the great outdoors

quintessential fall weather, balmy campfires, and gorgeous views provided the backdrop for our weekend away in the woods. after our first trip with the pups went so well, we were itching to get back out again! originally, we were set to meet back up with m+j in october but, plans had changed and it needed to be moved to november. and the timing couldn't have been more perfect...warm, sunny days followed by chilly nights with bouts of overcast aka idyllic cool weather camping. 

[such a happy boy]

[best buds reunited]

as our campsite was on lake watonga, it gave the pups just the inspiration to make every game end with a run into the water. i'd like to say i was surprised but, it goes with the territory of having water dogs. plus, i love seeing how thrilled they become when they see water they can swim in. 

[morning mimosas]

[bruce, our resident dinosaur]

after we got settled, we thought it was high time we hiked a couple of nearby trails and explore a bit. 

[my 'lone wolf' pup leading the way]

[conquerors of the ridge, right before they nearly slid into a cactus]

once we got to the other side of the lake, we found a little nook to sit down, hydrate, and have lunch. 

[our lunch view]

[jana, looking for pretty florals on our hike]

["come on, come on!" - boba and solo]

[at the top of inspiration point]

[sunset-painted ridges]

the hike, while long, led us to more and more beautiful views at every turn. every time we thought we'd seen the best view, our trail led us to another one. it was such a treat, and the pups really loved going off the beaten path with us. oh, and for any who are curious, bruce did not join us on the hike. he was back at the campsite enjoying a long nap :) 

[our trail bouquet, gorgeous right?]

once we made it back to camp, we got comfy, built a fire, and made dinner...

[brats...yum]

the night was spent making s'mores, keeping warm by the fire, listening to the ou v. baylor game (boomer sooner!), drinking wine, and stargazing. i am always amazed how many stars we see outside of city limits. and we actually see quite a bit where we live but, nothing compared to what we see out in nature.

[good morning indeed!]

[boba asking bruce about being a dinosaur...or how he can get on people's laps too]

the next morning, we woke up to chuck, the boxer, asking if our boys could come out and play. as much as T and i wanted to keep cozy in our tent, we couldn't help but, oblige sweet chuck. the pups really do love being altogether any chance they get.

[campfire breakfast bowls; they may not look it but, taste so, so good]

[pup magnet]

once we finished breakfast, we packed up, said our goodbyes and headed home. ready to take a hot shower, start a load of laundry (that campfire scent gets everywhere!), and close out the week on a high note.