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!

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Awesone picture - love the paws crossed. Tucker would have ripped/ shook the bunny ears right off.
I suggest keep him close to you and keep a close eye on him.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

He is adorable and very manly, even in bunny ears.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I think that as long as you keep Darwin with you on a leash you should be able to control anything being offered to him. If there is an opportunity to make an announcement you could do it that way. I bet the people who are afraid of dogs will just take one look at Darwin, feel his hair and they will be in love with him. There is something so soothing about petting a Doodle with all that soft fluff! Just ask him to sit when he meets people and he will do fine. Shouldn't be a problem keeping him away from the horses I would think. Good luck...I'm sure Darwin will be the hit of the party!!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I love Darwin!!! He is an adorable Easter bunny!

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

I love the last picture with his paws crossed!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I love the pictures - How can the Easterdoodle be sissy-foo-foo? No way!
No suggestions about the food situation other than to tell as many of the responsible kidlets that Darwin gets sick from people food and ask them to keep a watch on the other kids. Perhaps between you keeping a close watch and the more reliable kids it will work. Maybe - and this is probably not feasible, but anyway, you could ask if there could be no chocolate candies.