Surprise For Me???!!!

First, let me say that when I hopped into the CRV yesterday... I didn't have A SINGLE inkling that this wonderful weekend getaway was in store! But now there's a party???!!!

Can someone please keep an eye on my brother? I mean, I love him... but he's looking hungry... and a little intense!

Chin rubs from my Aunt Madison... I love better than presents or cookies... but this evening includes them all! And there is singing... and Uncle Tom has a video camera...

And honestly, I am a little stunned... "All of this for me???!" I mean, I know I complained just a little about how Luke got a big party... and I "celebrated" at home with just my Mom and brother (how embarassing!)... but not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be treated to a weekend in Wimberley with the Herd... much less have any other sort of celebration!

Why... this is proberbial cherry on top of double strawberry shake wif the real whip cream... so good you fink you might just be dreamin!

Part of my awesome surprise is a wonderful gift from Aunt Karen, Uncle Craig and Cousins Rizzi and Zeke! I more than ANY thing wish they were here with me... but in their place they sent a rumblin bleu pig, a extremely cute long legged bird and tasty TASTY treats!!!

[In my sweet package there is a jigsaw puzzle... which is foreshadowin of my next big vacation! This puzzle is "one hundred dogs and a cat"... and I can't wait!]

And from The Herd, I received a cute card, a big stuffed squeaky bone... some healthy ener-g stuff what my the Mom loves (so she can keep up with me)... and attention galore!

Cousin Porter love her gift to me so much... she sneak back in my bedroom to steal it back!!!

And I do not protest, because... bless her heart... Porter has been THE object of my affection this entire weekend!!!

To her credit, I have overtly tried and tested the Porter... and she has been congenial to most every thing that included my shnoz, but she did the draw the line this afternoon with an ear inspection!

Peace.

Peace is having lots of Goldens around, all toys out of reach, cool evening airs, sweet sounds echoing through the trees....

Peace.

Here With My Herd!

Yes, I am! And I'm happy Happy HAPPY!!!

This is just about the best surprise EVER!!!

I LOVE my Aunt Madison, Uncle Tom... who were Mom and Dad to me for nine months... and then there's The Herd, who were my brothers and sisters!!!

I was really depressed about my birthday celebration... but Mom and Luke have really come through for me! This is just one aunt and two cousins short of a perfect weekend!!!

YAY!!! We're here!!!

Happy Birthday to me... here in the Hill Country!!!

Happy Birthday Boy!

Today is my seventh birthday, and I awoke to a great deal of singing and carrying on... and even though I prefer a much lower key (and also later) start to my day... I played along, out of good sport!

Then this afternoon once the family had gathered together again, I was surprised with some special toys and treats... all BLEU, of course! Why, there was a big bleu monkey, a bleu yeu (sheep, of course) and a little pink funny thing with a bleu nose and other extremities. And most importantly... there were BLEU BERRY TREATS!!! But, wait...

Uhhh... can someone tell me why my brother is so happy??? Does he not know it's THE BLEU BIRTHDAY... not THE LUKE???!

I mean, seriously, ya'all... He's a little too happy. And it's making me nervous!

Oh oh oh... and while I wait for Mom to get the flash right... Luke is going in for my birthday presents!

Please, Mother... I implore you... make him stop!

Whshhhhhew. And she did. And I have been given the option of any toy I want! I chose the bleu monkey, and am working on a clever name for him!

Of course, unlike some brothers we know, I oblige Mom and pose for all the photos she wants to take!

There's a smile on my face, but I'm thinking... "Hey, wait a minute! The Luke got a big huge swim party at Pet Paradise on his birthday, and all of his friends came... and here I sit in my own stinking family room! This is not fair!"

What else can I do, but... Kill the monkey!

Kill him dead... one gentle and tender squeak at a time...!

Hey, wait another minute!!! What is the Luke doing over there with his back turned to me!!! Sigh. Well, I guess it's ok. At least I know he won't wear the squeaker out (since he's a sucker not a squeaker)!

[Note from the Mom: The Luke and I have a VERY special and fun adventure planned for the Bleu this weekend! He's going to be SO surprised!!! Stay tuned!]