Welcome to 2011! Yes, I’m a little late to the game here, but better late than never, right!?

As usual, we’ve had some exciting times with the boys. And as usual, photos are going to tell a better – and more interesting – story than the rambling commentary I would provide!

Gus Claus celebrated the holidays:

Then he graduated from level one Group Obedience Class:

He did pretty much as good a job as his brother did when he was around Gus’ age, but with Gus we were mostly just happy to see that he could sit still for more than a few seconds at a time! (Even if it takes the prospect of immediate treats to get that little bit of “obedience”!)

We’ve been doing regular hiking in Runyon Canyon with the boys, but to celebrate the first day of 2011, we decided to do something different. So, the boys and I met up with Aaron, Loren, Charlie, Birdie and Birdie’s new brother Oscar, for a hike in Griffith Park. I always get a huge kick out of seeing the little dogs spin their legs to climb up the trails! Here is a group photo looking over Los Angeles:

On Thursday, the boys and I got up early for a birthday (mine) hike in Runyon. Runyon is a perfect place to bring the boys – it’s the right distance, there are enough dogs to get in a little socializing and on clear days, the views are pretty cool. Charlie met these three girl shi tzus and was totally showing off for them, running around in circles like a crazy dog. I took about 1,000 photos, here are some of the best.

On our way “up” with Hollywood in the background:

Charlie and Gus bounding up some steep stairs:

On our way back down:

Looking south:

2011 here we come!