Terrible Two!

Happy Birthday Murphy! Yesterday was Murphy's second birthday. It's been two incredible years . Murphy has brought so much joy into our lives!

Assorted Video Clips

Just wanted to get some video clips up.
They all pretty much speak for themselves.

Jump Ball

The other day, Murphy's Uncle Reno came over to play ball.

They sure look cute waiting for me to throw it.

They sure go after that ball in a hurry.

Some times Reno won't wait for the ball to hit the ground.
He's pretty good at getting the Jump Ball.

After a few throws, they like to hit the pool.
The black dogs don't seem to like the heat too much.
In this picture, Murphy has the ball pinned under water, and Reno is trying to get it.
Reno ALWAYS gets the ball in the end.



It got so hot that day, I decided I needed to get in the pool.
So we headed over to Reno's house.
He has a nice pool, much bigger and cleaner then Murphy's.
It has fun for the Humans, too, note the diving board at the other end of the pool.
My favorite trick is to get both dog's in the water, then Cannon Ball them.
Will get video of that up soon, Kelly says it is pretty funny.

Murphy sure loves jumping in the pool for the ball.
Reno gets a little frustrated because he won't jump in, so Murphy gets the ball a lot.
Reno tends to just get another ball.

There's Murphy, getting another jump ball.
Yes, I see you have a ball too, Reno.

After all that excitement, Murphy just needs to unwind with a stick!

This is Murphy's Uncle Patrick, Kelly's brother.
(he's not too good with pictures, good thing Kelly took this one!)
He lives in the big city and invited Murphy and us to a 4th of July celebration at his place.

Murphy loves hanging out at parties, especially outside on the deck.

How's that view Murph?

Pretty sweet!

In all directions.

How do I always get stuck with the BBQ??????

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Pine Cones and Glowing Eyes

So it has been a while since anything has been posted. With moving and Kelly starting a new job, we have been super busy. BUT, I have been taking pictures, so I hope I can get caught up.

Anyway, Murphy and me are up at Lake Tahoe for a couple of days, he wanted to get out of the heat of the Valley.

It is spring time and that means time to clean up the trails from the Winter so we can enjoy the biking all summer and fall. I started with this short section that allows us to avoid a lot of roads to get to the trails. Didn't take that long, but I did manage to work up a good sweat. And then of course, I had to lay some fresh tracks on the fresh trail....

Murphy always gets hot and looks for any water to get into, good thing this little creek flows year round.

and the snow flowers are starting to push up, they're an interesting plant.

Murphy at the Beach

Today, Murphy and I went to his favorite beach in Tahoe. He wants me to throw the ball. Not yet, I have to get some pictures first.

Throw it! Throw it!

It was such a nice day and fresh snow on the ground, I could not help but take a couple more pictures. Although Murphy is starting to get annoyed with me.

THROW IT!

Okay I'll throw it now. But you gotta swim for it! Murphy has no problem with swimming, even in the Winter, he just doesn't care. He's got to have that ball!



He's a pretty good fetcher!

Suddenly, out of no where, dogs started showing up by the two's and three's. Murphy was STOKED! We went on a short walk with Dog Walker Megan and her play group for the day. Murphy had fun. I got to hear about her recent divorce. Not so fun.



So long to Tahoe for now, be back soon!

Later that same day, I was drinking a beer with the neighbor, and a new friend came over to play ball with Murphy.

It was a little cold and snowy, but they didn't care. Here's Murphy and and the unknown dog bringing me the ball.

Now if I could only get them to drop, it I'd throw it again. Neither one of them can get this right!

Ouhhh, if you drop it, I'll take it! C'mon, drop it, I'll get it......

No Way, MY BALL!

Well, he wouldn't drop it, so I had to pry it from his mouth. Good thing I was wearing work gloves! Ewwww. Slobber!
Okay, I'll Chuckit now. What? You don't know what a chuckit is? WOW, I thought every dog knew about chuckit. Better go, Murphy is going to get the ball.....


Oh, he did, good Murphy! Bring the ball! Murphy likes his new friend. Sure wish I knew that dog's name......

Feburary Snow - Finally!!!!!

So Me and Murphy went up to Tahoe today to check out the new snow. No chain controls over the summit...sweet!!!

We had to measure how much snow had fallen, so Murphy suggested using his ball and chuckit. How could I refuse?


Okay Murphy, how much snow is there? Can you estimate? Looks like about 15 inches to me......

Wait, is that my ball in the snow???? I want it!!! Gimmee!!! Ohhh, I have to get it!!!

YEAH, I GOT IT!!!!!!

Murphy is not all that into measuring the snow fall.......

Friends

Murphy's friend Ruby came over the other day. Murphy was so happy! He and Ruby love to run around, chase each other, chase squirrels.




Murphy likes to dare Ruby to take his stick/pinecone/ball. Sometimes Ruby just really could not be bothered. But every now and again, she takes the dare!



They are constantly moving -- so it's hard to get a picture of them. I got a lot of pictures like this one:





And this:


After about an hour of running all over the place -- they finally started slowing down. So I could get some better shots.

Ruby is very gentle and lady-like. Very unlike Murphy.




She often has a slightly perplexed look on her face. I think she would like to understand better why Murphy is constantly crashing into her.


Murphy crashes into her because he loves her.

Same Exuberance -- Different Season

Running through the grass remains one of Murphy's greatest pleasures, be it green or brown. A stick only makes it better.

Is it an Ocean?