And we're off

After a ridiculously busy summer last year and some bumpy roads along the way we are off on a vacation.  It is our first real, big vacation in almost two years and we can't wait.  Phones are not going to work where we are going and I think that's pretty damn cool!

We are going to one of these-care to guess which one?

We have just a few activities planned but I plan on spending most of my time here with a cocktail in hand!

Hope your week is as fun as ours!

Cake baking

If you know me, you know I love cake.  And damn cake-it has gluten which I've been pretty good about giving up since my detox back in Feb.  I decided to bake a cake for our Mother's Day dinner and force "gluten" free upon my in laws.  They were pretty good sports about a gluten free cake.  And the taste wasn't too bad, however, that sucker weighed about 25 pounds. 

I tried two different gluten free cake mixes-ok fine-it is really b/c I wanted to make a layer cake and totally forgot to buy the second box.  And the second grocery store I went to didn't have the same kind...So there-busted.  Mistake number 1. 

Cake batter number one-looks so nice and smooth-right??

Cake batter number two-LUMPY LUMPY LUMPY and the mix to the left is the home-made raspberry filling. 

The two cakes out of the oven-lumpy on the left, smooth as butta on the right

You must try this gelato-Heaven..seriously...

 Layer of raspberry filling-check!

 Mommy's little kitchen helper

 Finished product

Overall, this isn't such a bad alternative to real cake.  Eat small pieces as a big old hunk of cake will feel like a bowling ball in your tummy!!

Coop

A week ago Thursday, we put down our best friend, Cooper.  Words can't even begin to describe how sad we are.  We have never known each other without our dogs as Cooper was with Chad and Savannah with me when we first met and started dating.   Our family was formed in that instant and it has always been the four of us. 

Our dogs are ultimately what bonded us and brought us together.  If it wasn't for Cooper and Savannah, we may never have ended up dating, marrying and loving each other.  Our first quality time together (outside of work) was with our dogs on Folly Beach.  Those two dogs played and played and played together while Chad and I walked and talked together.  One of my funniest memories was running down the beach, being "chased" by Cooper and I ran through what I thought was just a small puddle of water.  Well that puddle turned out to be a huge drop off and both me and the dog fell into the water "puddle" which was up past my knees.  I think Cooper knew right then and there I wasn't really an outdoor kind of woman.  And I know my future husband was laughing his butt off at that moment.  I never have been really graceful!

Cooper has always been and will always be Chad's best friend.  I knew Cooper was Chad's number one and I was always ok with that.  Even though you are gone buddy, you will always be your Dad's number one.   You were my number one big dog and your sister's number one brother. 

You loved the beach-like no other dog I have ever seen.  As soon as you saw the ocean, your face lit up into a smile and you ran-full force-for the waves.  You loved laying down in the waves and letting them crash over you.  I think you did it partly because you knew I was going to have a wet smelly dog in the car with me on the ride home.  And secretly you knew that it drove me crazy that it would take you HOURS to dry off with all that fur and you loved the fact that I was annoyed by wet dog!  :)

As much as your dad and I are going to miss you Cooper, your sister, Savannah, is going to miss her best friend.  I can only imagine the trouble you two got into when we weren't around.  Or the trouble you kept Savannah out of when we weren't home.  I'll always remember you holding her down with one paw when she was in her crazy jack russell early years as she drove you crazy running circles around you.  And you oh so casually would take your big old paw and "WHAP" hold her down until she calmed down.   She had you as her big brother.  She knew that she could start a barking fight with another dog and you'd always be there to back her up.  She's a lot more quiet these days buddy.  She misses you...

Cooper, thank you for being the worlds best dog.  You were a friend and companion to all of us.  You were there for the best times and you licked my tears away in the worst times.  I'll never have a dog again that would lay down his life for me or Chad they way you would.  You gave us so much love and happiness Cooper Hammond and my heart will always have a spot in it just for you.  You made our family complete Cooper and we all miss you.