Easter Is Just Around The Corner...

[Camilla and Darwin]

Holidays are a big deal in my family. A BIG deal. I have grown up celebrating every holiday to it's fullest. A few examples of the holidays we go all out for:

-St Patrick's day, we have always had a big "gold" hunt at our local park. We had visits from leprochauns, and my mom even died our milk and eggs green. (I know, gross. But it was cool when I was a kid.)

-We were/are that annoying family that started listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween. (no joke) We had a ton of lights on our house, and read Christmas stories every night. We even do three weeks of presents. Stockings a week before, santa/family on Christmas, and shoes the week after.

-April Fools Day is a riot. My mom is the queen of pranks. She always fooled us by giving us a dinner desserts. Example: Ice cream, chick-o-sticks and green m&ms, telling us it was chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes and peas.

Easter is no exception. In fact, it's huge for my family. Every year, my mom throws an Easter egg hunt for our whole extended family. (on her side). On my mother's side, I have 9 aunts, 9 uncles, and over 100 cousins and 2nd cousins! That is one big party.

Well, this year we have Darwin, and I really want to bring him along. I am really excited for everyone to meet him, and I think it will be a good socialization experience for him. I am stressed about a few things though.

First, I need to come up with some way to make sure he isn't fed table scraps or candy during the party. Adults know better, but 40 plus kids? I don't think so. Second, there are people in my family who are afraid of dogs. I am planning on keeping him by me, and on a leash most of the time. But we are definitely going to step up his greeting manners. Luckily, he never barks or jumps, but he does have some issues walking politely on a leash. and loves to meet new people. Third item, there will be pony rides. Darwin has been next to a horse once or twice, and has shown no fear or hesitation. I am a little worried that he will be anxious around a whole group of moving ponies though. We'll keep him pretty far away, but I still want him to be calm.

This is all in my parent's backyard, so I think since it's a familiar place I will be able to keep him calm and safe. But it definitely gives me a lot to prepare for!

On a lighter note, I did a little photo session with Darwin for the Easter holidays. I loved the way the photos came out. My DH wasn't so thrilled. He said they were "sissy" ha ha!

[Carol and Banjo]

Your family sound wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone should celebrate the way yours does!!! Happy Easter.....I'm sure your little EasterDood will do just great after being there a short while!

[Ann Kendig]

I enjoyed reading your post and the pictures turned out great! My two learned that if they tipped their heads a little forward that the ears would fall off easily. Darwin looks as if he was enjoying this photo session!

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

What a precious baby!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I actually didn't cross his paws for him. And he doesn't do it too often, but on occasion I see them crossed. Perhaps the bunny ears make him feel more dignified? Karen, I am jealous of my parents backyard as well. It's a full acre in the country, with a sand volleyball pit and huge grassy area. (Sigh).... someday maybe I'll have ANY yard. Then I'll be happy. :-)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Did you cross his paws for him???Hehehe...

[Patty]

I love the sophistication of the final picture, with his paws crossed! He is giving Steve Martin a run for his money in those bunny ears.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Darwin makes the cutest Easter bunny! Much cuter than any dumb rabbit!
I have no suggestions, but I am very jealous of your parents' yard if it is big enough for 100+ people and pony rides!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful time!

[Frannie & Callie]

Camilla - those pictures of Darwin are too cute! He's obviously secure enough in his manhood to wear bunny ears with aplomb! I may have to try that with Callie, even though she's a jewish doodle!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

What cute pics...does he lay with his paws crossed a lot. Barb's Dunkin does this all the time and we tease about him doing this. Wonder if this is a Male doodle thing and how many doodles lay like this. Since Darwin is going to be leashed and by you, keep his favorite training treats on hand and when he is in high stress situations like the ponies, offer his treats when he is doing what you want him to, that should keep Darwin interested in you. Maybe take some extra treats along and the kids who are wanting to give him something can get Darwin to do sits and downs and treat him for being good, and explaining as others mentioned this is what Darwin can have.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think he looks absolutely adorable in the bunny ears! Your Easter party sounds wonderful! I'd round all the kids up at the beginning and just let them know that they can't feed Darwin ANYTHING and why. I've laid down the law with my grand kids, and once they understood that feeding Guinness and Murphy "snacks" would make them sick, it became a non issue. They are actually very careful. I think you're absolutely right about keeping him on a lead. I use a 30 ft. lead whenever we're at outdoor parties. It gives them some room to move around, but I have the control. HAVE FUN!