3 Days of Uncontrolled Chaos...The Doods Are Exhausted!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We're just back from spending three days at the beach with the kids and six grandkids.  We broke all records for chaos.  What amazes me is how well my Doods handled the whole thing....way better than their Mom.  The house is right on the water and the other beach houses are very close together.  Everyone has kids and multiple dogs and cats....and they roam free.  There are no "leash rules" at the beach...actually there are no rules whatsoever at the beach.  There's a little beach store right across from our cottage with an unlimited supply of candy and ice cream.  This little store was the highlight of the weekend for the kids....and the owners are "nice enough" to allow the kids (even the four year olds) to "charge" their purchases, knowing the parents (or grandparents) would pay up before leaving.  So, picture it...six kids with candy hands and faces and half eaten assorted types of candy EVERYWHERE....in reach of the Doods you ask, well of course it was.  The kids all know NO CHOCOLATE allowed, and they respect that.  I'm guessing Guinness and Murph have developed a bit of a sweet tooth.  Murph isn't too fond of those "sour patch" things though...I actually saw him spit one of them out.  Actually, I think he "swore off" the candy after that experience.  Before they got there on Friday, we spent a lot of time with the Doods teaching them that they had to sit and wait at the door....every time.  They did "get it" right away because they do this at home, and every time one of the "munchkins" went in or out the door (at least 20 times an hour....I'm not kidding), the boys just sat there.  They never tried to "escape" even when the one year old was holding the door wide open because he has to "back" down the stairs. 

Last night was "fireworks night" at the beach.  They set up a huge bonfire outside of our cottage, and just about the time we got the little ones to sleep, the fireworks began.  I figured there would be a big time reaction from Guinness and Murph....nope they were way to tired.  Guinness never even lifted his head from his place on the "pleather sofa" and Murph did stir, but only for a second.  I was worried that I forgot Murph's Thundershirt....no problem, exhaustion is even better.

The four year olds really love Guinness.  At one point I could hear my DGS saying "heel Guinness"....when I went to investigate I found him with the slip lead on Guinness heeling him around the cottage.  I asked what he was doing and he said "taking him for a walk like you do".  There was Guinness heeling away just like a little soldier.  Very cute.

They guys didn't eat much which was getting me worried.  I commented about it when my DSIL said "well they may not be very hungry right now because they've been eating all the food the kids drop when they're eating at the picnic table on the porch".  Okay, mystery solved.  I guess hot dogs, burgers, and pizza count as home cooking right?

So, we all survived and I was so proud of the Irish Brothers.  I worry a lot about Murph in this kind of chaos where I can't watch him every minute....he's a bit of a "nervous guy".  But, he was really great.  He never lost his patience, and he never got overexcited.  He would sit in our porch screen door and watch all the other dogs running loose on the beach, and he never even reacted.  He had so many opportunities to "bolt" through that door, and he never did.  After the first few hours there, the barking became almost "nonexistent"....there was just way too much to bark at.  There was absolutely no use.  It was a really fun weekend, and great exposure for my guys who live the "simple life".  But, I'm totally exhausted!  I'll be in bed with the Doodles very early tonight.....and there will be no fireworks or crying babies.

[Jodi and Stella]

What fun and great experiences for your boys! Love your tale of your vacation.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, That sounds like a very hectic "vacation". Wow, your doods sound amazing and you can tell all your hard work has paid off. Glad you had a good time!!

[cheryl & oliver]

Sounds like it was a great family vacation!!!...Wtg Guiness & Murphy, you did your Mom proud!!!!..Just don't expect Pizza, hot dogs and candy everyday, lol....Jane u need a vacation from your vacation, lol...

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

What a wonderful adventure.  And now I think I need a nap from reading all about it.  LOL.  Good doods, Guinness and Murph!

[Camilla and Darwin]

That sounds like such a fun family vacation! How awesome that you get to have the doods interact with everyone.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think your guys have just experienced "flooding", where the feared stimulus is presented so much there is no reaction!  The dogs were real troopers>

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Wow - I'm worn out just reading about it!  Sounds like tons of fun and so glad that Guinness & Murphy did you proud.

[Carol and Banjo]

Wow Murphy and Guinness you guys totally rock!!!!    Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation and Jane....sounds like you NEED a vacation! LOL......back to "the quiet life"!     So cute that the 4 year old was "heeling" Guinness and what good boys to stay at the door!!!!!