Puppy Kindergarten

Second week of puppy kindergarten. Suka is definitely the star of the show. The first week, each owner had to walk their dog around the room to practice. Of course each puppy is pulling on the leash, sitting down, totally distracted. Alex was excited - he had been working really hard with Suka on different tricks - and if you know Alex at all, he was totally bragging about how good our dog was - seriously to EVERYONE :) So when it was his turn, they trotted off and...it...was...perfect - a glow of light surrounding them, the clouds parting and sun shining down :) You could see it on Alex's face how proud he was - perfect dad and perfect dog. Of course we had to tease him a bit but I was impressed. And EVERYONE heard about it! Then it was my turn. Not so good unfortunately. But I have since been working on it and it is getting better.
In puppy kindergarten, there are about 6 other pups the same age. We practice sit, stay, come, down and then for the last 10 minutes, the dogs get off leash and run around the room chasing each other. Last week, there were toys in the center. One dog decided which toy was the coolest and they spent the rest of the time chasing after whomever had that toy. It was like they would get it, show it to the pack, say "ha ha I have the toy", and then take off running. Pretty funny.

First trip to the water

So we are hoping that Suka is a water dog since we plan to boat a ton this summer. We live across the street from a dog park that has a pond and river so we try to take him each day. But I hadn't taken him to the pond until today. He looked at the water for a while because it was a little windy and so there were waves. Then, slowly, he got into it more and more. Only problem that mom didn't think about - the mud. It was EVERYWHERE! So after playing in the pond, we went back to the river and got a quick bath. He does so great. I keep him on leash while we are close to the road but then we work on "off leash" time and he will only go ahead about 15 feet before waiting for me. Probably helps matters that I have chicken chunks in my pocket - but I like to think it is because he is soooo smart!

New house with a view!!!

So we are 98% sure we are moving into a new house. Our uncle is developing the area we currently live in (and rent from). He has a smaller home that is the last to be built and needed to sell it. And we want to buy it - perfect. So if it does not sell within the next 2 weeks, we will be purchasing it. Fortunately, we have been able to add our personality to the home. He had it finished up to the walls and kitchen cabinets then we have picked the rest. So sort of like building but not as stressful. It is my dream home - big windows, deck, walk out basement, clean and contemporary. Every day after work we are over there cleaning, working on the yard, etc. Fun though. We are hoping to move in the first 2 weeks of March! I can't wait! Wish us luck!

View of the mountains from the side...

St. George Parade of Homes

Each year we try to go down to St. George to see the Parade of Homes. There are usually some really spectacular multi-million dollar homes. This year, I think because of the economy, the houses were a bit more realistic in size and price. Except for the 3 million 15,000 square foot home with a basketball court in it's basement. Can't even imagine cleaning that thing! Yikes. The Stanleys, my parents, Cam and Mckenzie all came down. Even Suka got to go on his first road trip. He did great. Whined a bit in the car but NO ACCIDENTS! Not even in my dad's house! We were pretty nervous to take him and hoped he would be on his best behavior - whew. He only got into trouble because he kept eating all the moss out of the fake plant. But everyone enjoyed the good weather and no snow.

Suka's first road trip...


He spent a majority of the time sleeping :)



Snow did really well with Suka. She just loves him so much that she sometimes gets a little rough. But they had a fun time playing.

The boys (including dad) ran around the house shooting each other with airsoft guns. There was one gun that shot especially harder than the others. Supposedly it was off limits for people. Then Alex had the genius idea of shooting me in the side when I wasn't looking. Left a good bruise for a few days. So I shot him back. I think everyone was shot by the "off limits" gun before the trip was over.