Duke!

Today, we adopted a 1.5 year old male yellow lab mix, named Duke. So far, we've only had him about 6 hours or so... he's very quiet, and still exploring the house (he has only seen the living room, kitchen, and dining room). He's been in the back yard, but since we have about 1m (3ft) of snow, he can only walk back and forth in a path I dug out for him.

Here he is on the drive home:

Getting to know Julia and doggy-treats:

Another one...

Yet another snow storm over here. Apparently we got about 15 inches (35cm) of fresh powder. It's about time Connecticut had a real winter!

Here's our front door this morning:

Some animal tracks, over the snow-covered walk.

A little more snow, and we wouldn't find the shovel...

The start of the walk up from the driveway.

Mystic

We went back to the Mystic Aquarium, for a short visit. The last time we were there was almost 2 years ago.

Stella enjoyed the beluga whales:

The entrance to the indoor exhibits.

Julia also had a great time.

Holding a live crab.

Stella's ready to go out

I apologize if these pics get a little repetitive, but she was so cute, I just couldn't decide which pictures I liked best.

Julia at Breakfast

Snow Day

The biggest snowstorm in this part of CT since we've been living here: over a foot and a half (45cm), fell in only about 12 hours. Beautiful winter weather.

Roxy helped Julia shovel under the swings, as the snow covered up to the seat.

Roxy multi-tasking.

Stella after coming back in.

Julia coming back in.

The driveway, after being plowed, and after the snow being cleared off the car.

Julia next to a snowbank her height.

It seems to be over - I'll be back at work tomorrow.

Stella

After a bath:

Trying to grab the camera:

Let it snow!

Pretty bush in our back yard covered in snow:

Ready to go:

At the bottom of the hill (the trick is stopping before you run into the thorny bushes):

Let's do it again:

All bundled up:

Swinging with Papa (note the "castle" in the background)

This is the swing-set that Ricardo built this fall:

Crazy tricks:

Cold Turkey

A few pictures from a walk with friends on Sunday (click on this image to see the others).

(Dudley kept running off and chasing (cold) turkeys)

She's a witch!

Julia got this costume from her cousin Sena, and she wore it for two days straight (never mind that it's not Halloween - dress-up is always fun). One day she was about to put it on and I mentioned that its not a good outfit to wear on a walk - she seemed a little disappointed, and put it on as soon as we returned from the walk, then she promptly fell asleep in it - including the pointy hat!

Looks like Stella is waving to the camera...

Stella fell asleep in the carrier during one of our walks, then she continued to sleep even after we got home and I took off the carrier - she was so cozy in her warm snowsuit!

Early Spring

The oldest niece:

Stella, in the carrier.

Centennial Pond, melting in 10°C weather.

Stella enjoying the swing.