How to Throw a Birthday Party for your Dog

So here you are, looking for information on how to throw a party for your four-legged child, aka your dog.

First, Acknowledge.
It is important to recognize that you are crazy.  Awesome, creative, and loving... but crazy.  Don't worry, no judgement here.  Just acknowledge where you are. In crazy town.

Second, cake.  
I found a lot of recipes online for cake that could be consumed by dogs and humans (usually something like "peanut butter carrot cake".)  That sounded disgusting to me.  Instead I went the route of "making my guests uncomfortable because my cake just *looks* like something dogs eat." aka, dog food cake.  It's Reese's cereal and it looks pretty gross! It was chocolate cake underneath, which you should definitely not share with your birthday children.

"Dog food Cake" for people!

And then of course, you need cake for the guests of honor.  It's important to remember that your guests of honor might need a couple extra bathroom breaks after the party, since you gave them filet mignon dog food which they are not quite used to eating, but thought was delicious.

"Cake" for dogs!

"Nom nom we love cake"

Third, presents.
Dogs may not know how to open presents, but if you loosely tape them and put food inside, they will figure it out pretty quickly.

"Oh, we get it!"

Finally: hats!
And then the most important element of doggy birthdays. Dogs in hats!  AAahhhh!!

"Why do you do this to us, mom?"

 Make sure you take several pictures as quickly as you can, because dogs don't seem to like hats nearly as much as you do.

Happy 1st birthday to Jazz and 5th birthday to Tolpel! :) And thanks to my family (husband, parents, sister, and brother in law) for attending my ridiculous party.

Staycation Day 1

Jake and I had a fantastic time at the Durham Bulls tonight! This was my first Bulls game since... I learned the rules of baseball.  We had first row seats behind right field, and Jake got a great deal... $4.50 a ticket! Add in a delicious dinner at a Cuban restaurant, and it was a really delightful evening!

I also decided I wanted to learn how to score a game, so Jake taught me. I loved that. Also, my very favorite part of baseball is a pickle, so I excitedly added my own notation when one occurred tonight. (If you can't tell, I drew a pickle which I'm told is not official notation. Hehe.)

Such fun times.

Mister Candy Bar

Don't you judge me, Mister Candy Bar.  I've been dieting for months.  I run.  I cut out sugar, soda, and most refined grains. I drink protein shakes for breakfast. I even joined a gym.  I take my lunch. I eat kale.  Kale!

So if I want to gobble up an American, milk chocolate, low quality, trapped in a vending machine, stale, overpriced 3 Musketeer Bar, then by golly I will.  And not apologize to anyone. So there.