My Summer Vacation

Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Tom took me on a month long trip to their house in North Syracuse. We left on August 1st and I spent the whole ride sitting comfortably on Gram's lap. The whole back seat was loaded with goodies from Paneantico that Gram was bringing to her friends in Syracuse. It was a great ride because I could sleep and look out the windows and see the sights all along the road.

We stopped at Crossings for a potty stop and a drink of water, at McDonald's and then again in Binghamton for lunch. I was able to run around in the pet areas on my Puppia leash and smell the grass and flowers.

When we got to Syracuse, Grandpa put me in the bathtub until he put my papers down so I wouldn't wet the bathroom rug. As soon as I got my papers, I went potty. I am such a good boy!!!!

I ran around the house to familiarize myself with all my old spots. Then Gram unpacked my suitcase and my quilt so I could feel right at home. She put out my food and water dishes in the old spot and then I ran and laid down on the back of the couch.

We had a routine every day. Grandpa went to Mass every morning and when I heard him drive into the driveway, I ran to the back door and barked. Then I ran around the rooms for four laps until we sat down to breakfast. Gram had yogurt and she would let me lick the tops. Grandpa gave me some banana every day. Sometimes, I would get fresh fruit. Then we would go out for our morning walks and I could meet Bailey, Daisy, Mario and Max.

Gram and I would watch the old movies on TV. I would jump up and down from the back of the couch to her stomach, watch her do her crafts and give her hugs and kisses. She would give me treats from the treat jar. She taught me to take two treats from the jar. I am very smart.

I slept with Gram on the sofa every night and when I thought it was time to wake her up, I would crawl out from under the blankets and give her lots of hugs and kisses to wake her up. Then I would twirl around on the floor and she knew I wanted my morning treats.

I got a bath while I was there. Grandpa dried me with a towel and then I ran around the house to dry off. I stopped to dry off on Gram's pillows. It was such fun because I left my scent there for her and I picked up her scent, too.

We went lots of places. Grandpa took me to Onondaga Lake Park, Heritage Park, Lincoln Park, Kennedy Park and the Park along Lock 24 at Baldwinsville. All the parks were fun but the best one was the one at the lock at Baldwinsville. Grandpa put me up on the top of the ledge so that I could see the boats go through the locks as the level of the water went down. There was a docent (a lady who was explaining what was going on) talking to Grandpa and me. I really liked to listen to her because I could see all that was happening. I was on top of things instead of being on the ground not being able to see anything.

We also went to see Aunt Sue, Uncle Cliff, Susan, Matt, Jenna, Ruby and Junior. They chased me and I jumped on Grandpa's lap.

Aunt Jean and Uncle Gaspare came for a visit and we went to several places with them. We took a few walks around North Syracuse and I got to run around the yard. When I was ready to go back, I just sat down. Then they turned around and went back.

The next weekend Johnny, Jenn, Ray, Al, Aliyah and Dunkin' (a.k.a. Timmy) came for a visit. Wow, was that an interesting visit. Those two dogs are BIG. I was scared at first when I saw them, but then I learned how to get along with them. I barked and barked and told them who was BOSS in the house -- ME! I had to sleep upstairs with Gram and Grandpa because Al slept on the couch. Dunkin' came in to check on us and I barked at him. Ray kept coming in to take him out but once he jumped on the bed and laid down at Gram's feet. I jumped up in her hair and BARKED.

Then Gram made us become friends. And we did. Dunkin' really is a nice dog and so is Aliyah. They want to be my friends but they are so big that I am afraid of them. When the old folks went out for breakfast, I got the run of the house downstairs while Aliyah and Dunkin' were kept upstairs. They scratched the woodwork on Mommy's room door. But I was a good boy downstairs!!!!!

Auntie Gail came to help Mommy quilt and then I really had fun. I would bark when she came in and she knew she had to give me treats. After a while, I got used to her coming over and I wouldn't bark at her. So she would give me treats anyway.

Mommy and Daddy finally came last weekend. I was sitting on Gram's lap on the porch when them came. I was glad to see them again, but I was happy to stay with Gram. She spoiled me so much while I was with her.

When we went into the house, I ran my laps around the rooms and up and down on the furniture. I jumped on Gram's lap, gave her hugs and kisses and Mommy got jealous. She thought I forgot her. I went to Daddy and jumped on him. I didn't pay too much attention to Mommy and she felt badly about that. I guess I shouldn't have done that to her. I really do love her. I really didn't mean to hurt her. I just knew that when they came, I was going home and leaving Grandma and Grandpa.

Daddy and Mommy played with me and stroked me, but they let me sleep with Gram until we left. When Mommy pulled out my bag, I jumped into it. I was ready to go home, but I really didn't want to leave Gram and Grandpa. I miss them both a lot. They were so very good to me. I have been a little bad boy to Nero and Pia, and I barked all day yesterday. I wanted to talk to Gram on the phone.

I really did have a lot a fun in Syracuse. I visited with Uncle Ron and Auntie Bev at their house. And I ran around their yard. Mommy and Daddy said that I could spend at least a month with Grandma and Grandpa in North Syracuse every summer. They said that they never saw me so peppy and agile. I do want to go back to spend time with them up there. I even got to go to the bead store with Mom and Gram to meet the ladies there and got some treats. I got to walk around and see the beads.

Everybody loved me. After all, I am the most adorable, lovable, handsome, elegant, sophisticated, country Chihuahua!