Furry houseguest and more summer good times.

I thought June felt busy.  It was, but busy in a "can't catch my breath" sort of way.  In a "wake up at 5am for a week because I remembered one more thing to worry about" way. In a "ask me to do one more thing and I'm going to snap like a twig" way. 
Summer is so different.  It's busy in a "Hmmm... how many FUN activities can I pack into a short time" way.  Delightful!  In the near future I want to visit Boonstra farms (heard about from a friend- berry picking and fun activities!), go see a friend for a summer dip in the pool, plan a trip to the States, and plan more deck-sitting with friends & frosty beverages.  So fun. I need to take more pictures.  Someone remind me to bring my camera, PLEASE?

Owen's been spending the last couple days with our little family.  He's a very docile, almost comatose sort of mature dog.  He puts on a big show of barking at anyone unfamiliar that comes through the door, but he's just a big chicken.  He's also amazing with Erika.  :)  I was worried about Erika when he was here, as last time he stayed over she was so hyper around him it was tough to get on with the regular needs like eating and sleeping.  Not this time, though.  He's fit into the family routine nicely, and Erika's ok with going down for a nap, leaving for daycare, or eating a quiet meal.  What a difference a year makes.  For the past 2 days, she's been lavishing attention on him (not always wanted) and he's tolerating it very nicely.  She "throws" his ball for him (which goes about 1.5 feet or less) and constantly brings him his toys if he happens to "forget" them on his blanket.  It's adorable, and it almost makes me want to get a puppy for her.  ALMOST. 

Owen at his most dignified. 
Erika was napping, so he also got a break.  :)



Along with many trips to the park and summer visitors, a lot of cooking has been done outside on Rick's still-shiny BBQ.  He's discovered the wonder of the rotisserie, and has been delighting our little family with experiments of that nature.

Yup, that's 3 chickens.  Now, you ask, how many guests were we having over to consume said chickens?  None.  Just our little family. Comment Rick would insert here: "Go big or go home.".  Leftovers the next day were a wonderful bbq chicken sandwich with old cheddar.  Mmmmm.  I'm so food-spoiled!

Only 2 weeks into summer vacay.  Very nice, very nice.