Good morning! It's a beautiful spring day here with popcorn trees blossoming and sunny daffodils poking up their bright heads. There's a red-breasted robin perched outside my window, and every once in a while I can hear her musical chirp.
As lovely as the day is, I feel a bit sad, just as I do most days when I scroll the news. While in general I try not to get too political on this blog, I also don't want my silence to be interpreted as approval or complacency. I did not vote for Trump, and am strongly opposed to his policies where money and prestige usurp democracy and light. The current political administration under Donald Trump is actively attacking the things I hold most dear--ranging from national parks and education to estranging international allies and imposing crippling tariffs. Current immigration policies are so disturbing, allowing ICE to enter our schools and places of worship, turning our back on refugees. Have we forgotten Emma Lazarus's poetry inscribed on the Statue of Liberty? "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
Our nation is already so divided with hate and vitriolic speech. I don't want to add more fuel to the raging fire, even in the form of righteous indignation. After all, don't we all think that we are right? But if, for any reason, you are feeling outcast or estranged or vulnerable or lonely today, please know that I am here. I see you. I care. I may not know how to fix it, but I will stand with you. Please know that you are not alone.
Tú vales. You are of worth and great value. You matter.
Now, to brighten up a heavy post...puppy pictures! A LOT of puppy pictures. Because who doesn't love animal pics? In trying to figure out how to get through my photo roll, I figured I could tackle a great deal by sharing a photo dump of Zion (and friends.)
Here's our handsome fella! Annika made his bandanna with Ms. Jane in sewing class. So cute! She repurposed her sea turtle curtains to make this and a matching skirt for herself.
Hilarious photo series. Turns out that Zion looks pretty vicious when he yawns.
Here's Zion out for a walk up Millcreek Canyon.
Of course, he didn't do all of the walking!
Pickles joined the fun too.
The puppies and their peoples.
So fun when all the grandparents gather together!
Having a dog is great cardiac rehab! One of Annika's first really long walk was a stroll with Zion all the way to the 7-11 and Lindsey Gardens with her friend Aven. On the way, they stopped to take some fun pictures with Totoro.
Goofing off at home, then trying on some new shoes. It took a little while for Zion to adjust to his booties, but he seems to like them now.
Can't explain this one.
Tired pup. No wonder, it takes a lot of energy to disembowel your toys.
Zion meets a new friend.
Zion loves the trails in all weather. Outside is the place where he shines and his best personality comes through. Just like me, he gets in trouble when cooped up indoors for too long.
Enjoying the BST (Bonneville Shoreline Trail) with Eli.
Looking rather unsure of his footwear.
That's better!
More Talia love.
Our local trails are beautiful during the day, but stunning at sunset.
Of course, Millcreek Canyon isn't too shabby either. In mid-February Annika and I tried the trail she'd disliked at the beginning of January. While we didn't make it to the top, this time was
much better.
Of course, having a dog to hike with certainly added to the joy...as did the big stick. Annika gleefully knocked each tree she passed in the hopes that all the snow would fall on me. Most of the time she just got herself instead.
The best of winter summed up in a smile.
Zion would like to nominate himself to be the house dishwasher...
...and sous chef. If only we'd let him.
When Zion gets into too much mischief, we bring him over to the Wilhoits to play with Pickles. They run each other ragged!
The Wilhoits recently repainted their home and replaced the siding. I love the color!
Flying dog, followed by a campfire. Poor Eli is masked because he tested positive for the flu--twice!
Zion adores his Aunt Callie.
I spy two somebodies who sneaked into Mommy's bed!
This face may be cute, but don't trust it. This pup can be naughty. Look who licked the meringue off the pie on pi day! And just when I was going to serve it to company too.
No, but seriously. Having a high energy rescue dog is tough. And expensive. Zion has a great heart, but he can be destructive. He scratches the glass on the back door. He ate Talia's retainer and the frames on Annika's glasses. While much better trained than when he arrived, he still has occasional potty accidents. He destroys pencils and socks and little plastic things, like when he chewed the face off Annika's axolotl figurine yesterday. He jumps on people when he gets excited, and wants to be at the center of every family hug. There are many moments when I question my judgment in bringing him into our home.
Rationally, I don't have a great explanation except for the smiles on my kids' faces.
Welcome to the Wheeler home! But next time perhaps we ought to be more like Justin and Brianna and adopt a cute white bunny instead.
