Karen that is great! And I agree about the pics, we MUST have pics! That is just wonderful that you get a nice vacation with Lisa. Den is wonderful isn't he? I am so excited for you!
Both DH and I have lived in Washington, though different cities at different times. We both loved it though, and if not for his kids would move there gladly. You are gonna have such a wonderful time! The only thing that could make it better is to see Darrel. I don't know if you need a passport for that though?
As for the dog, she used to be so friendly to everyone! The first time she wasn't friendly was just a growl at the next door neighbor's toddler on Halloween (which I didn't even count in the 2 times she actually lunged) and DH corrected her immediately. The first time she lunged was at a baby in a mother's arms. We were all "oh, look at the nice doggie." No threat what-so-ever to me or her, no fast movements or crying from the baby. You are right that is was just me with her though, and I thought really hard if it could have been to protect me, but I just can't figure that it was?
The last time was 5 adults standing around talking with a kid a bit hyper and I can't be sure the kid didn't do anything. But she was off leash, and if not for the quick action of another adult would have succeeded in biting him. She will never be near a kid again. DH was crushed that we had to make that decision, but both agree it has to be that way. If she ever bit a kid it would be the end of the dog, no question.
And yes, she definitely gets less attention from me with the new cat here, but no different from when I had Beau. We kept her on leash when they met, and separated for the most part until we were certain they got along. She even let the cat steal her bed when we finally let them be together (which was hysterical btw) but we bought the cat a bed the very next day and that fixed that. She just seemed pretty confused and sad that the cat was in her bed, not aggressive at all, and just went over and laid on her blanket and let the cat sleep in her bed. That was when things were going well.