This weekend was one for the record books.
It started simple enough; Songbird would join my parents at the annual Boat Show in Annapolis, Maryland and on the way back to Virginia Beach they planned to collect our newest family member.
For 4 long years Songbird has been begging for a dog, like daily. Initially we stalled by saying Bug had to be potty trained. Then by insisting she prove her responsibility by caring for a hamster. After Penny passed away this summer I was flush out of tactics, so Handsome and I decided the kids were finally old enough to appreciate a long-term pet.
On Saturday, Songbird’s dream came true in the form of an 8-week-old, 5 lb Boston Terrier puppy.
Her name is Echo.
That same night Hurricane Matthew decided not to play nice and cruised up the Atlantic coast instead of turning towards the ocean like everyone thought it would. My parents and Songbird ended up trapped by flooding and had to smuggle the pup into a hotel room for the night.
Here at the grey house, we lost power as the hurricane whipped through our neighborhood Saturday night into Sunday. Totally worth 1/4 tank of gas to charge my cellphone (eye roll).
Eventually everyone made it home safely. With no iPads, no Netflix, no electronics to distract us, we spent most of the day Sunday bonding with our new baby.
Bug kept a close watch during nap time. Maybe a little too close.
We were powerless for a total of 41 hours. Dinner by candlelight, card games, and flashlight fun ensued. Unexpected quality time together can be a gift and the source of some of the best family stories.
Adding a furry family member is always a memorable experience. But something tells me the tale of Echo’s homecoming will live on in our family history for a lifetime.
