One place I've always loved is Bend, OR. It reminds me so much of Evergreen, where I grew up. The climate is much drier than Portland and there's always some sort of festival or race or hike to do. Plus there's some really great restaurants we like to enjoy too. So when Roy asked Mark and I to volunteer at the Sister's Stampede- a local mountain bike race- we didn't hesitate. Bend has a great dog park right on the river. It has a swimming spot, which Lucy is still too wimpy to jump in. But she loves to get her little paw wet and watch the other dogs swim by.
The race was fun, but chilly. We directed the racers at an intersection. It was pretty cool to watch these riders- they are in way better shape than I will ever be. We were very important because we got the wear neon yellow shirts. 
Lucy got to run free in the meadow and we are proud to announce she caught her first animal! It was a mole and holy cow, she was proud of herself! Unfortunately, she had more fun playing with it and wouldn't kill it. So Roy had to finish the job. It was sad, but hey, that's the circle of life. Don't worry, we had a proper burial for him. Lucy even said a few words at the funeral. RIP little buddy.
