How to put our dog Bella to bed

(This is all for fun) 

Step 1: Approach said pet named Bella. You will find her after 9:00 pm one of two places. First place, on the floor underneath a blanket - she likes forts. Second and most likely place on the coach on top of her pink "I'm a Princess" blanket.

Step 2: After approaching Bella, tell her "Let's go nigh-nigh." At this point, Bella will roll on her back and then arch her back so that you can get your hand under her. Pick up said dog.

Step 3. Carry said dog to bed. As you are carrying her, she will usually snuggle up to your face or will put her head on your shoulder. Place Bella on bed with her huggy blankey and her pillows.

Step 4. Try not to take a lot of pictures as this will wake up said dog. LOL

Ever since Bella was a tiny little puppy, we have carried her to bed. She is so cute when she rolls over so you can pick her up. :)

Hiking with Bella

So, I did this hike today at Fryman Canyon today carrying 12 pounds of fluff. It was a great workout. It was pretty warm and I gave drinks of water to passing dogs. We walked past a car that had tumbled over Mulholland Drive. It reminded me of my hikes through Mt. Tam in Marin (outside of San Franciso). There was a truck that went over the side prolly in the 1930's. 

It was a lot warmer than people thought and I gave them water for their dogs!  Bella didn't mind and the dogs were very happy to get some water!

1. Explore yesterday's tragedies at the Car Graveyard.

>Where: Fryman Canyon (off of Mulholland Drive.
>Time needed: 1 to 2 hours.

>Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous.

>Description: Situated high above L.A.'s urban sprawl and snaking through the mountains like a racetrack built on a balance beam, it's no wonder Mulholland Drive has seen its share of cars tumbling over its edges. Consequently, people hiking in the nearby canyons can find pieces of those cliff-diving cars embedded into the hillside like scraps of buried treasure. Fryman Canyon, which sits below a bend in Mulholland between Coldwater and Laurel Canyon boulevards, has been dubbed by locals as the Car Graveyard. If hikers keep an eye out, they'll notice scattered wreckage, including an almost fully intact (albeit rusty and old) car that sits directly beside the trail. Keep in mind, most of the other wreckage is hard to find and off the trail; hikers must trek through some thorny terrain to find it. As for the hike itself, it's a moderately strenuous one with spectacular views and nicely shaded trails. From the start, its serpentine path is almost perpetually covered by overhanging trees, which gives it an otherworldly and idyllic sort of feel. As might be expected, the way down is easy (make sure you wear shoes with good traction) while the way back is completely uphill.

Hanging with friends

First, how sweet is this pic of Bella and her Daddy? She is so attached to him it is adorable! Bella loves to put her head next to his and this pic they are watching the Tour de France.  My heart could burst I'm so happy with my family!! :)

Daniel and I have a household fill of laughter and happiness for we have friends staying with us. Bella loves it because she's getting extra attention -- not that she needs it!  Daniel went for a spin today with Ricky and Tim and U went out later. I live riding my bike -- I always have for as long as I can remember. Here are a couple of pics from this past week :) 

Happy Easter!

We hope everyone had a happy Easter! We stayed home because I have a little cold. We took Bella on a walk to her favorite outdoor mall and then came home and had Thai food -- the soup was perfect for me. We gave Bella a pink Teddy Bear from the Easter bunny and she loved it so much that after playing with it she took a nap on him! We had a great family day and weekend together and we hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday as well.

Duckie Pond!

You say "duckie pond" to Bella and she gets so excited! Daniel and I took her to the water park yesterday and we had a blast! I bought Bella a couple new dresses and she loves to wear them. She prances all around and it's really something because my husband even said "she really likes wearing her dresses." :) At the water park, she looks at the ducks but is more interested in the water and how it splashes. Too funny! Here are a couple of pics of Bella at the water park.

Daniel took this picture of Bella yesterday -- what a great picture of our princess :) Just wanted to share

Wedding

Daniel and I had a great time at our friend's wedding. It was so beautiful and a great day in Santa Monica

Christmas 2012 Sand vs. Snow

Christmas Eve we had Christmas in Santa Barbara with sand, on Christmas Day we were in Ohio with a ton of snow!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Daniel and I went back to the midwest to visit my side of the family during Christmas and New Year's. We took our Bella with us and it was her first time on a plane.  Bella is small enough that she can fit in a pet carrier and placed under the seat in front of us (where you would put your purse).  She didn't like the take off too much or the vibration on the floor from the engines but as usual she never barked or cried she just looked at us.  We took her out of her pet carrier and placed her on our lap and put a blanket on top.  Bella is a service dog so she is technically allowed out of her carrier but we don't like taking advantage.  Everyone back home loved her!  We saw my Dad, my sister Lana and my best friend Katerina and her husband Bernard and their daughter who is our beautiful niece Marlie.  We also saw almost my entire family -- my cousin Carol and her boyfriend Kerry (who has the same taste in beer as my husband!) and their children and their children's children!  Such a huge extended family!! I also got to see my good friend Drema -- who I hadn't seen in years!  It was so good to see her!!  My cousin Shannon drove from West Virginia to see us -- that was such a surprise and it was so good to see her too!  I really needed to get back home to family.  It fills your heart and I love to introduce my husband to everyone :)  I hope everyone has a great New Year with much love and happiness!!