We went to Westport this past weekend four our second camping trip of the summer. It is crazy to think that mid August we’re just logging our second camping trip, but at the same time having a 4 month old and doing our second camping trip of the season seems monumental in its own right.

We met up with Brian, Darcy, Chach, Brian, Marc and Lara….it was confusing with both the Brians.  Sydney typically loves the beach, but I think that Ruger’s enthusiastic charm made her a bit gun shy.

We had Beer Butt Chicken, Beer pancakes and I think some non-nursing people had just plain old beer. Thanks to Brian P. who did almost all the cooking! Barry, Brian M. and Darcy did a bit of surfing and the rest of us relaxed in the sunny weather and watched Ruger and Brian P. splash around in the waves.

Brian and Chaya showed up with the largest tent I’ve ever seen in my entire life. It is bigger than a circus tent. At one point I was in there with Lara, Thomas, Maggie, Ruger’s Costco sized dog bed, a queen air mattress, two camping chairs, and at least 6 huge Tupperware containers. Plus, there was still room to walk around. No longer do we call our tent The Mansion.

Coming home we got stuck in traffic and saw a ton of motorcycle riders heading South by the Tacoma Dome. Police officers had closed off the ramps on to I-5, so the only thing on the freeway were motorcycles. It was pretty astounding, but neither of us heard what it was about.  We think our traffic jam was because the people in our lane were rubber necking.

All in all, it was a successful second camping trip. Since Maggie loves being outside so much it makes it easier to go.

Quite honestly, I think this trip made us wonder if we need to step it up in the tent department. Either that, or we need to seriously look into a motor home. Next year, people, next year. You want to come camping with us? We’ve got a cute baby, a chubby dog and apparently a smallish tent.

We found ourselves at Neah Bay this weekend enjoying the foggy weather and cold water. What a way to welcome in August, right? The campground was crowded but in true Elvrum Style my parents were able to snag our favorite secluded campsite early in the week.

For being a first time camper, Maggie was amazing. I was a bit worried because at home we take her outside to cheer her up and since we’d be camping I wasn’t sure what my secret strategy would be to stop the tears. Having the waves, dogs and plenty of loving arms was enough to keep the Cherub happy.

Barry was able to  surf, kayak and  even try my dad’s SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), which he ended up surfing on that as well. We took lots of walks up and down the beach, watching Sydney romp with the other dogs and waiting for the sun to break through.

Hobuck has really changed in the past years as it has become much more popular, but I still feel like it was really special to have Maggie’s first camping trip to be there – right on the ocean front! From what we can tell, we think she’s going to love the outdoors. Wahooo!!!

Last night as we were falling asleep I had to warn Barry that if he woke up and saw that there was a woman with a tattoo sleeping next to him not to be too alarmed – it was just me. I had affixed a big sticker on my arm as if it was a tat. It came from the rice candy box, you know those candies that have rice paper wrapped around them? Ohhhh…..they are so delicious it is a bit ridiculous.

I found myself at the grocery store last night to pick up some rice that we needed for dinner and I ended up coming home with a very random assortment of things, one being the tasty rice candies. I think it might be unsafe for me to go grocery shopping sans list.

Wait! I had a list, remember?  Rice. Anyhow, I came home with my treats and everyone was happy. After we put the Magpie in her jammies we spent a little bit of time outside enjoying the evening air. I’ve really missed the sun and the ease of being outside in the heat of the day. Oh, I digress.

Basically, we were sitting there re-hashing my grocery store trip and our daily triumphs and some sirens started to go off.

You’d think that Maggie bugged her eyes out when they started making noise, but you’d be wrong if that was your thinking. She started to bug her eyes out when Sydney made a bee line towards the noise.

Syd made it to the edge of her stoop growling and looking around with her bone hanging from her mouth. She stood there for a good minute before the bone tumbled to the ground and she took off around the yard barking her head off.

Barry  went back to staring at Maggie and Maggie went back to….well, being the cutest little nugget in the world. I went back to staring at my sticker-tattoo and eating the delicious rice candies.

Just another Wednesday night at HBHQ.

Poor Sydney, she probably feels like I just now noticed her after today. On one hand, it was also kind of like she had a spa day; however, on the other hand, she is a dog, so going to the spa isn’t high on her list.

She got a bath, a face wash, her ears cleaned, heavily brushed and the nail clippers are out waiting for her to come within a few feet of me again.

Lots of people have asked us if we feel differently about Syd now that Maggie is here and the answer is NO.

We love our little dog so much.

She makes us laugh every single day. Just today, before Syd enjoyed all the offerings of the HB Spa, she grabbed her bone and came over and started chewing it right on my knee cap as I held Maggie. Sydney just wants to help and by making us laugh she helps a ton because having a screaming baby is no laughing matter.

Today was one of those days that was filled by everything and nothing in the same moment. As I type this Maggie is riding in the Bjorn trying to sleep and Sydney is outside lounging.

I found myself at the grocery store at 7 AM, I left Maggie in Barry’s arms as he watered the lawn and packed his lunch – multi-tasker that Man of Mine!

After I came home Maggie and I headed out to drop off a donation at Value Village, pick up some supplies at Michael’s and go to Costco. All places that Sydney would not love and she really can’t wait in the car with this heat.

Sydney gets so excited when we get home and she typically sniffs and wags around Maggie’s car seat and sniffs me to try and figure out where I went (without her – the nerve!).

Today instead of the typical sniffing and wagging, she just sat and stared at me looking super upset. We had a staring contest for a while and then I offered her some cheese – I think we’re on good terms now.

I was worried there for a moment.

I think she has forgiven Maggie as well.

Sydney has been working hard lately.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

When I was little my brother and I would claim the Chiquita sticker off the bananas  and we’d use them as currency between us.  Now when I see the sticker I have to fight the urge not to peel it of and celebrate.

I also get reminded of this childhood tradition when I look at this little figure.

It screams Chiquita Banana, right?

However, when I see this little ‘figure’ I do not take a trip down memory lane.

Instead I wonder how we could get Syd into a banana costume for Halloween this coming year.

It is June and I went through the better part of today thinking that June had already passed us by. I made an appointment and almost put it on the July calendar. I feel like the Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz….if I only had a brain.

My brain is clogged with different posts and my computer is filled with colorful pictures, but my days are filled with moments that do not include writing/blogging at length.

Priorities.

Today meant that I greeted the sun, and played frisbee with The Pug.

Remember her?

We were worried, for a second, that Sydney might not like Maggie. We thought that maybe Syd would feel left out and unloved.

As far as we can tell, Syd loves Maggie just as much as we do.  For the most part Sydney ignores Maggie, but sometimes she shows a high level of compassion and concern for Magster and it melts our hearts.

If our plan works, they’ll be BFFs before too long.

Last night Barry changed and dressed Maggie after a bit of a feeding-related accident. She appeared in his arms wearing the outfit pictured above.

Not that it matters, but I found myself laughing at the combination of red striped sweats and the flowered onesie.

It just seemed like such a random combination.

In other news, Maggie, Sydney and I went for our first walk together today. Up until this point I’ve relied on somebody else to either carry Maggie or hold Syd’s leash.

It felt so great to strap Maggie to my chest, harness Sydney up and stride out for the first time. It will become a part of our daily routine now that the first time is under our belt.

Plus, having summer-like weather only helps to motivate me to get a move on!