Child at Heart

Children aren't the only ones who like to play with McDonald's Happy Meal toys!

A Weekend to Remember

Here are some more photos from Holly's trip.  I realized I was so busy behind the lens, there are ZERO photos of Holly and me together.  Guess that means she needs to return soon for another trip! 

And she says she's not photogenic...

Jesse and Holly in the very dark Dinosaur segment of the Smithsonian

Holly spent a lot of time in the Transportation-Boats section of the American History Museum.

She ate her first street-vendor hot dog!!!

For more photos, check out my facebook page on the I Think It's Spring photo album.

A Good Hair Brushing

After a long day's work...or vacation...the last thing on the list of I WANTS is a good hair brushing.  I grew up with a mom who always had her hands running through my long blond hair. She and my aunt Gayle taught me that girls are meant to brush each others hair in the evenings.  Somehow the Shitzu family believes the same thing...Hutch took care of Holly.

 And then after he thought the job was complete, he found a nice cool place to relax...bringing his best bud The Duck with him.

Holly's DC Trip

Here's just a quick glimpse at our doings since Holly has been here.  More to come...

Holly and Hutch modeling in front of the Washington Monument

The White House peaking through its hiding place...Holly can now say she's parked in front of the White House

Victory at Sea Monument.

Love this photo...minus the creepy boy in the background

Korean War Memorial.  Holly was pleased to find proof the US was part of the U.N. 

Holly and Me floating on the Korean War Memorial wall

I believe the first thing Holly said when she saw the Lincoln Memorial was, "Do we really have to climb ALL those stairs??"

We visited National Arlington Cemetery

Witness of Changing of the Guard

RELAXATION

Undercover

Perhaps they won't notice me here...

Hot, Hot, Hot

Hutch was unusually antsy yesterday after I got home from work.  Jesse stayed home and rested after his colonoscopy, but he was unable to take the little guy outside for a real potty break.  So, to make up for it, I took Hutch on a long walk.  Well...at least it was intended to be long.  His fuzzy little body and 90 degree weather don't quite fit together.  After we'd gone half the way I'd hoped, he lurched to a stop, collapsed down on his belly and stuck his tiny pink tongue out.  He was pooped.  When we returned, he lapped up a bunch of water and found a nice cool place to sprawl out. 

Weekend Warrior

 This weekend was set aside to get our home ready for our soon-to-arrive guest.  Waking up to this sky provided some enthusiasm and inspiration to get it all done...plus many, many cups of coffee.

 Here is proof of our four-story garden.  No one can limit you if you don't let them.  The veggies are now planted and seem to be doing okay...however, they don't like the wind.  I'm excited about my flower pots as well.  It's refreshing to look out our balcony door and see this!

Tomato Plant :)

Splash of color with orange-red marigolds

Sweet Peas!! (Dad, notice the GREEN palm in the background?? It's come back from the dead!!)

Precarious Places

We've temporarily moved to a new office to allow new employees for a new contract to use our old space.  Long story short, several people are crammed into one large room.  While I'm not a huge fan of looking into someone's eyes while I work, I have to remind myself this is a TEMPORARY solution. I will have my own space soon. One very big advantage is that Hutch is a favorite here.  Yesterday I made it "Bring Your Dog to Work Day." Of course, I didn't announce it to the world, so Hutch has become the office mascot.  He was invited back this afternoon, so we'll finish of the week with a cutey pie hanging out at work.

Hutch found a comfy spot on my desk.  He later wrote his own Memo, which consisted mostly of spaces and Bs.

After work, we drove to East Moon Asian Bistro to pick up Sushi for dinner.  Hutch again found a precarious place to sit.

Field Fitness

Whoever said weekday evenings are reserved for vegging on the couch and doing nothing?  Not in our home--at least not anymore. :)

Hutch went on his first "real" walk.  Besides the distraction of one meeellion smells, he did very well.

After our walk, Hutch joined Jesse in Yoga.  He isn't quite as limber as Jesse is.

All worn out from his evening of fitness

Good night!

Little Sprouts

Tuesday's Cuddles

On our lunch break today, Hutch and I went for a quick walk, greeted by the cold raindrops.  His long hair makes him soak up the water like a mop, so when we returned to the apartment, I immediately dried him off with a towel.  For whatever reason, this made him get sleepy and completely relaxed.  He climbed into my lap and fell asleep immediately. I love the cuddle moments...they are just about PERFECT.  Here are some quick snaps of Hutch...

Kolby and Hutch have become best of pals

Hangar48

This weekend was the Sr. High youth retreat.  The overall turnout of students was great, and from our own small group, we had six girls.  The weekend was full of laughter and smiles.  We had a great time playing Broomball, watching movies, skipping sleep, doing a mall scavenger hunt, and learning about God's Story.  It was great!

My self-portrait

Tina explaining the scavenger hunt to the girls

 When I got home, it was time to give Hutch a bath...he always looks so tiny after his bath...

I love bathtime!!

Hutch tried to entertain Jesse as he was sick on the couch

April Fools-I've Got Nothin'

As hard as I try, I can't seem to attempt a reasonable April Fools joke to post.  So, instead I will bask in realism and truth. :)  Somehow saying "We're pregnant" or "Jesse has lost his job" or "We're moving back home!" just doesn't have the right impact of humor right now.  Perhaps next year!
It seems this week has had its fair amount of challenges.  We're wading through the water in search of that supposed sand bar the locals talk about--waiting to emerge from the deep cold and dry off.  Jesse continues to battle the feelings of "blehness."  While he's left the vomiting behind, he still has little energy and feels sick constantly.  If I look back at past calendars, I'd see that his rollercoaster of health is usually on its way down during this season, but my prayer is that he'll find that surprise incline soon.  But, as we wade through the water, we have a little reminder of hope.  Hutch is our pet (whom we spoil far too much), but even more he serves as a healthy distraction.  When tummies hurt, he's there to sit on your lap.  When heads ache, he's there to lick your cheek.  There's nothing much better than returning home to a wiggly-waggly puppy who licks you to pieces.

Hutch sitting at his post...ignore all the wires...it's our little India

Hutch helped me pack for this weekend's youth retreat.  He wasn't in the way at all...oh no....

Hutch lost interest in visiting Kolby in his area, so Kolby ventured out to see Hutch.  Now we have a tiny little bird walking everywhere trying to find his friend.  We love our new entertainment