We are now getting settled in our new place. I'm not sure who doesn't know, but we're living in a family member's mother's home who passed away like 15 years ago. The family has no intention of selling the house, and they haven't removed practically anything from it. All of her furniture, kitchen utensils, and many of her clothes are still here. I need to take pictures of everything and show everyone what a time warp this house is. Think 1970's grandma house and you'll have a pretty good idea of what we're dealing with. It's a great house though.
Back to the challenge. On May 25, we packed up all of our belongings and put them in an ABF truck and prepared to drive halfway across the country to Utah. We slept on an air mattress that night in our apartment and left bright and early on the 26th. I had planned on taking two days for the trip, but Bryce was determined to do it in one. Austin to Ogden is 1380 miles. That's a long way to do in one day. But we did it. We each took turns driving and sleeping in my little bug so we both felt pretty good the whole day. Once we got to Moab, UT though, I was starting to fade. By that point we had been in the car for 17 hours and it was completely dark. My butt was exceedingly sore. We rolled into my parent's house at 1 am after 21 hours of constant driving.
We decided to stay at my parent's house for a few days until we got settled into Granny's house. My mom told me to go sleep in my brother's room in the basement instead of going up to my old room, which is right above hers. She said that she didn't want to get woken up. I thought that was kind of weird, but didn't really think much of it. The next morning, my mom woke us up at 9 am and plopped an adorable red puppy, the same breed as Penny, on me. I squealed with excitement and joy and maybe had a couple tears. Just maybe. I've been wanting a puppy for soooo long. Bryce and I had been saving our spare change in a jar on our dresser to save up for one. My mom told me that her name was Nicky (short for Nickel) and that we would have joint custody of her. She paid for her and I will take care of all the vet visits, food, and everything else. My mom has been really lonely without Penny around, so having a puppy has been so good for her and for me. Nicky stays with me most of the time, but my mom is always around to puppy-sit.
I can't believe that everyone was able to keep this a secret from me for so long! My mom had emailed the breeder at the end of April about getting her! I was totally surprised. Nicky has been so much fun to have. We just love her. She is the snuggliest and most loving little puppy. She loves being held and is constantly climbing in my lap to cuddle. As I type right now, she's chewing a bone in my lap. Everyone that meets her thinks she is just the cutest thing ever. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Our puppy fund all rolled up. Grand total was $269.50
Nicky! Bryce is going to take some nice pictures of her, but I just had a couple on my camera. Don't you love our bedspread and matching headboard??? Sleeping on a king size bed after sleeping on a full size for 2 1/2 years has been a strange adjustment. Bryce seems so far away!
She loves to snuggle.
