Dear Belle-
Wow! I have so much to tell you about, but first of all, I really miss you! I can’t wait to see you again on Sunday. I know Mom misses you too. She keeps talking to me about how much she wishes you were with us and how she is wondering how you are doing. But I know that you are being spoiled by Aunt Amy and Grandma and Grandpa, so I don't really feel that bad for you. So, let me tell you a little bit about what I have been doing. I think you would be so proud of me, because I have used a lot of the cool tricks you told me about on this trip.
First of all, Mom and Dad took me along on this hike that was really neat. But I don’t think you would have liked it. I think it would have made your arthritis hurt real bad. Even I couldn’t last as long as Mom and Dad. So, I did what you told me to do. When I didn’t want to go anymore, I just plopped down right there on the trail and wouldn’t move. And you were so right! They would either wait for me and give me some time to rest, or even better, they would pick me up and carry me. I owe you big time for teaching me that one. I am going to milk that one for all it’s worth.
It really hit me that I should not feel sorry for you on the first night we camped. It was cold and wet, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about how you were warm and cozy in our house sleeping in a nice soft bed. There I was, on a hard mat outside the tent, and my only protection from the cold weather was a rainfly. The next night, when it came time to go to bed, I asked myself, “What would Belle do?” And, I knew exactly what you would do. You would sleep in the tent, and no one would even question it. So, when they put me in that same stupid spot again, I refused to lay down. I just fidgeted and paced around until they unzipped the door, and then I waltzed right in that tent as if I owned the thing. And they let me stay!
Okay, but are you ready for the best news of all?!? I was so excited when I heard this, I couldn’t stop doing my bunny hop. Okay, well here it is. Mom convinced Dad that we should go on a camping trip to the beach and take YOU along! I am so excited, and so is Mom.
I CAN’T WAIT!
I love you and miss you ALOT!
Love,
Brontie (with a little help from Mom)