Goin' to the dogs...

Desert days can be described in one word - SCORCHING!  During the summer months, the nights aren't much better, I've heard. 

But now it's fall.  While the day temps are moderating (low 90s instead of over 100), night temps are dropping dramaticially.  Sometimes a 40 degree difference. 

The reason I mention this, is that public park use escalates as fall and winter roll around.  Not so much during the day yet.  It's EVENINGS (often late evening) that folks turn out to walk and play and enjoy the nippy (that's comparatively, mind you) weather.

Recently a brand new multi-use park opened near Carrie's home.  The Sundance park has it all - multiple playing fields, volley ball (sand!), several really super children's play structures to suit all ages - and a DOG PARK!!

Being a doggy family, we loaded into the 'burb and trekked on over for a Family Home Evening excursion.

Carrie and the mutts took a good look around and made sure "company manners" were in place, before heading for the two huge fenced dog areas.

Happy, the blonde labradoodle, minds the pack leader really well.  He's 8, almost 9 now (we know that because he is the same age as Max!).  Briston, at only 5, is still a pup at heart.  We understand St. Bernard's don't muture until long after 3, which seems to be true. These two guys get a LOT of attention wherever they go - both for good manners, and large size!  Kids especially want to meet Briston, they go for that cuddly, slobbery look.

Yes, they are clipped.  It IS the desert, ya know...

As the sky begins the usual spectacular desert sunset show, the boys give the frisby a workout.  The streak in the middle is Lee, Max in red to the left, Jayden in yellow in the background, and Collin headed for the blue blob. Made me tired just watching them!

This 60 acre park, with huge light banks for the baseball and soccer fields, is open long after dark.  You can enjoy a family barbeque dinner under one of several pavilions, watch the kids enjoy the grassy fields and play areas, take in some fun ball games, play with your dog or let your dog play with the other dogs, catch a sunset - it's a great family place, out here in the midst of scrubby desert and multple housing developments.  It's well used all week long.

 Happy and Briston have added a new word to their vocabulary: PARK.  Up come the ears.  Real chaos takes place if you open the drawer where the leashes are kept. (Someone had the bright idea of keeping the car keys in the same drawer...you have to be reeeally sneaky, getting those out without the dogs hearing!)

And if you say WALK, you'd better be headed for the door!