It was a last minute decision but one that did include some common sense. First, we live close so we walked to the event. Avoiding the gridlock of cars was a must. Second, leaving WHILE the fireworks were going off allowed us to avoid even more of the massive crowds. Both ideas worked perfectly! We got to enjoy the park, the vendors and the live music (OMG JAMES ARTHUR!!!!!!) and of course the amazing family time. Laying IN the street to watch the fireworks was awesome!  We walked home about half way through the show and got home right before all of the major fireworks were let off around our actual neighborhood.

The dogs were actually quite calm when we returned home but undoubtedly preferred being on the couch with us after we let off our own set of smoke bombs and roman candles off the back deck. Georgie was the only one brave enough to peek out the window and watch us acting like children while setting off fireworks. Perplexed and intrigued, that’s for sure! All in all I think we all had a great holiday celebration – Canine and Humans alike!

Millie is a toy lover so she and her sweet baby boy got their own private holiday gift opening celebration. Oops checked out the new toys after his mom ripped open the wrapping paper to eat.

Here is a sneak peek at what we will be sporting this May. The first costume arrived in the mail today and KC was our somewhat willing model. I see a bit of tailoring in my future but all in all – I think it;s going to work. Our Material Girl looks awesome!

Come to find out, the closest dog beach is just over an hour away, Smyrna Dunes Park. We packed up and headed out around noon and made it to the gate around 1:o0pm. The parking area is on the small side but the park is vast. The lot was full when we arrived and had to wait about 30 minutes for a spot to open up. So first suggestion – get there early! And clearly before 10:00 am if you want to walk you dog on the board walk. We walked the beach and the pathways, which was still very, very nice. The beach as amazing, bringing you right across from the St.Augustine Lighthouse. Beautiful!!!!

We spent a few hours taking the sun and the surf – a gorgeous day spent with the man  love and the dogs I adore. Ok, two of them at least. I brought KC and Georgie to give them a bit of socialization since they will be int he show ring next. Always a great idea to expose show dogs to as much as possible. That’s what helps them gain their confidence which is exactly what I watched happen while we were there. Very much so!

We found a dog friendly restaurant called Dolphin View Seafood and to say they are dog friendly is an understatement. Dog treat jars are right where we humans order our food – Which was amazing by the way! We did actually see dolphins playing in the water and the rest of the views were equally as beautiful. They have a little beach area with lounge chairs for you to take it all in. A perfect way to end a wonderfully memorable Valentines Day.

The final chewed off bulb was thrown away about 11 months ago so our young ones had yet to experience the true joy of this toy but I have to share this very interesting observation…

The dog born on Christmas last year, too young to previously experience this magic toy, was the first to claim it this year and the first to chew off the first bulb. Crazy cool right? And so the fun begins all over again!

So, until then, I can tell you that tonight we chilled TV side and had a Rockin’ Eve celebration while we reminisced about 2015 and smiled. Thank you all for making it so wonderful!

One of the items I wrapped up for myself, I mean, Santa brought for me, was a collection of dog costumes and outfits I found on the shopping adventure during our trip to Savannah. (PetSmart had them marked 50% off – how could I pass that up???) The girls were tickled pink with the idea of getting to dress up the of littlest of dogs. Like dressing up a collection of Barbie dolls, they tried each one on and then asked if I had any more. Well of course I do! Years worth of Halloween costumes and frilly dress.

Olive, Tipsy and Dewey were so patient and willing to play along. All they cared about as being held, wearing a little black dress or not. I mean, look at Dewey in a ladybug dress!!! He just loves all of the attention! We may just have found a new holiday tradition!