A pup grows up

Today is Hazel's 2nd birthday. My little pup is all grown up! I guess I can't call her my "puppy" anymore, but she'll always be a little girl to me-- my baby-- so I think I'll still call her that anyway.

To celebrate the big day, we took the love muffin out for an adventure. We drove toward the beach and ended up in Marina del Rey. After much circling to find a parking spot, we only stayed briefly, watching the ships come and go. Hazel was happy to stretch her legs after an hour in the car and she loved feeling the sand between her paws.

Next we headed to Santa Monica. We walked along Ocean Avenue and strolled down the Santa Monica Pier-- weaving in and out of the hundreds of people who were also out to take in the beach air and So Cal sun. Hazel made many friends along the way-- both humans and canines alike. We ended the day with a late afternoon lunch at one of my favorite Italian restaurants: Trastevere on Third Street (yep, we went again). Hazel was a bit frenetic while we ate; she was tied up to the gate surrounding the patio and kept pawing at me for attention and more bread! But she survived the somewhat stressful experience and soon we were off walking again...

And against our better judgment, we stopped into Crepe Cafe to pick up a Nutella and banana crepe to-go. I'm sad to say I didn't finish it; I was too full from my deliciously creamy linguine pasta (with chicken, broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes) but I just can't resist! I have a weakness for Nutella. And a weakness for my tiny, spoiled, adorable pup who thinks she is bigger and tougher than she really is.

(Funny story: While the boy got the crepe, Hazel and I waited outside by a fountain. Two big dogs-- pit bulls, I think-- were playing around, roughhousing. Hazel was watching curiously and to my surprise she suddenly let out a bark. And a growl. Everyone around us laughed, looking at this fluffy pipsqueak trying to get in on the action! But she kept at it, louder and louder, and I finally had to walk away for fear the big dogs would take Hazel up on her offer to play. I said to Hazel, "Who do you think you are, anyway?" She's such a crazy girl sometimes. Well, make that, all the time!)

Now we are home and she is passed out next to me, snuggled in the blanket and sleeping soundly. The excitement of the day has left her exhausted. I'd say that's the sign of a pretty good birthday.