Any Plans?

Ha roo pups and kit-cat friends! It's me - Zim! Anypuppy (or kitty) have big plans for the weekend?

We had a biped friend over for dinner last night and had a blast. Dave, Am and I put on quite the show for him - and Stormy was SO happy to see him. His wife is one of Stormy's very favorite bipeds in the world; she met her the very day she was adopted! They live in Alabama now, so we don't get to see them much.

Anyroo.... Dave, Am and I did a ton of zooming around and wrestling and everything. We're actually a little tired today from all that, plus helping Mom with all the party preps like we do. Everypup else is zoned out right now, so Mom said I can lay where she can see me and play with Big Mean Kitty (I like to use her as a pillow) or with the Tuffy that Khyra sent us. (We have to be monitored with those toys.)

Decisions, decisions!

I can't decide what to play with. Mom said I'm still half in the bag. She could be right!

What about all of you? Any big plans for the weekend? I think I just came up with a good plan for me.

Hey... Tuffy makes a good pillow, too!

Play bows,
Zim

Who Took My Bone?

Woo. It's me, Dave. Me and Zimmie were running around doing zoomies yesterday. I like to carry my blue real dinosaur bone around with me while we play like that. After we did lots of zooming, I ran up to the upper level to "gain the high ground", as they always say in the movies. That's when it hit me.

I think someone took my real dinosaur bone. Seriously.

Have any of woo seen my blue dino bone?

It's what? Where?

Never mind.

Sorry, pups. False alarm. Woo.

Luv,
Dave

Zimmin' Around

Hey! Play bows, everypup! It's me - Zim! Storm said I could post again today, especially since you didn't get to see any pictures of ME yesterday! Ha roo roo roo! Here are some cool shots of me playing with Mom and my cool toy in the backyard.

In this shot, I'm all excited and am ready for Mom to throw the ball!

Me, at the ready!

Then she threw it and couldn't get it past me!

I'd make a good soccer goalie, wouldn't I? ("Football", for our international pals!)

I love this ball. It's all squishy, so I can catch it and carry it around real easily. We have a football made by these same people; it's one of Ammy's favorite toys!

I love to play, but I also like to walk around the yard, checking everything out.

I decided to carry it around with me while I made sure our yard was secure. I may take time out to play, but I'm always on the job! Safety first!

Play bows,
Zim

Birdie!

Ha roo, pups! It's me - Zim. After our storms the other day, Mom went outside to do some weed-pulling and tree-trimming. I was at my post at the front door, watching over her and sending mind-meld supervisory thoughts. Imagine my surprise when she stopped cutting the one tree, raced in the house, grabbed the camera, and raced outside again. But without any of us Sibes. Hmm! What else is worth that kind of photo-effort?

I watched her take some pictures of the tree, then was curious that she put her tree-trimming tools away. I mean - the tree branches were still hanging over the sidewalk lower than what Dad and Mom like, so I don't think she was done.

She came back in and I watched her down-load the photos. Hey, cool! Look at what she found BEFORE she cut the branch down! I mean ... before she was about to. Because she didn't cut it down.

It's a cool bird's nest! I wonder if it's lined with Sibe fluff! Some birdies like to use our fur to line their nests!

Anyroo... we many not have the cool Falcon Cam going on like Khyra, but I give you the Kansas Robin Cam!

"Tweet?"

"Tweet"? Maybe she really said, "Treat." Sounds like a plan.

Play bows and tweets for everyone!
Zim

Weather P-Update

Hi everypuppy! It's me - Ammy, your resident Meteorologist here at Ao4 HQs. Springtime in Kansas means one minute you're out in the backyard enjoying playing a game of football with Mom ...

...then something doesn't "feel right" and you stop to check the AO.

That's what happened the other day. I checked for Oswald first, then realized it was my meteorological sensors going off. Before I knew it, the sky looked like this:

Then like this:

Here's another view from our deck; it's the best place to keep an eye to the sky!

Yeah, that's when the wall cloud moved in, then we started getting that whole "rotation" thing; that isn't good news.

This is really when you should take cover. It's really powerful-looking, isn't it?

Here's the rain and hail coming in!

OK, maybe it really is time to go in the house.

Or perhaps to shoot a video. Be careful with your speakers; as Mom says, it was a little "breezy". I think we were experiencing 60 mile an hour winds.

We all did well during the storms, except for a few sleepless nights for Stormy (and Mom). We hope our friends who have also been in the path of this severe weather are all safe and sound!

Love,
Ammy

Memorial Day 2008

Today is Memorial Day here in the United States. The fourth Monday in May is set aside for us to honor our fallen service members. Originally called Decoration Day, this was a day on which flags and flowers were placed on the graves of soldiers who died in the American Civil War; today we remember all service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

For an incredible tribute to some of our heroes, we invite you to visit this post on Black Five's blog.

Please take time today to remember and honor those who have died in the service of our nation.

The Army of Four

Sunday Salute - Our Troops

It's Memorial Day weekend here in the States. We'd like to take today to salute our Troops who are currently serving our nation.

We ask that you take time to say a prayer of thanks and a prayer for the safety of our American Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coastguardsmen. They serve, they train, they stand in harm's way so that we might live in peace. We are ever grateful.

The Army of Four

(Editor's note: We've shared that picture of the redheads with you before, but it seemed like a good time to post it again!)

Garden Tour

Ha roo, pups! It's me - Zimmie! Since so many of you have complimented us on the gardens here at Ao4 HQs, I thought I'd give you a little tour. Come on along!

Here's up near the gate at the top of the backyard. Storms showed you this little area yesterday. It's a nice spot to sit and check for Oswald.

Speaking of whom, remember last fall when Ammy showed you the condos Oswald was selling in our backyard? Let's go check those!

Yeah.... he's been here. Fairly recently, too!

Just across from those is a cool line up of Minuet Weigela. They're under a couple of Amur Maples. Can you see them behind me here?

OK, fine, I'll move.

Pretty, aren't they? Tasty, too. Just in case you're wondering!

We have two other types of weigelas back there. Here are the Red Prince:

Or should I say that's the Red Prince in front of the Red Prince Weigela? Ha roo roo roo! They're also quite tasty. You know. In case you're interested.

We also have these:

They're called Wine and Roses Weigela. Mom always messes up and calls them "Wine and Cheese Weigela". That has a better ring to it to me! For some reason, Mom didn't let me go taste them. Something about me having done enough "pruning" already. I really don't remember any prunes. Hmmm.

One of the Butterfly Weeds that Aunt Janet sent survived the winter and Oswald. Let's take a look at that...

Mmm... tasty!

...And let's take just a TINY nibble, too.

Moving right along, or as Mom said, "NonononoZimmieNO!".... here's Mom's favorite part of the garden.

See that first retaining wall there, beyond the fence? Those are Gold Flame Spirea. That's where the Cat Burglar was that Ammy showed you. Needless to say, since I am a top student at the Stormy Zoluschka Kryschtal School of Siberian Studies, I refused to look at the camera for that "one last photo" request.

I hope you enjoyed my Garden Tour; it's been a pleasure showing you around. I better get back to work. I'm on Sentry Duty at the front door.

Zzzzzzzzzzz............

That's right ... right by the AC vent.

Play bows,
Zim

Yard Fun, the Stormy Way

Tail wags, pups! It's me, Stormy! Dave showed you his version of having fun in the yard the other day, and now I thought I'd take a turn! Oh, before I get to that, Mom is all excited because her Lily of the Valley plants finally look nice this year. Here's a close-up shot of one:

Most of our yard is way too sunny for them, but she tucked them under the Burning Bush out front, where it's a little shady.

Now for some fun in the back yard! Here I am, up in the top part.

I was sniffing around, seeing what Oswald had been up to out there. Oh, yeah. OK. The little bushes back under the Purple Ash tree behind me (on your left) are Miss Kim Lilacs. Like the Lily of the Valley, they are gorgeous this year. Here's a close-up.

Mom says they smell heavenly. Anyroo... I asked Mom ... "Are you just going to look at your plants, or are we going to play?"

Do you have one of my cool, outside toys with you?

She did! One of my favs, too!

Oh, pup! Let's play! Toss it for me! C'mon, Mom!

I convinced her to throw it for me.

She did. Then I took it and ran off with it. Who does she think I am, Dave? Ha roo roo roo!

We decided to go play on the next tier down after Mom caught up with me. She threw the toy again, and I went and got it. Here's a cool action shot of me running!

Not bad moves for a 12-1/2 year old, huh? (And for those of you who left such kind comments about Dave and his "sproing sproing" - he's 10! Ha roooo for senior citizens!!!)

OK, so Mom threw it and I went and got it. As soon as she saw me coming at her with it, she said, "Good GIRL, Storms!" So I did the only logical, Siberian thing.

Yep! Far enough!

Ha roo roo roo!

You didn't REALLY think I'd bring it to her, do you? What a blast! I love playing in the yard!

Tail wags, all!
Storms

A New Husky!

Hi everypuppy! It's me - Amber! Yesterday, a lot of things sort of went the way Mom and Dad wished they wouldn't have. There was a lot of talk about things not working; the chief culprits seemed to be Adrill, the magic cold box, and the lawn mower. It was kind of a crazy day, so imagine my surprise when Dad left in the Siberian Utility Vehicle then came home and annouced he'd bought a HUSKY!!!

It was out in the garage and I couldn't WAIT to go see it! Here are Zim and me with the new HUSKY!!!

"Oooh, look, Zim! It's an orangey-red one!"

Zim checked it out.

"AMMY! This is not a ... oh, wait. I guess it is."

Hee hee hee!

Well, OK. It's a different KIND of husky. It's certainly not as cute as some other little HUSKIES I could mention, but it sure seemed to make Dad happy. Welcome home, little HUSKY.

Love,
Ammy

Kong-on-a-Rope! Kong-on-a-Rope! Kong-on-a-Rope!

Wooo, it's me, Dave! Did you see the picture of me the other day when we did our Memoir Meme? It was me playing with my FAVORITE outside toy - my Kong-on-a-Rope! I LOVE playing with my Kong-on-a-Rope!

I love to play tuggy-tug with it, and I love to run after it when Mom throws it!

Here I come, Mom!

And unlike three other puppies around here I could name, I love to bring it BACK! Here's a cool video of me playing with my Kong-on-a-Rope!

What do you mean my video won't upload?

OK. We seem to be experiencing technical difficulties up-loading my very cool video. If you'd like to see it, please click here. Thank woo.

Oh... but, no. In case you are wondering. I draw the line at actually putting it down. "Drop it"? What DOES that mean, anywoo?

Luv,
Dave

Something's Out There

Ha roo; Zim here. There's something out there. Or someONE.

Must ... stare

Mom couldn't see a single thing and for some reason wanted us to all go back in the house. Something about me giving her the "heebie jeebies". How can I give her something I don't have in the first place?

I kept watch from the breakfast room window afterwards. Mom's still feeling a little funny about it. Ha roo roo roo!

Play bows,
Zim

PS: This post is dedicated to Tubey's bee-rooroo-tiful sister, Roo Roo. Apparently, we have much in common!

Tagged by Kumirimo!

Hi everypuppy! It's me - Ammy! Our good buddy Kumirimo, also known as Echo, tagged us in the latest game making the rounds! Actually, Echo... I mean Kumirimo!, tagged Stormy, but we all thought it sounded like fun, so Storm said I should take charge of the mission and post for all 4 of us! It's called The Japanese Name Game, and it goes like this!

Simply spell out your name using the following key:

A - ka, B - tu, C - mi, D -te, E - ku, F - lu, G - ji, H - ri, I - ki, J - zu, K - me, L - ta, M - rin, N - to, O - mo, P - no, Q - ke, R - shi, S - ari, T - chi, U - do, V - ru, W - mei, X - na, Y - fu, Z - zi.

Then tag 6 friends!

I was working at the time ... trying to remove the stuffing from my cool camo bone toy ... but put it aside to play tag! (You can barely see the toy there - it's camo on top of camo!)

Anyroo...

Stormy = Arichimoshirenfu.
Amber = Karintukushi
Zim = Zikirin
Dave = Tekaruku

That's so FUN! Thank roo for the tag, Kumirimo! And I hope you don't mind that Zikirin, Tekaruku and I played, too! Hee hee hee!

We're going to tag: Steve & Kat, Tucker, Marley & Ziggy, Joey Stains (and Tanner, too!), Moxie & Izzie, and Huffle Mawson. I hope everypuppy (and honorary puppy) has fun with this!

Love,
Karintukushi (Hee hee hee. It's me - Amber!)

Sunday Salute - Missy, Maya Marie and Bella's Mom!

This week, our Sunday Salute goes out to Missy, Maya Marie and Bella's mom, Gerri! As some of you know, she is starting a home-based business making gourmet dog biscuits! We at Ao4 HQs are lucky enough to have landed jobs as members of her taste-test panel! The cookies are incredible ... and we thought we'd share with you how our job is going so far!

It all started when the Big Brown Truck pulled up. Zim went out to greet the driver.

Ha roo?

The driver gave Mom two boxes, but not the box with our cookies in it! She told him she was expecting another box and he went in the back to look for it.

Hey. Hey, Mr. UPS Man!
I'm expecting a very important package!
Do you have it?

He couldn't find it, but said it was on his sheet as being "out for delivery", so it must be on another Big Brown Truck.

Are you sure? I could help you look!

He was sure. Fortunately, another Big Brown Truck pulled up later on and brought our package.

Yeah! This is it!

It had cute paw prints and puppy faces on it - we KNEW it was for us!

Inside, we found three different kinds of cookies: Banana Blueberry, Pumpkin Oat and Three Cheese. Mmmmm! They were all packed really nicely and had all the ingredients listed, so Mom could make sure they didn't contain anything that would upset our tummies! Gerri also enclosed a short questionnaire, so we could provide her some feedback. We'll email all the details to her, but in the meantime... a few photos can sum everything up!

Dave got to sniff the bags. He decided we should try the Banana Blueberry ones first.

He was so busy sniffing, the picture was blurry. That's why we made it small. But you get the point - they smell DELICIOUS!

To make it up to Davy fans out there, here's a bigger picture of him trying the cookie.

Mmmmmmm!

You can almost feel his excitement, can't you? My (Stormy's) picture is a bit blurry, too. It's not our fault - it's just that the cookies are so good, we couldn't contain our joy!

Yum! Bananananana Blueberry!

Check out Zim, sampling his first one!

WOWZERS! I love these!

And saving the BEST (at the risk of making her blush) picture for last ... here's Ammy!

They smell so GOOD!
And they're a cute heart shape, too!
Oh, I just love them!!!

One taste of these cookies, and you'll all love them, too! We predict that this business will be a BOOMING success!

It's a tough job, pups, but we're glad to help Gerri out! Missy?! Maya Marie?! Bella?! Please give your mom a couple VERY special kisses on the nose from us. We love all three varieties of the biscuits and ... we salute her!

The Army of Four