Loving that Lobstah!!

We survived our trip to the East Coast and learned a couple things along the way.  First, Clare is about the coolest little traveler ever.  Alright, we already knew that, but it was reinforced once again on this trip.  She was so good on the plane that the flight attendants bought Jonathan and me a cocktail in gratitude.  They gave Clare cookies, asked her to help them check on people as they walked up and down the aisle and even gave her hugs and kisses as we left because she was just so...her.  Alright - this is clearly the ramblings of a very partial mother, but let me tell you - when the flight attendants reward parents (by way of free drinks no less...) for their children's laid-back personality, it is a very exciting event!

Back on the plane - Clare's home away from home.

The other thing we learned on this trip was that Clare, who is known to have a sophisticated palate, LOVES "lobstah" and "chowdah" - a lot.  In fact, at one meal we caught her picking the lobster out of the mac and cheese, leaving the pasta behind.  We also noted that crackers don't hold a candle to the clam chowder that they float in.  Don't get me wrong, she still loves the more "normal" foods like peas, edamame, banana's, yogurt, tomatoes and cottage cheese, but it's nice to know that Clare is fearless when it comes to food - making all the travel we do MUCH easier.

Sometimes one spoon just won't cut it...

"Hmmm...what is this tasty treat?  I think I'm going to LOVE it!"

Finally, we learned just HOW attached to Munich our girl is.  My mom was generous enough to take on Munich duty once again while we were jet-setting (this was extraordinary seeing as she just had her for about 2 1/2 weeks while we were in Portland and Seattle and celebrating Jake's wedding).  In addition to taking on Muni duty though, she also picked her up for us since she was in the neighborhood already, but as we loaded Munich up to go to her own personal resort in the desert, Clare started sobbing and calling out for her buddy.  Now, as you know, we are aware of the attachment these two share, but this was something altogether new.  Munich was no better, she hung her head out the window watching us as long as she could while my mom drove away.  It was so sad, my mom actually cried and swore that while she's happy to watch our pup, she will NEVER be the one to take her away from Clare again.  I believe that this is only fair - poor Grammy shouldn't have to feel responsible for breaking up the dynamic duo.  Needless to say, the reunion that we experienced upon picking Munich up was awesome. I've never seen a dog more excited to see her "girl".  Clare's face was smothered in kisses and Munich has been attacked with hugs and kisses since she got home.

"I missed my dog!"

I'll share more pictures and details from our trip once we have all the pictures uploaded and have settled in.  For now, we are busy nursing a sick Clare back to health and trying to get caught up on our normal daily routine.