We've finally come around to playing with a Christmas gift from two years ago (sorry mom and dad). Robin has been messing with the Canon ZR600 while the dogs flop around in the backyard. Here are the results of his first shot at editing.

 

 

Despite what it looks like, I'm eating string cheese, not drugs.

Call us suckers for a pretty pup.  We adopted Simone's brother last week and christened him Luka. He's a licker, a lover and if you lead, he'll follow you anywhere. He's Cool Hand Luka.  See the heartbreaker at 5 weeks old here.

He & Simone had some off-leash playtime at a fenced field by our house last weekend. It's the unofficial neighborhood dog park. You have to wear wellies though.  The chuck-it can whip up some mean mud on a rainy day.

Robin on leash duty:

Luka:

My temporarily conjoined fraternal twins:

Simone:

Robin takes the camera as I take them to the car:

Thank you to Manorlake Labradoodles for making our two beautiful muffin monsters!

Just a quick note to say Simone's brother is still available for adoption at Manorlake.  He's 4 months old, already potty trained and knows basic commands.   I met him a couple months back and he was a sweetheart.  I'm hoping he stays in the area so we can reunite him for playtimes with Simone (we should all be able to see family over the holidays, no?).  More info here.

photo by Manorlake Labradoodles

Simone and I stopped by to say hi to fellow photog Alyssa Rose the other day while we were in the neighborhood and since she was in between clients and can't resist an adorable puppy, she brought us into the studio for an impromptu session!  We had so much fun running and jumping around with all the toys and props she has on hand.  I let Simone gnaw on my Converse as a reward for being so good.  I know, bad reward, but it made for great pictures.  You can see more photos from our pitstop on Alyssa's blog, and be sure to check out more of her pet portrait work.  Thanks Alyssa!

Cute Overload posted one of the puppy pics I took at Manor Lake Labradoodles with a fictitious story about how their butts fused together by the Large Hadron Collider. HA!

Btw, I think one of those pups is still available for adoption.  He's a total heartbreaker.

Robin and I have adopted an 8 week old multi-generational Australian Labradoodle (Labrador Retreiver & Poodle cross) from Manor Lake Labradoodles up in Bellingham.  Simone is the mellowest, sweetest chocolate muffin ever.  She follows us around wherever we go and rolls over on her back for other dogs and people.  I can barely take my hands off of her to take a photo she's so soft and snuggly! 

As of Tuesday, she's 4lbs but she'll grow to weigh about 35lbs and be 19ish inches tall at her shoulders. 

here she is running after me in our backyard.  this is her big leap from the patio area!

Puppy comes on Sunday!
Tipping my hat to species equality, here's my sister Jodi's snowball bunny of a cat, JJ:

I'm off to shoot Sara & Matt's lobster bake wedding on Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island (hell yeah) and will have limited email access over the next 7 days (uh oh).

I leave you with a snapshot of our new multi-gen Aussie labradoodle awaiting pick-up in two weeks. Two weeks! We've been plagued by puppy dreams ever since meeting her.

I used to see Mary years ago for massage therapy when my main lady couldn't fit me in. She always had great massage music on the stereo; Nouvelle Vague, Regina Spektor and Madeleine Peyroux. My insurance eventually ran out and I let things slide. It was a nice surprise to get an email from her asking for family portraits with her husband Alex & dog Sancho. She said "people always look like they're having so much fun in your photos". I have no idea what she's talking about.
Sancho, getting his licks in:



another random dog wanted in on the action.





sweet Sancho

this could be the cover of their debut folk album, no?

and the inside spread will be:



looking for Sancho

found!

We re-hydrated and went to cool off by the jungle gym area

this kid was hilarious

sweet sunset time:

Ok, I know this shot is so late 70's cheeseball but i just had to take it. It makes me want to sing the Riunite song. I hope they don't mind my indulgence!

Thank you guys for sharing your day with me and much thanks to Alex for making me that Johnny Guitar Watson cd. I looove it!

This sweet canine belongs to the Studerus family, who I'll be posting images of tomorrow. We had some alone time while the baby was getting changed and I can't keep these to myself any longer.