More puppy and a new yard

Yes, I am going to make you look at before and after photos of our new yard before you see latest puppy pictures.

This photo was taken back when we first moved in and before Dad helped us rip that deck off.

And here was our yard about 2 weeks ago.

And here's our yard now! It seems to have survived the last vestiges of summer heat, and our cooler nights and (slightly) cooler days are helping.

OK, now you get pictures of Luna. Here she is, in her preferred sleeping position on my lap. Or John's lap. Any lap, really.

She likes belly rubs, but she also likes to bite you while she gets belly rubs.

You can see her lighter eye better in this photo. Not easy to photograph that.

She likes her soccer ball. Sorry Dad!

We think that right ear is getting ready to stand up.

This is how we "watch football" now.

More puppy and a new yard

Yes, I am going to make you look at before and after photos of our new yard before you see latest puppy pictures.

This photo was taken back when we first moved in and before Dad helped us rip that deck off.

And here was our yard about 2 weeks ago.

And here's our yard now! It seems to have survived the last vestiges of summer heat, and our cooler nights and (slightly) cooler days are helping.

OK, now you get pictures of Luna. Here she is, in her preferred sleeping position on my lap. Or John's lap. Any lap, really.

She likes belly rubs, but she also likes to bite you while she gets belly rubs.

You can see her lighter eye better in this photo. Not easy to photograph that.

She likes her soccer ball. Sorry Dad!

We think that right ear is getting ready to stand up.

This is how we "watch football" now.

Adopting Luna

These pictures pretty much speak for themselves, but here's miss Luna, out adopted half-cattledog from New Hope Cattledog Rescue here in Colorado. She's such a sweetheart already and instantly loved both of us.

She slept like this the whole ride home, which was probably and hour and a half.

She loves her red ball grandma bought her! :)

Her left eye is a bit lighter — that's why it looks wonky in this photo, as it doesn't photograph well. No clue if that will stick around, but people will believe she's part cattledog if it does!

Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes

This hike was a spur-of-the-moment, Sunday morning, sort of thing — the fact that we can say we hiked Rocky Mountain National Park on the spur of the moment is incredible — and the day couldn't have been better. This trail is super popular and was jam-packed the whole way, but the sprint to the top and the views made it a perfect exercise hike and escape from the daily grind.

The mileage isn't far, but you gain elevation quickly and finish above 10,000 feet. Heading back down was a breeze.

Here's a view of Longs Peak from just above Nymph Lake (which is really more of a pond).

We crossed a bridge over a quaint mountain stream with Hallett Peak in view.

The view of Hallett Peak (and some bad fly fisherman) from Dream Lake's shores.

After passing Dream Lake, you sprint the last leg of the trail to Emerald Lake, right at the base of Hallett Peak — and what a beauty it is. Sure would have been nice to take a lunch and eat right there by the green waters, soaking up the icy breeze on a day that was warmer than average for the park.

It's seriously that green.

Not a bad seat, eh? Sea level is for sissies.