Spring Break at 31...

The phrase "Spring Break" can paint some commonly held images of debauchery and anarchy in some peoples minds. At the age of 31, a wet t-shirt competition isn't at the top of my "to-do" list. (Much to the dismay of my husband.) So instead, I did other things! Like...

Making homemade potstickers Ate obscenely large berries

Enjoyed spring breezes Tried a new pasta recipe

Refinished the upstairs deck with Hana

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day with Family

And Discovered Hana's new napping spot...

My Spring Break may not have been filled with binge drinking

or days at the beach, but I'm still one of the luckiest girls I know.

Maybe next year I'll entertain a wet t-shirt contest...or maybe not.

Spring Rescue Rally 2010!

I'm not exactly sure how many years this event has been going on, but the Austin Dog Alliance Spring Rescue Rally is more than just a mouth-full!!! Dax, Hana, and I volunteered our time to the amazing rescue group that saved our Hana's life. The German Shepherd Rescue Group Central Texas changed us forever and there is no way we could ever thank them enough. (http://www.gsdrescuectx.com/)

So whenever possible I volunteer to help out wherever they need me. This time around it was at the Rescue Rally.

Hana and I volunteered to make "Adopt Me" bandannas for the group and got started the week before the event.

This was our first official project together and we had a great time from start to finish. Think we did a pretty good job too!

We had an even better time at the rally. This was the first time the other volunteers in the group had got the chance to see Hana since her adoption back in January. It was like a little reunion of sorts and smiles were had by all...especially Hana.

Saying "hi" to Claire, Banjo, Zuri.

Northern & Ottis.

Snuggling with Claire!

There were over two dozen other rescue groups and boy was it fun! More than that it was such a heart warming sight to see so many come together as one. Everyone was there to help find "forever homes" for all the dogs in need of a second chance at life. I was surrounded by heroes and angels for an entire day and it just doesn't get much better than that.

Snow, sunshine, & a sister-in-law.

Snow found it's way to our front door last week...and it was beautiful! It's been a long time since we had the kind of snow that actually stuck, but this batch was grade-A. It fell for almost 7 hours and the pups and I enjoyed a few unbridled moments of fun outside.

Chase had a wonderful winter vacation filled with more snowflakes than could ever be counted. He loved every single moment...and we loved sharing that experience with him. However, these snowflakes may have been Hana's first. She seemed to enjoy them right alongside her big brother Chase while he showed her "the ropes".

It was a really great way to start the week!

I was lucky enough to attend a kids cooking class with Landa and Gracie on Friday and had a GREAT time! We made dumplings and they were delish!

Landa and Gracie were sweet hostesses, as usual, and really made my afternoon very special. Gracie is a super chef. Thanks again ladies!!!

Our weekend welcomed us with both sunshine and my sister-in-law Alexa. She and her "friend-boy", John, arrived on Friday afternoon with hugs and smiles galore. It was really great to see them both and we were so glad that College Station could spare them for a couple of days. ;o)

Big brother Dax and little sister Alexa enjoyed some fun on the tennis court while Hana and I watched the fun from the stands.

Dax, Chase, Hana, and I spent a few hours on Saturday afternoon doing what we love the most...being outside! The pups were particularly wild and full of spunk. It was almost like "silly" was coursing through their veins. It was blissfully fantastic and I relished in the laughter and fun.

Chase and Hana were "hambones" through and through...it doesn't get much better than that.

Special thanks to "Auntie Alexa" for spending extra time with us...it was so great seeing her!

Little pieces of enlightenment...

It seems that every week brings another new discovery to the table of our little family. Hana ascertained a new-found appreciation for carrots.

Meanwhile, Chase solidified his love of the tasty orange colored afternoon snack. He was also kind enough to finish his first and wait to see if Hana didn't feel like finishing her's. Isn't he a gentleman? ;o)

Elka was always up for a carrot snack too...but never needed Chase's help to finish it off. She always had it under control.

Dax and I were able to get back into a very beloved routine on Saturday afternoon at Turkey Creek. Confining a dog on a leash while hiking was something that we haven't had to do for a very long time. Elka, Chase, Dax, and myself had our own little "circle of trust". We knew each other's thresholds, boundaries, and limits...reading each other was simple. Hana, on the other hand, is starting with a clean slate. So working together is key! We came here with her almost 3

weeks prior and boy has she come a long way. We felt our circle was strengthening...so off came her leash. It was a big moment and she embraced it! She and Chase had the best time romping, running, and swimming like puppies.

The freedom and trust felt good...it felt really good. It reminded me of how great of a life we shared with Elka. How easy it was for her to fill our hearts with shameless unabashed love. Turkey Creek was her favorite place to be..and for years, it was her playground.

And now, Hana has discovered it can be her playground too. I'm sure she'd make Elka proud!

Celebration Station...

Celebration was in the Air and on our calendars this weekend. Another wonderful Saturday was spent with our great friends The Joly's. They have a very special way of making our time together the highlight of our week. We met up with them at the Austin Dog Alliance training center to help the organization celebrate their 1st Anniversary. This group of selfless volunteers save countless dogs from euthanasia each year. Their new training facility teaches everything from basic obedience to pet therapy certification. They're kind of a big deal! http://www.austindogalliance.org/index.htm

Gracie took to the dogs at her own pace, but formed a sweet friendship with a beautiful therapy dog named Avery. She was easily twice the size of Gracie, but was filled with more sweetness than a field full of sugar cane. They were a perfect pair.

The rest of our time there was occupied by agility demonstrations, face painting, and cookie decorating. After leaving we enjoyed a great dinner out and then an evening at the Joly's. We were lucky enough to be spoiled with a fashion show headed by Gracie before her bedtime and then a late night of Texas Hold'em and lots of laughter.

Valentine's Day isn't a holiday that either of us really felt the need to celebrate. So, we found a couple of new things to celebrate instead. :o) When Dax brought Chase into his life, he was almost 4 months old...but never had a real "birth date". Well, now he does! (It's a little unofficial...but hey, it's better than nothing.) We celebrated Hana's first month as a Pallotta and Chase's 8th Birthday.

Yes, I made homemade party hats...for our dogs. Feel free to commence laughter. I'll wait... Ok, moving right along. The pups enjoyed some doggie ice cream (not made from actual doggies) topped with some tasty organic peanut butter. I'm surprised that they didn't lick the stainless steel off the bowls. They meant "business".

Another beautiful Sunday afternoon at the Dog Depot Park in Round Rock ended our weekend. Hana is getting much more comfortable in social situations and Chase just adored being in the sunshine. Considering we hosted another full week of rain and chilly weather, I'm surprised the dogs haven't staged a coup. Guess they know I'm on their side. ;o)

We are all looking forward to another great week...and even more wonderful celebrations.

Cabin Fever...

With a full week of fairly constant rain...cabin fever enveloped us all by Wednesday. The pups faired well with lots of naps in the cozy warmth of the living room while I struggled with Physics II homework problems just a few feet away. I dubbed them both "the nap masters" because they made it look so easy and enjoyable.

Hana has mastered the "shake" with both her right and left front paw. She and I also took advantage of a break in the rain on Friday afternoon and went on a bike/walk. She took to me being on the bike quickly and ran alongside of me at a fast clip. It was really fun! Chase was happy to join us on a more normal paced walk after the bike was put up and us girls were worn out.

I was gifted with a very cute discovery upon my completion of putting up this weeks groceries just a bit ago. One of Elka's favorite things in the kitchen, besides fallen food, was the paper towel roll. She would entertain herself, fetch and pounce around like a puppy until it was completely destroyed. It seems that Hana has a similar affinity for the very same thing. (It reminded me of being a kiddo and basking in the joyous glory of thebig cardboard box that the overpriced toy, or large appliance, had come packaged in.)

Chase, being old enough to know better, happily watched Hana make a fool of herself while snacking on a nice rawhide grandma gave him for Christmas.

All-in-all, a great week and relaxing weekend was had by all...life is good.