The IQ F* You

This Christmas I decided to get the boys learning toys. Toys that would give them a mental exercise as well as dispense delicious treats. I decided on the busy buddy block for each one, the tricky treat ball for one, and the IQ ball for the other. Both balls are to be filled with treats and then once the dog rolls them around whala a treat is given for the efforts made.

**Please note that the learning level on the IQ ball is brilliant. I have high expectations.





Well the blocks went over well; the treats are easy and it occupies them forever. The tricky treat ball is also a favorite; Chuy has the patience to get the treats out, Walter not so much. The IQ ball hasn't really gone over so well. The treats are placed in the side where they can not be seen. Then you lay a disc with an opening in the middle of the ball and screw on the top part which is clear. The dog must roll the ball to get the treat from the hidden side to the clear side. Then roll some more to finally get it out. Well...

The boys can get the treat from one side of the ball to the other but once they see it they go nuts and don't understand that they must continue to roll and get it through another opening before devouring it. Oh well I just left it in their kennel so that while I am gone during the day maybe they will have a stroke of genius and finally figure it out.

This is what I came home to last night.




I am certain Chuy decided that rolling each treat out one at a time was not worth the effort and instead unscrewed the ball, removed the disc, and enjoyed all his treats at once! All the while thinking "F* you IQ ball".

Now that my friends is a learning level far beyond brilliant.

Christmas Week in Arizona

This year I was able to get back to Yuma for 9 days during the Christmas holiday. I had a blast, tons of people to see, things to do, and of course food to eat.

This year I stayed at Sabra's house and enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't realize how much I missed everyone!

While I was there I got to see Kelly and her family, the twins are getting so big. I took the kids to lights and ice cream, a tradition of ours. I helped mom bring Christmas to another family. Went to a few movies (Tron and Tangled), shopped, wrapped gifts, and ate so much food.

Christmas Day was great. I love opening gifts with the Lemmons and seeing the kids excitement as they open their presents. Then I went to Bard to open gifts with the parents and grandma, stopped by grandpa's house for a bit, then enjoyed a Mexican Christmas dinner at Sabra's (we even skyped Zac and Adriana in for part of it).

Below are the pictures I took while there, Sabra has a ton more that I need to get from her. Don't forget Sissy!

Stowaway

Walter and I were in my room setting out the last of the clothes I needed for my trip. I had no idea where Chuy was until I went out in the living room to close up my luggage. It looks like I may have acquired a stowaway for my trip.

Chuy gets very sad when he sees the big luggage come out.

Snow Days

Today we got the first real snow for the season. Maryland traffic is insane so I left work early to beat the traffic. There were still crazies all over the road. I wish the snow would have held off a day until I left but oh well. I made it home safely and hope that I can get to the airport tomorrow morning safe and on time as well.

Walter is too cute when he gets in from a walk outside, snow all over his beard (kinda melted by the time I got the camera out).

Here is a picture of our backyard and the golf course.






PS Did I mention I am so glad to be going home for 10 days to get out of this weather! But I will miss my boys terribly :(

BIG Kid Bed

Since I lived in two attics while going to grad school I was unable to have real furniture (had to be built in room) or TALL furniture (slanted ceilings). Well I have been living in a normal apartment for 6 months now and I finally decided I needed a bed that was more than a foot off the ground.

So a few weeks ago I went out and bought myself a FABULOUS (but very practical) Christmas present. I got a King size Tempurpedic bed and I ABSOLUTELY love love love it!

Of course I had to get new bedding...that was the best part.

Masquerade 2010

We had our work holiday party at the Hilton in Baltimore and I had a blast! The theme was masquerade and I was super excited. The party was an excuse to go a little crazy at Macy's and I went down a dress size...another reason a new dress (and shoes) were in order.

I went with Zack and we met up with Tracey and her fiance Jeff. It was so much! The food was fabulous. I ate too much. I even got everyone out on the dance floor for at least one song!

After the party we went to a friend of Zack's for another holiday party. We were a little over dressed but who cares when you love what you are wearing!

Here are some pictures from the evening...

Christmas Elves and Reindeer

We attempted a picture with Santa this year but after a few times of trying to get close to the Petco Santa we decided to just come home and have a photo shoot ourselves. We also decided to get a tree and decorate it, nothing fancy. I need to wrap their gifts so there are some presents under the tree!

Chuy was good and posed, Walter was shy and upset...here are my boys!