We are so enjoying the puppies. They are a handful (as you predicted that they would be), but wonderful and all things considered pretty easy going. We too had some nighttime interruptions, but then I was thinking that we do have time differences so that may be what it all is. They settle right down after a bathroom brake and a bit of cuddling. We are keeping Beckham and Bristol in crates at night. Beckham seems to have taken to his quite well and enjoys climbing in and out and enjoying his naps. Bristol is a bit more apprehensive about the whole thing and while enjoys

sleeping in it prefers to have the door open which is fine with us for now as the room is gated and puppy proofed. My sophomore in college has said that he simply may not return after spring break he is having such fun with them. And my son who is recovering from some bumps and bruises, severe concussion and some vertebral compressions due to muscular skeletal swelling--well I think that the pups licks have been much better that any medicine the doctors have prescribed. And I have already shared with you how my younger ones feel. They are a delight and you did not exaggerate one bit on the type of temperament. My husband remarked only this morning how wonderful they all must be if our little guys were picked at the end of the line.

Thank you!!

Diane M.

--- Sue,
 
Just got both your messages and have been meaning to "write".  Please feel free to have that family from Greensburg, Pa contact us.  They can even stop by and visit and get a first hand look at the dogs. 
 
Speaking of which, both are health and happy (I think)! They are about the same size the last time I had them to the vet--within a couple of oz. coming in at 38.6 and 38.4 #'s each.  Beckham looks like he is twice Bristol's size, but she weighs more.  He just has about 3 times the fur!   We are enjoying them more each day. 
 
As far as their temperament testing was concerned.  I think you were dead on with Bristol.  She loves to be the center of attention and has earned the nickname "Princess".  She has been exposed to my niece and nephew ages 3 & 4 lately and gets quite upset if they don't play and pet her.  You could not ask for a more docile dog.  Many a day goes by that we have to coax her off the patio or deck just to get her to run around.  She would be quite content to just be by my side each day.  She makes a great running companion for my soccer players.  But if they don't run that day, she will just as happily be a coach potato--just as long as she is included.  She seems to pick things up pretty quickly and has now learned (and working on mastering) the sit, down, come, stay,& stand commands. She is quite easy to please and a non verbal dog. The only time that she gets testy is if her brother has a treat and she does not.  She does not hesitate to aggressively take the treat.  We are working on that........
 
Beckham on the other hand is not what we expected from the temperament testing.  Perhaps I misunderstood it, and don't get me wrong we love him, but he is a hand full.  I thought he would be "easier" than Bristol, but I could not be more wrong.  He is our clown. Loves people to a fault, is very easily excitable, almost to a the fault of being too friendly.  While never vicious or aggressive (he lets his sister win most fights) he is a dog constantly on the move and very mischievous!!  He has pushed baby gates out of the way, climbed over them and anything else he can think of to do to get to where he needs to be. He  loves to eat from wastepaper baskets (toilet paper holders being one of his favorites---at least we don't need a lot of toys).  He loves to stay outside and dig and run for hours.  He loves to "talk" especially at 6 am.  And eats shoelaces and soccer balls.  He takes a bit more time to learn something, but he is just as easy to please.  He is more adventurous than Bristol and loves to swim in the small pool we got from him. His latest bad habit is "counter surfing".  Any suggestions to  help him curb this would be great.  A few days ago he almost got seriously hurt when he decided to counter surf close to my cook top when the burner was on.  Looks like I will just be using the back ones for a while.  These behaviors are all part of puppy hood I do realize and we are signed up for the intermediate classes this August.  My only real concern with beckham is his mouthing.  He really likes to mouth hands, feet.  He has even tried to mouth chins.  And while he is gentle it simply is not acceptable.  That and jumping on people are the top 3 things on our "To Do" list.  He is great--just higher energy.  It is amazing how many people have just fallen in love with him. 
 
Hope all is well with your family.  Ours is fine.  We are heading up to Ithaca New York to take Meagen to college orientation and then are heading to Providence Rhode Island where Adam's soccer team will compete in the Northeastern Regional Final games.  The one thing these guys are good in in the car.  I love to drive them anywhere where they sit in the back of our Denali and just look out the window.  They love to look at the other people just as much as they are looked at.

Take care and talk to you soon.
 
Diane
P.S. hope the females don't give birth back to back
like the last time.  Get some rest.