Here we are upon arrival. Believe it or not, Alfredo has lost weight over the last couple of years, but you certainly couldn't tell by looking at this photo. He's never been fat, but he was up to about 26lbs at one time. Currently, he's just over 20, which is still heavy when carting him around in my arms.
And the most important takeaway from the fest: Alfredo's painting! He's such a little talented artist. He makes mommy proud!
The other event I prepare Alfredo for annually is Halloween. Quite honestly, Halloween happens to be my least favorite holiday of the year, for as long as I can remember. I really didn't appreciate it much as a child. When you grow up in Northwest Indiana, the probability that snow has hit the ground by October 31st is pretty good, so even if I thought I was the coolest kid on the block with the most fabulous costume, it was unlikely that I'd ever get to show it off as a result of my winter coat. Now that I'm older, I think the concept of people my age dressing up as something they aren't is just lame. Also, I've never been one for goblins, zombies, the boogie man, etc. Alfredo probably doesn't like this holiday either, but his reasons are entirely different from mine. He has never been one to like costumes (he loves running around naked), and he just can't get used to trick-or-treaters showing up at the door. Nevertheless, here he is as a Rufferee this year. Wrangler, his sidekick, was a Wide Retriever.
Speaking of trick-or-treaters, I was quite disappointed this year. I only saw a total of five kids. I don't know what is more disappointing, the lack of kids, or that I'm now stuck with lots of my favorite candy. it's a shame I can't share with the dog. I'm not sure Alfredo was given too many treats this Halloween, but he is certainly learning new tricks. Having him around other dogs has taught him new things. One thing he has learned is how to use a doggy door. I'll save that one for another day. Another thing he has learned is the need to become territorial over bones, toys, and other things he thinks belong solely to him. When he stops playing with something of "his", he's learned to hide everything. Here's a bone he tucked into the couch...
And speaking of hiding, I actually think he tried playing a game of hide and seek with me a few weeks back. He actually moved these pillows on his own, which he does almost daily.
Well, this probably brings us up to date on what we've been up to. Shockingly, I've come across several random animals during the month of October. I guess this is another reason why I've been too busy to blog. Mom came into town a few weeks back. During her stay, we headed up to this Out of Africa place in Camp Verde, which was quite amazing. Aside from my first zip line experience, I fed a tiger...
was kissed by a giraffe
and was chased by zebras. Literally.
Then, of course, there was the Arizona State Fair.
Having lived in Arizona for 7 years now, you'd think I would've experienced the state fair by now. Well, this wasn't actually the case until a couple weeks ago.
It didn't really bother me that I was among the oldest people - without child- visiting the petting zoo. After all, I still remember drawing a picture of myself surrounded by farm animals for a first grade assignment. The goal was to draw a picture of what I wanted to be when I grew up, and so I did just that. It wasn't until later that I found out that most of the farm animals ended up being slaughtered. Terrible.
Here's a llama. Random! I was actually nervous he was going to spit on me.
And lastly, I'll leave you with not one of my favorite animals to say the least, but hey, who isn't going to take a picture of a tarantula wandering the wild, and no, I didn't see this guy at the fair.
