Handsome Little Devils

You guys.

We've got diggers. And three holes in our yard already.


Puppy socialization is still underway. Last weekend, Matt's family came up to see the house and meet the pups.


Lori brought the boys some chew toys. They love them.

 And the pups were able to meet their cousins, Zander and Grayson. We're still working on playing nicely. We got lucky with this picture (they were asleep).

Puppy classes were supposed to start Tuesday night, but on Monday, I realized I'm a horrible at counting time and they have to wait another week because they're not quite old enough yet. Plus, we still need to give them their vaccine for Kennel Cough - so they're able to go and play with their new classmates.

Training at home has gone really, really well.     Sometimes.

Cleaning is a little more difficult these days.

But really - they're not pottying in their crate anymore. They know "sit", "come", and sometimes "stay". We're still working on manners: things like not jumping up on the dishwasher when its open, not attacking my pants and Matt's socks, not chasing the cats, not chewing the legs of our oak dining room table. You know, puppy things. But that will all come in time, right? Let's only hope.

Their fabulous dog sitter, Sharon, sends me text message updates everyday around noon. They're getting better and better at walking with a leash - and their energy level at night is SO MUCH BETTER now that they have someone coming to visit during the days.

Pappy and Wallly LOVE being outside.

But HATE the rain, wind, or cold. WE CAN'T WAIT FOR WINTER! (sarcasm) They both just stare at us when we take them outside like, "WHY DID YOU DRAG ME OUT HERE?" and shiver while cocking their little heads sideways and giving us the most adorable confused looks ever. Yesterday morning, Wally used my maxi skirt as a tent and hid in between my legs to stay warm. It was so adorable. And so frustrating at the same time. I DON'T LIKE BEING COLD EITHER, BOYS! Can't you just hurry up and go pee?

We're still working on the whole sleep schedule thing. (OH MY GOSH - WE'RE SO TIRED). They go to sleep typically around 8 PM. Wake up to go potty around 11 PM. Wake up to go potty around 3 AM. Wake up for the day at 5AM.

And I would love to say that we are just going to let them cry it out and teach them to hold it - but their cries are SO LOUD and at such a HIGH PITCH they could shatter windows. SERIOUSLY. And they're doing SO WELL with crate/potty training.

Speaking of sleeping, Pappy prefers to sleep ON me. Its so precious! He's definitely a Mama's boy and I fear for the day that he's 80-100 pounds and tries to do this. You're not supposed to be a lap dog, buddy. I just love him too much to say no.

Sticking their tongue out when they sleep must be a brother/Fennel pup thing. Does anyone else's dogs sleep like this???

 PS: Watching them have dreams could possibly be the cutest thing ever. They move their legs like their running, they move their mouths like they're eating, they whimper and bark. Its just so damn cute. I imagine they will be something like this when they get older.

Like, I said earlier, we have three holes in our yard. They've broken the door stopper in our kitchen. There is a hole in the wall (where our baby gate leans against). They've chewed the corner of one of my end tables. They've gone through 4 toys in three weeks...... They're such handsome little devils, aren't they?

Yin Yang Twins

BUT we wouldn't have it any other way.    Ernie? Ernie, on the other hand, is still adjusting. Poor little baby. Most times, you will find him downstairs hiding in our family room. He tends to avoid the kitchen (where the pups are) as much as possible.

 And while I'm really happy that he has complete finished basement to roam without the fear of being chased by the pups, I can tell he's lonely. Sometimes he'll walk into the kitchen and stare at us through the baby gate. You can totally tell he's considering whether or not he should come in --- and also, that's he's absolutely terrified of the dogs. I really, really hope this is just an adjustment phase and that Ernie warms up to the dogs. And that the dogs stop chasing the cats and scaring the BEJESUS out of them. I really, really, really hope.

Family Meeting

I saw this the other day and immediately thought of our little Lulu. She is such a priss.

Matt can't wait to get his own pickup truck so he can drive around with his hounds.

I can't believe how big they've gotten in three short weeks. Must be all those training treats and bones they've been eating. Rotten, I tell ya. Spoiled Rotten.

 3 weeks ago

A couple days ago

AND THOSE EARS.