Zzzzzz . . .

Can't. Keep. My eyes. Open. For one. More. Minute . . .

Zzzzzzzzzz . . .

Laundry is done

I didn't roll in your laundry before I folded it. I swear.

Splashing in my homemade pool

Splashing in my homemade pool.

Keeping cool in the city

I got a pool! I got a pool! I got a pool!

It's not very big, but it's perfect for keeping cool. I like to go outside and jump in it at least 15 times a day.

Plus, I learned all about pool safety: the four "S"s . . .

SPLISH . . .

SPLASH!!!
SWIM!!!

SHAKE!!!

Yoga

My mom can't do real exercise because of her migraines, so we started doing some yoga. It's great girl-time.

I'm much better than my mom, though.

I even made up my own moves!
This is what I call "forward facing dog."

And stretch . . .
Absolute bliss!

Victory Lap

After catching the ball, I need to do a victory lap to make sure that everyone knows I caught it.

Did you see me, Mom? Did you see me?

Beating the Heat

Summer in the city is hot, hot, hot!

So hot that I can barely get out of bed. Please mom, I need-need-need a pool!
I mean, look at this guy! He's cool and happy and has all sorts of toys in his pool.

Mom, don't you want me to be happy, too?

My mom remembered that the local Ace Hardware store carried little pools like this, so we took a trip down the street to buy one.
Their logo says: "The helpful place" and it sure is!

I love Ace! They let puppies like me come into the store and always have yummy treats to share. Whenever we walk by the store, I try to drag my mom into the store so I can say "hello" -- and to get my treats, of course.

But, when we got to the store, we saw a sign that said:

Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!

Apparently it was so hot that their air conditioner broke, so they couldn't stay open.

What should we do now? It is sooooo hot, Mom!

Suddenly my mom said she had an idea . . .
She found an plastic storage container on the third floor, emptied it out, and filled it with water.
Hmm . . . I think I know where you are going with this.
I dropped my ball into the water to test the water out a bit . . .
And then dove right in!
Ahhhh . . . great idea, Mom!

But can we get a *real* pool tomorrow?

Happy hour in the park

I'm so glad that my mom found a park where I can play ball.

I'm ready! Throw it, Mom!
Sometimes my friends try to play with me . . .
But, they usually don't have a chance against my super-sweet running and catching ability.

After an hour or so of playing and I'm ready for a break, so my mom takes me to the smaller park for my "cool-down."

Oh, wait. Did I say "cool-down"? I meant, warm-up!Again, again! Throw it again!

Zoom . . .

Now, that is what I call a "Happy Hour"!

Found in the backyard

I found a ball in my backyard today.
My mom told me it was a "soft" ball.

I don't think she knows what is was talking about, though. It didn't feel very soft to me.

Hey little birdies, were you playing with this?

Day 3: Fore-lady Laila

Today is the day! Today we build the fence!

As fore-lady, it is my job to make sure everything is done correctly.
The sticks look good, so let's get started!
Dad, just carry the sticks over there, and I'll tell you what to do.
Yeah, that's a good spot!
I helped carry some sticks, too.
I had to supervise to make sure my Dad did everything right.

And after hours and days and hours and days and hours and days of hard work,

We're finally done!
Before.
After.

WOW!!!! Great job, Dad!!!!

Day 2: Fore-lady Laila

Ok, so yesterday was a productive day, but my dad still has a lot of work to do before the parking pad and fence are finished.

Hey, Dad! I came out to check on your progress.
Looking good!
Very nice!
But, there are still a lot of pavers to put in.

Better get back to work.

The quicker you finish, the quicker I get to go to the park!

Day 1: Fore-lady Laila

My dad decided that it was time to do some major renovations in our backyard, namely build a parking pad and redo the fence. Since he obviously has no idea what he is doing, I volunteered to be the fore-lady for the job.

Wait, you say that Dad is an engineer and builds stuff all the time? Whatever. We all know that my skills are far superior.
After surveying the property, I decided that the best place for the parking pad would be at the rear of the yard so that my dad can have access to the alley behind the house.

The first thing to do is move back the flowerbeds to make room for the parking pad.
Good job, dad!

Ok, next thing to do is build the frame . . .
and pour the . . .
Whoa, you guys are fast!

Time to call it a day!
I hear my dinner calling . . .

Trees, lovely trees

My backyard is small, but . . .
it has great trees.

With lots of little birdies.

Come on, birdie. Just a little bit closer.