Happy New Year! And welcome 2024!
I leave 2023 behind and look forward to some new adventures. As you know, I have three teenage kids that keep me on my toes. My daughter Alexis made the competitive volleyball team in the fall of 2023 and I became the Treasurer of the team. My son, Connor, and my daughter, Hailey, and I started a competitive robotics team with First Robotics Competition – FRC #9621 Payload. These two events have kept be extremely busy this past fall and will not be leaving my calendar alone anytime soon but life is about balance and hanging with Mike, Maze and Nyx is my happy place and I can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!
In 2023 we visited so many amazing parks, restaurants, breweries, hotels and so many fun places! Here is my eight favorite moments of 2023!
1. Hiking and Drinks
In early January we discovered the Off Leash Trails in North York, the Davis Tract and the Bendor & Graves Tract. We had a wonderful time discovering the trails and warmed up at the Old Flamme Brewery. This day adventure was a ton of fun and is a wonderful day out – definitely something to put on your must do list.
We were also able to write an entire blog on all of the amazing dog parks in Durham Region. We are so lucky to have these parks in our back yard. Of course, my favorite is the Harmony Dog Park which is has an off leash area!
2. Crock-A-Doodle – Pottery
One of the neatest things we did this year was discover that dogs could attend at Crock-A-Doodle with you! We went the first time and wrote a blog about it but we have gone back several times since! The first time we went we took Maze & Nyx and made a platter and a bowl with the paw prints. The second time we went we did some Christmas tree decorations with Maze, Nyx and McKenzie. The last time we went was a little sadder. We took McKenzie knowing she was getting on her years to make a platter for my mother-in-law. McKenzie passed about a month later but the platter we made for Cathy before she passed has her paw prints on it.
3. Day Trip – Prince Edward County
In the spring Mike and I took a road trip to Prince Edward County. That area is so much fun to explore. We found dog beaches at the provincial park, ostrich farms and fun shops to browse.
4. Day Trip – Toronto
Another fun day was our day trip in Toronto. Mike, Maze & Nyx and I adventured into the City to find out what was dog friendly. Toronto is an amazing place to visit and live with your furry dog friend.
5. Day Trip – Meaford
We also discovered the Town of Meaford and its drawing force – The Beautiful Joe Park. The park is dedicated to a dog and its famous story. It now honors all dogs including the ones in 9/11 and who fight daily in our police forces. Also in Meaford is a fun dog beach! We had a wonderful time splashing in the water!
6. Dog Gone Fun Camp
This was by far my favorite thing from the year, Dog Gone Fun Adventure Camp. Hosted by The Crunchy Canine we spent the weekend at Turkey Point Provincial Park learning about dog training and having fun with our dogs! I can’t wait until this fall when we get to go again. I loved it! We learned scent detection, Rally-O, and agility testing. We had amazing meals, went hiking and swimming with our dogs and even had Saturday night live music.
7. OUR VERY FIRST EVENT!
And the biggest thing we did this year was have our first event – a free Scavenger Hunt! We had amazing prizes for the winners, as well as a gift basket for our social media winner!
8. Our Own Merchandise!
Even more exciting is that we sold, for the first time ever, our very own merchandise! We have sweatshirts and dog towels.
We had an amazing year and it is all because of our readers – you! We thank you for following us and our adventures! We can’t wait to share 2024 with you!