Vacation wrap-up

So we spent our vacation/family visits in the Columbia Gorge area.  We got to enjoy two great states just by crossing the bridge!

The Columbia River Gorge area is really pretty.

The scenery was breathtaking as we traveled towards the Bridge of the Gods to cross over into Oregon.

That is the bridge in back of me...

and the view from the bridge looking towards Portland.

Once we crossed the bridge we found wonderful fruit stands and locals selling their fresh caught fish.

We stocked up on lots of fresh fruit.  Just look at the size of those blueberries!

We traveled the Columbia River Scenic Highway to the Multnomah Falls.  At 620 feet, Multnomah is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States!

We traveled the old road and all along it were these lovely old bridges and guardrails. Many were covered with moss and it looked very storybook-like.

We made it up to Crown Point and the Vista House, another old landmark and a great location from which to view the sights.

The Vista House was built in 1918 as a rest stop observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway and as a fitting memorial honoring Oregon’s pioneers.
The exterior is gray sandstone. The roof, which for almost 50 years was capped with a copper roof, now has its crown restored to the original matte-glazed green tiles. Inside, Tokeen Alaskan Marble was used to surface the floors and stairs in the rotunda and as wainscoting on the basement walls.

Bev and I are taking turns looking across the river from Oregon to Washington.

We just came from over there this morning!  I can see Russia from here! (just kidding)

 I had a very important visit on my list of things to do.

When I was an 8 week old puppy I moved next door to become Mama Jamie's Mother's dog.  But I could look through the fence and see my first family and I cried and cried to go back home.  It was decided that I would come back home and one of my brothers went to live with Grandma.  So then I was up for placement and found my forever home in Alaska.  Some things were just meant to be.

But my first GM needed me.  She was in the hospital recovering and her dogs couldn't visit her.  She missed them.   Ryker the Therapy Dog to the rescue!

What a special treat for me to get to see her again and bring her comfort.  I still love you Grandma!

The last exciting thing on the agenda was to celebrate Cousin Cindy's Birthday!  I did not actually get to go but I know they had a good time, even without me.  They all went to a new restaurant called Applewood and everyone enjoyed themselves and especially the food!  Everyone was raving about the menu and if you go the salmon is wonderful and don't miss the carrot cake... I heard it was awesome!!!

So after a week of fun and frolicking I boarded the Airplane with mama to head for home.  I missed my dad and even the cats.  

The flight attendant was not nearly as nice as the one flying down.  The flight was uneventful and we made it back safe and sound.



It's great to be home!

Thanks for following along and seeing what I did on my summer vacation.  Mama went back to work this week and I am making my adjustments.  Living for the weekend again!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Vacation Madness

Each day of our vacation was packed full of fun...

I got to meet more of mama's cousins.  Bev's two daughters Cindy and Kim and of course little Dylan.  Kim is Dylan's grandmother and Bev is Great Grandmother.

Lynsey and Mitch are Dylan's parents.

So the next day we celebrated Dylan's first Birthday.  Who doesn't like a good party in the park?

Dylan got his very own little cake.  He managed to drop some on the ground just for me!  Gotta love this little tyke!

 

What a great party and wonderful memories captured.

We had a pool at the apartments where we stayed.  This is the life!  unfortunately I was not allowed in the pool.  What's up with that???

The weather was great every day we were there.  Sometimes overcast in the mornings but always burning off by early afternoon.

We took lots of walks and I did get to cool off in the rivers and lakes.  Mom picked wild blackberries for the very first time...they grow all over the place!

Of course mom packed my Frisbee and she found a place that sold raw prepared dog food just around the corner from where we were staying.

I like it here.  Mom had to comb out a bunch of burrs from my fur from running around in the brush.

Each night I was totally pooped out and ready to turn in early.  Had to rest up for another exciting day!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Just back from Washington and Oregon

Mama was suppose to let you all know we were leaving on a vacation last week. Well, go figure! She forgot.  We just got home Thursday night and at least she took a bunch of photos to share with you.

Mama and I are going to visit cousins and I am going to also meet up with some of my doggy family!


Here I am on the plane, humm, I am not to sure about this flying stuff.  I prefer to do it with my own steam and Frisbee in mouth.

Take offs an landings were interesting, but all is well when I'm with my mama.

                     Yeah, Cousin Bev.  I Love You!  it's so good to see you again!

And looks who's first Birthday Party we get to attend!  Dylan is cousin Bev's Great Grandson.

Then later in the week I got to spend time with my Grandma Kelsey and nephew Nelson.  Some of you may remember Nelson from all the photos we posted when my half-sisters pups were born this Spring.

I come from good stock! 

Nelson gave me a good doggy greeting...

He's dog-gone cute!  One blue eye is looking at me.

What? What is it???

Somebody must be walking by with food.


We had a real good time handing out together.

Grandma Kelsey had to put me in my place a couple times.  Guess humping the GM is way outta bounds!  Lesson learned, sorry Grandma.

OK, everybody give a big Awwww!  I think that is a very wistful look.

I guess I wore the little guy out.  Hey mama, was I ever this cute when I was a puppy?

Mama say "Oh Yes, you were cute, cute,cute!"

I have lots more vacation  fun to share with  you in upcoming blogs.  But now I have to go catch up on the Pet Olympics and see what I missed last week.

  And my sincere apologies to Wyatt and Stanize who I had hoped to visit but just did not have the time as we were only in Washington for a week.  The time just flew by celebrating two Birthdays and two family reunions.

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Just a working dog today

A Therapy Dog's work is never done...

I have to check in and let the staff know I'm here.  They are very kind and welcoming to me.  They understand the value of my work.

I cheered up some new people and saw some old friends.  Look at the smiles I can produce.

Warmed up several laps and got lots of petting.  What a great job I have!

When I was all done I said goodbye to the staff.

Caught the elevator for mom.  Yesh mama, what happened to this shot!  You should be used to my fast action by now.

On the way out I made another new friend.

And I was pleased to help him with the door.  This is one of my favorite things to do!
It's all in a good days work   : )

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Is this really a graveyard?

One of our blogging friends asked if this was a real location.

It sure is, it's the back forty of our local graveyard.  No bodies in this section yet.

Just rolling hills of grass and a few golf balls.  It is one of our secret spots, not anymore I guess!

This is a place where a dog can run to his hearts content...

and enjoy the beauty that is Alaska!  That is the Chugach Mt. Range in the distance.  Look for this photo in the Pet Olympics Frisbee competition!  We hope it's a contender.

It is 73 degrees and sunny today...feels like 85!  We are all loving it!  And we love you too!

Here's hoping we all have more than 15 years of togetherness with our best friends!


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