East Coast Chronicles: Chapter Two...

It wouldn't really be an East Coast fall without some serious rain.
Because let's face it, the changing leaves are that much more magnificent when glistening with water droplets.

The drizzle gave Lola and I an opportunity to spend some quality time with Auntie Kimmy in New Jersey.

Yes, I am aware the hat makes her look homeless.  

I like to think of it as "homeless chic"

Lola had her first long-term encounter with a dog.
Sorry Ivins, but Dottie the Pomeranian doesn't count :)

The resulting relationship was fascinating to behold.  Both animals vied for affection and attention from the big people.  Both made loud noises when hungry or neglected.  Both took turns following the other diligently, suspiciously.  Lola even slipped Shelby an entire Eggo waffle at one point, about three seconds after being directed not to.

The word "no" doesn't have much of an impact on my kid.  Either she cries, or worse, she smiles and does exactly what she's been told not to do.

If there was any doubt to the paternity....

Oh, and did I mention she loves ginger ale?  With a little help from Kim, she downed about three quarters of a 2-liter bottle in about two days.

Fantastic.

Shelby the dog loves lotion, and gives a mean pedicure (in the form of excessive licking) when she detects lotion on feet.

Gross?  Maybe.
I'm pretty sure Lola thought she was being tenderized for consumption.

Lola absolutely adored her cousin Brandon, who lovingly refers to Lola as "it."
It's OK though.  Lola refers to him as "caca."

And of course, she couldn't get enough of her Uncle Rob.

We are so lucky to have such gracious hosts who take us in, feed us, keep the Diet Dr. Pepper flowing and occasionally let us bathe.
More on our East Coast adventures... soon.

*Blogger takes about 10 minutes to upload each picture, so I'm currently ready to throw my laptop at the door.  Any suggestions on how to overcome this extremely irritating issue?