Let's Go on a Hike

This past weekend Pip and I have been on a hiking craze. Mom and Baylee are at the beach so it's just Pip and I and I'm trying to keep her busy/entertained/exercised and the weather has been just gorgeous so we've been hiking.

Hike Log:

Friday we did about 6 miles along Lacamas Lake. It's pretty flat and easy and only 10 minutes by car from my mother's house in Vancouver. Plus my wonderful neighbor and her mini aussie came with us! Yay for catching up and getting exercise while the weather is still nice. The lake views alone make this a beautiful, peaceful walk. 

Saturday a couple of co-workers and I hit up Forest Park which is about a 10 minute drive from UP to hit up the wildwood trail. Forest Park has some of the longest hikes in Portland in a completely wooded and secluded area (we only did about 6 1/2 miles). This hike was a little more hilly and a great workout. 

Not sure where we're heading today but my guess is that we're going to do about 6 miles, it seems to be a good distance for both Pip and I. The nice thing about the hikes this weekend is they were both very dog friendly- as in garbage receptacles, safe trails (no cliffs, water to cross), and wide enough to hop off trail in case of other hikers wanting to pass.

What are you up to today?

XOXO

Seattle!

So I'm in Seattle this weekend visiting my Padre with Pip helping with house and car type things, but what I am most excited about is attending a civil war reenactment. A family friend is an avid re-enactor so we're excited to go and watch for a day- should be rather entertaining. 

Any fun plans for the weekend?

XOXO.

Nike +

Okay, so it looks like my cute little pink I-Pod was cooler than I was giving it credit for. There is a pedometer function that allows me to record my steps and then automatically updates them to Nike + website where I can track my progress. Now I might be WAY behind the times with this, but this ROCKS! I have decided to attempt the 10,000 step challenge to walk 10,000 steps (or 5 miles) a day. Since Mom had food surgery and I'm walking 2 dogs, I don't see this as a problem. 

The goal: 10,000 steps a day for a month

In order to: Walk my butt off

Motivation: Hawaii in three months

Who wants to join me? 

XOXO

Dog Days

Took Pip and Amy with Ashley and Jeff to the beach today! While it wasn't as sunny as yesterday, the cool, cloudy day was perfect for spending time running on the beach, playing some soccer and frisbee, and running in the waves! 

And of course we ate at Mo's. Cannon Balls with chowder and beer for all! 

Definitely need to go back when Sophie is older to have all three dogs playing in the sand. What have you been up to this weekend? 

Farmers Market

Today mom, our neighbor Danette, Pip, Baylee, and Chi-Chi took a trip to the Battle Ground farmers market to check out the booth hosted by our trainer. It was great to walk around the market, get out with friends and the dogs, and enjoy the beautiful day! 

I bought some beautiful plants, lemon verbena and thyme, for the apartment window herb garden. We also got a lot of free food samples for treats! I want to go back next weekend when summer fruit comes into season. 

Lovin' warm weather and activities outdoors! What are you up to this weekend?

XOXO

K9 Nosework

Pip is taking a new class called K9 Nosework. It teaches dogs to use their incredible noses to pick out different scents and find targets in a large space (I'm hoping to train her to find my keys!). Police dogs are trained to find narcotics or bombs, Pip will learn to sniff out different types of bark first (willow, maple, alder, etc.). It's going to be a fun challenge and hopefully make her tired after a long day of work.

Just another part of service dog training.

XOXO

TDI

Pip passed her Therapy Dog evaluation today! Which means I have a ton of paper work to fill out, but we're one step closer to working with the CCA and visiting kids with cancer and brightening some amazing kid's days. 

For more information on TDI click here.

For more information on CCA click here.

XOXO

Easter Travels

For this Easter Paul, Pip and I went to visit my dad and check out the house where we will be staying on vacation this summer. It was a fun and BEAUTIFUL trip and one of the best Easters I can remember. Below are a few pictures of us waiting for the ferry in Anacordes.

Guard dog, hanging out in the good weather.

Paul & Pip squinting into the sun.

Me & my favorite dog. 

So excited for our trip this summer, I hope we luck out and have the same type of weather we had that weekend!

XOXO

Happy Birthday...

...to my best friend 

- yummy cookies for all!