Booch at the Beach

We had a fantastic time at the beach last week! We were in Nags Head, NC, and Luke experienced his first ocean swim. Okay, not exactly a swim. More like Daddy dunking his feet in the very cold ocean surf momentarily causing Luke to start his very cute wail. He didn't think it was very funny, but here are a few photos of the ordeal:

It was extremely hot the first few days and a pesky wildfire inland in NC caused pretty significant smoke issues. We've never seen anything like it. I woke up in the middle of the first night convinced our house was on fire. It was like a dense fog that just took your breath away. Needless to say, we didn't spend much time outside the first few days, so Luke spent a great deal of time supervising Pinochle games. It was a relaxing time, with lots of extra hands to let Mommy have a little break (and sleep in a few mornings, too!)

Moving on, I can report that Sydney and Pinochle have safely arrived in Chicago, IL. We owe Mom and Dad big time for hauling the cats with Mike for 13 hours in Dad's truck. My husband desperately wanted tranquilizers (for the cats, not him) but the vet suggested a safer alternative in the form of a spray, Feliway, that is apparently like aromatherapy for cats. Mike was massively skeptical about how well it would work for Pinochle. He's our high anxiety car rider, hyperventilating and producing those gutteral cries constantly. I have to say that I was moderately skeptical myself and just thankful that I'd be here. I sprayed the carriers before we loaded them, and they did absolutely fantastic! They were quiet and calm most of the trip and even slept quite a bit. And now, they are just busy checking out their new space in the apartment. Somehow, we'll come up with a way of repaying Mom and Dad.