad's work place that lets puppy dogs come in! They even keep treats behind the counter for us. Another puppy dog was already there when I came in and she (he? I didn't get a good look) REALLY wanted to meet me and I like to play hard to get, so his (her?) person had to take her (him?) outside. We both still got treats though. My people had stopped at the drive-thru on the way since this place doesn't really have anything for breakfast. The weather was nice enough for them to enjoy food and coffee outside. I even got a few pieces...of course. Unfortunately Mom forgot her phone in Dad's car, so no pictures of that part.

After breakfast, we went for a walk downtown. All of the smells were so smellful! I had to sniff every single one. And then pee on them. I was kinda tired by the time we made it all the way back to the car!

Courthouse smells are the best!

And no one could make me not add my own smells!

When we finally got home, Mom gave me the best news ever: Grandma and Grandpaw were coming to visit! Hooray! They brought that Emma thing with them. But I played nice with her and Grandma brought me treats.

Grandpaw and Dad and Mom worked on some projects outside and while they were working, I got a package! My BarkBox arrived! My Twitter pals have been raving about them, so I finally convinced Mom to get me one. It is AMAZING!!!!!! I'm now trying to talk Mom into a full subscription, but so far she's being cheap. I'll do another post on all the awesome things inside.

BARKBOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Saturday, Dad made everyone pancakes, so of course he made me and Emma extras. He wouldn't do my usual plate since he wasn't sure if Emma was allowed or not. I made the sacrifice though. Pretty sure that bought me extras later!

Me and Emma. No we're not actually related even though she looks (and acts) like my little sister.

After breakfast, I got another great surprise! My other grandma and grandpaw were coming! And they were bringing Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpaw! And no other puppy dogs! They meant to come in to celebrate Mom's and Uncle R's birthdays, but no one had free weekends. Everyone went out to lunch and left me and Emma all alone. I didn't like that. But Grandmas gave me treats, so it's OK.

Then Sunday was Easter and you've already read about what I got to do!

And that's why this was the most amazingly epically awesome weekend ever!

P.S. Keep up the prayers for Ms. Sandi. She finished her first week of chemo and it was hard on everyone, especially her. But her counts are good. I don't know what that means, but Mom says it's good!

Weirdest Trip to Grandma's

Hi friends!

Today has been a very strange day. Actually, all week has been weird. It all started Monday morning when the alarm went off. It seemed earlier than usual. But I ate my breakfast and went on my W-A-L-K, so maybe I was just extra tired. But I did see a suitcase in the corner and then my daddy never came home that night. I didn't really notice since Mom took me on a W-A-L-K as soon as she got home and then immediately took me on a car ride. But after a while, I realized I had extra couch. The REALLY weird part is that he didn't come home the next day or the next day! Really strange. But, Mom let me sleep in the big bed and I didn't get moved from my pillow, so it was OK.

Just when I thought I had gotten rid of The Daddy Guy, he came home. But I was so excited to see him, I didn't care! He laid in bed and tried to get me to snuggle him, but Mommy wasn't home yet, so I had to maintain my look out for her. After a hundred billionty hours, she finally came home. We went on a W-A-L-K and then the Grandma's House bag came out! Yahoo!

Grandma and Grandpaw weren't home when we got there, so I made friends with their kitty cat and smelled smells. They finally came home and I snuggled on the couch with them. Grandpaw looked like he needed some attention.

Grandma and Grandpaw had some old pictures out. Did you know my daddy was a drummer when he was little? I probably wouldn't have liked listening.

The best part of going to Grandma's was the 'lectric blankie on the Big Bed. It made for some warm, snuggly snuggles that night! When we woke up, Mom and Dad didn't want to get out of bed, but I finally tortured them enough to let me at least go potty.  The strange part of today was that Grandma and Grandpaw got dressed like they were going to church. But it wasn't Fat Paper Day, so I don't think that's where they were going. Before they left though, Grandma gave me a PopTart. It was delicious! Just don't tell Mom.

Just when it couldn't get weirder, Mom and Dad got dressed like THEY were going to church. But then, I got to go on a car ride, so I guess we weren't going to church. Nope! We went to GreatGrandma's! Here's where the story takes a turn for the worse. I got TRICKED into going out on the back porch/sunroom thing and I got left there forever! And I know it was forever because I counted! They finally got home and Dad changed out of his church clothes while Mom took me outside to run and smell and "other business." While we were in the yard, I asked Mommy where they went and she said my GreatGrandpaw died and they were at the funeral. I said that can't be right because my GreatGrandpaw was in the house with GreatGrandma. She said I had another GreatGrandpaw that I didn't get to meet. I asked if he'd give me treats and Mom said he couldn't because he's at the Rainbow Bridge. Oh. But what about the treats?

The worst part is, then I got dumped on the back porch AGAIN while the humans went out AGAIN and they were gone forever AGAIN. When they got back this time I yelled at them and they said the church ladies were feeding the family, so they had to go to the church for lunch. OH. MY. DOG. Friends, my humans went and had church lady food without me! Everyone knows there is nothing in this world tastier than church lady food! And they went and ate it all without me! But then GreatGrandma gave me treats and I let GreatGrandpaw love on me. Mom changed out of her church clothes and we got in the car and came home.

It's so exhausting thinking these puppy dog thoughts all the time.

Weirdest, worst trip to Grandma's ever. But now I'm on the couch where I belong, both of my humans are here, and I've been getting lots of snuggles, so I may forgive them.

Best Christmas Ever!

Hi friends!

Wow! This was such an awesome, busy Christmas I have finally caught up on my napping (I missed a lot of my naps) and am ready to tell you all about it!

Events started Sunday when Uncle R called and said he was on his way from Virginia with The Thing, could he stay with us. I tried my hardest to convince Dad to tell him no!, but Mom reminded me Santa Paws was still watching and he doesn't like when puppy dogs are mean to their cousins. I said, "Well Santa Paws never had The Thing as his cousin!"  A few hours later Uncle R and The Thing came through the door.

How Derpy hasn't bitten that stupid tongue off yet, I'll never know.

Stuff happened Monday, but none of it involved me, except for the car ride to pick up dinner that night. We went to the fry store, but I didn't get my own order this time :(

On Tuesday, the best thing happened! Grandma and Grandpaw came and they brought Mawmaw and Pawpaw! They sneak me most of the treats. A few hours later, Uncle R left but forgot to take The Thing. Boo. He came back with The Blur (The Thing's sis-fur). Apparently all dogs stayed at my house for Christmas. A little later, my other Grandma and Grandpaw came with Emma. Just to keep everyone in the loop, we were up to 4 dogs and 9 humans. Lots of treats were had!

Uncle R and The Blur after her batteries ran out

4 dogs!

It's hard getting 4 dogs to sit for a picture

Christmas Eve is also Pawpaw's birthday, so we had cake...wait, the humans had cake. Dogs got nothing.

We had to go to bed early so Santa Paws could come.  I was nervous The Thing and The Blur would scare him off, but when we woke up, the tree had a billion presents! I felt like Randy from A Christmas Story ("OH boy! That's mine!"). The humans ate breakfast first, but it involved food, so that's OK.

It's all mine! I think.

I wore my nice Christmas bow tie. I'm fancy that way.

The Thing wore his tie too. Copy-Cat.

Dress-up picture. Check out The Thing's underbite! He gets derpier by the second!

Bet you can't tell who gives the dogs the most treats!

It was finally present opening time. I got a bunch of treats (of course), a new food dish, and a new water thingy that has a bottle to hold extra water and it lets a little out as I drink it. Now I don't have to herd Mom and Dad into the kitchen when my bowl is empty!

I helped Mawmaw and Pawpaw

And Grandma

That's a big mess. And it's not my fault!

Me and Dad

I hate you sometimes, Mom. I blame Uncle R and J for giving me the antlers. Now I know how Ralphie felt in the bunny costume.

Opening presents wore Mom out!

After presents, I had the most important job--helping Mom cook Christmas dinner! I take my job as sous chef and janitor very seriously, but all those extra dogs kinda cramped my style. But it was Christmas and I was feeling generous, so I didn't get mad.

The rest of the day was spent eating and begging and talking.  Everyone went back home (and took their dogs) on Thursday and I've been trying to catch up ever since. The good part is Mommy only had to work Monday, so I've really enjoyed having her home. We're catching up on all of our snuggling!

Thanksgiving Hangover

Hi friends!

This has been the BEST weekend EVER! And the very best part is it's still going!

First things first. I have a winner for my Iams Shakeables giveaway:

Comment 1 is Walter (not to be confused The Thing)! Check your e-mail, pal!

Now, on to the most amazingly besets weekend ever.  Wednesday was Thanksgiving Eve. Mommy and Dad had to work and Mommy was supposed to get off early, but ended up having to stay later. So I was in jail for a hundred millionty years. But when Mommy got home, she had the best news: Grandma was on her way! I asked if I had to go to sleep like when Santa Paws comes. She said I could if I wanted, but I might miss treats that way.

Grandma and Grandpa and the Emma thing arrived and we all ate dinner at home. I taught Emma how to beg properly. Then, Mom and Dad let me sleep in the big bed!

I woke up Thursday and helped Mom make a side for Thanksgiving. We all ate breakfast and left for Mawmaw's! I made Grandpaw really happy and rode up front with him. Since Dad was driving, all the boys were up front and we made the girls sit in back. Haha!

Sometimes I get sleepy and need to rest my head.

 But then Mom got lonely, so I came to the back to finish riding.

 We arrived at Mawmaw's and most of the food was ready. Here's me with out spread:

I tried to teach Emma how to sit and wait for snacks, but she's not always a good listener.

After we ate, we Google Hangouted Uncle Ryan. His girlfriend had to work Friday and since they live in Virginia, they couldn't come. That's OK because it meant I only had to share with Emma instead of Emma, The Thing, and The Blur.

Emma and I rested...

...while the grown-ups yapped.

Emma made Uncle Hank happy by letting him pet on her.

 And I showed Emma all the good sniff spots in Mawmaw and Pawpaw's yard.

 Of course, begging lessons continued. She's getting better!

 Emma is more of a lap-dog than I am. And I'm OK with that because sometimes you get tortured.

 Especially is Dad is involved.

The time came for us to come home. We snacked on leftovers and Emma and I napped. Emma made herself a nest in the corner of the couch. I still can't quite figure out show she did that!

 On Friday, everyone slept in. We had breakfast and I showed Emma my neighborhood.

 The humans went out for forever that afternoon. No crazy Black Friday shopping, but they went out to eat and didn't bring me any! Grandma gave me a treat though, so I forgave her.

 Today, Daddy and I went to McDonalds for breakfast. While we were gone, Mom let Emma sit on her lap. Then she made Emma look like Yoda. I told you lap dogs get tortured!

And I gave Emma one final begging lesson. Much better!

Emma and I got along nicely this time. She still acts like my dopey little sister, but I'm teaching her lots of things. I might even one day to show her how to pee on three legs!

Grandma, Grandpaw, and Emma have gone home and we have settled in to watch The Iron Bowl. I'm not sure what it is, but my Mommy is very excited for her Auburn Tiger cats to beat up on some elephants and will probably say HBO words. Then Daddy's Kentucky Wild(kitty)cats will play the Tennessee people. He's not as excited since both teams are bad. So I will probably give him snuggles.

Thanksgiving is the greatest holiday in the world. But now my house is all decorated for the second best holiday--Christmas! And Christmas will be at my house this year! I will have a Mommy, a Daddy, 2 Grandmas, 2 Grandpaws, a Mawmaw, a Pawpaw, an Aunt Melanie, a Tony, an Uncle Ryan, and a Julie to beg from. Which is good, since Emma, The Thing, AND The Blur will be here.

And that's why this was the best weekend ever!

The Thing and...His Sister

Hi friends!

Wow. Today has been an especially crazy day. This morning, my people ate their breakfast in the living room so Dad could watch the DVR of the Kentucky Wild(kitty)cats Big Blue Madness from last night. That really threw my morning all off, but I did like sitting on the carpet instead of the cold tile. The temperatures have been dropping lately and the tile is extra cold right now!

Anyway, after forever, Dad finally said we could go on a W-A-L-K. Hooray! It drizzled the whole time, so I had to get wiped off and I hate that part. But I love W-A-L-Ks more.

Then, I got the best news: Grandma was coming to visit! Hooray! Both of my Grandmas always bring me treats so I love them.

Right after Grandma and Grandpaw got here though, the worst thing happened. The Thing walked in the door. I thought I got rid of him! The even worst part was, he had a second thing with him! At first, I called her The Blur because she. Wouldn't. Stop. Moving. My humans kept calling her "Stella," but I'm pretty sure it's The Blur. Uncle R says she has to have surgery next month and that might slow her down a bit. I'm still calling her The Blur until then.

Checking out The Blur while she's still

Treats Grandma!

I'm her favorite because I take treats gently. Unlike certain OTHER dogs (pictured)

Turns out though, The Blur is a pretty handy thing to have around (and he was only here for a visit this weekend) because The Thing didn't bother me one bit! They chased each other and romped and fought over toys and never once tried to make me play. Which was good, because their fighting made me kind of nervous. I even shared my toys with them...even though they destroyed some of them. It's cool. I don't really play with them except when I get the occasional "wild hair up my butt." That's what Mom says anyway. I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean.

The Thing and The Blur playing Tug...

...while I help Grandpaw in the kitchen

Treats, Grandma? P.S. Mom is very impressed with herself that she got this shot!

Treats!

The Thing, The Blur, Uncle R, Grandma, and Grandpaw all left eventually and we settled in for some football. Dad's team didn't play today, but Mommy's Tigers won their game. Mom was very excited, but I was scared because she was cheering so loud. She said she was sorry and gave me ear scratches, so I forgive her.

The damage

Since I was so good for The Thing Blurs, and because it's supposed to be super cold tonight, Mom and Dad have already said I can sleep in the Big Bed! It's going to be the best weekend ever!