Everything's Bigger In Texas!: There is a first time for Everything!

A few weekends ago I think I hit my breaking point. While our home made coffee was proven ok, I was tired of having to go to Starbucks to get something that was quick and resembled ice coffee. I was feeling the itch and even though it is totally out of the way I convinced Jarrod that we simply NEEDED to go to the ONE Dunkin Donuts here in the Houston area. MY WAS IT GLORIOUS!!!

Until you live without it for 8 months you may not understand just how good this East Coast staple is. I know that I should be finding that perfect local coffee shop, and I have, but I don't know what it is... No one has ice like Dunkin! It's magical or something. While going to Dunkin was absolutely wonderful I am afraid I have "Broken the seal" so to speak and want to make the 15-20 trek for the coffee all the time now. We have only gone one more time, so I guess that's a good sign.

The next "First" was taking the dog for a good long "hike". I use quotes because let's be honest, we're in Houston Tx and so by hike I mean a nature walk. It was such an awesome day! Great weather, nice 2 mile walk and a great way to walk the dog with no hands. Portland did great and even allowed me to stop him from his sniffing for a few pictures :)

Can you tell from the photo that Portland is UBER excited to be in the woods?! He pulled quite a bit but we couldn't fault him... we love the woods too!

What a cute pup!!

Clearly Portland has hit his teen years and feels too cool to be in a photo with his pops ;) (I am sure it was just a bird...)

After lots of pulling we realized I could just put his leash around my waist and he could roam as he pleased and I could walk with both hands free. It worked really great and was a good work out when he decided to go in the opposite direction...

I'd just like to point out that my pup doesn't mind taking pictures with him mom :)

Clearly the walk worked it's magic! He was out
before we got home!!

And my favorite first of all.... PORTLAND SWIMS IN THE OCEAN!!!! As you may remember Portland less than likes water. We've tried to get him to chase balls into the dog park pond and he just won't do it! He hates hoses and don't even get me started on baths... On Sunday we decided that if Portland was going to go home with me for the summer that he needed to be introduced to the ocean at least once before we left. Luckily Galveston is only about an hour or so away and so to the beach we went.

I will be honest... he did NOT like the ocean. However his instincts did kick in and we saw some real swimming action. Though the water was not his favorite, he definitely found another beach activity that he LOVES! You'll see what I mean in the photos and video :) I will say that when we do have kids, this new love will be quite helpful!!! Our day at the beach....

This look says "I can NOT believe you're making me do this!" He was not excited at all and eventually Jarrod had to pick him up and bring him further out. It had to be done...