Where did we leave off? Sadie’s dance party in the kitchen, right?
Apparently the first half of our day was all about Sadie, because after breakfast we drove to the dog park to let her play around for a little while.
We got so spoiled with the dog park we used to go to a few times a week in Orlando. Fleet Peeples Dog Park is located on a lake (Sadie loves the water!) and a portion of the dog park was not manicured and full of trees so we could take her on short off-leash hikes within the park. It was the best!
The Millennium Dog Park in Ocala is much more basic and is essentially a wide-open space with lots of room to run around. People leave behind very well-loved Frisbees and tennis balls so there’s always something to play with if you forget a toy.
(I told you they were well loved!)
Our mission while we were at the dog park was to get Sadie to run through one of the cement tubes. She’s so finicky when it comes to trying out something unfamiliar and it wasn’t until Ryan climbed into the tube himself that her courage kicked in and she knew it was okay.
With Ryan in there, she was all about it!
Such a goofball.
On our way home from the dog park, I quickly popped into the grocery store to pick up burgers and hot dogs so we could fire up the grill for lunch.
Within 30 minutes of our arrival back at the house, Ryan grilled the burgers, hot dogs and a few green peppers for us to enjoy while I heated some baked beans on the stovetop.
My fellow Publix lovers, have you ever tried their potato rolls? Oh my gosh, they are so delicious. Soft, doughy and perfect for a juicy burger!
I topped my sliders with fresh slices of avocado for some added flavor.
After lunch, I spent several hours working on my latest craft project and a little after 5 p.m., I was all done!
The project I was working on is actually a gift for my dad for his 60th birthday and while I initially planned to mail it to him, I really, really wanted to see his face when he opened it. I floated the idea of making a quick to Jacksonville to surprise my dad with his gift and Ryan was more than game. By 8:30 p.m., we arrived in Jacksonville and had just enough time to make a cake for my dad before he arrived home from an event.
He was surprised to see us and absolutely loved his gift. I need to snap a few more pictures before I share it with you guys, but I’ll be sure to get that done soon!
Now we’re off to celebrate my dad’s birthday with mimosas over breakfast.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
i can’t wait to see your gift – you always have the most creative diy crafts!!
Beth @ Mangoes and Miles says
I can’t wait until our puppy gets old enough/well-trained enough/completely vaccinated so we can visit the dog park! The one in Orlando sounds awesome, but big areas to run around in are nice, too. 🙂
Happy birthday to your dad! I’m so glad you were able to visit him. Have fun!
Purelytwins says
Sadie is sooo cute! Jax loves the water too. Could play in it for hours.
Jax just had a vizsla play date yesterday with 4 other vizslas in the area. they run around like crazy for about 1 1/2 hour – it’s great 🙂
can’t wait to see the gift!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness says
I m excited to see what you made! I’m sure you, Ryan and Sadie surprising him was probably his favorite gift!
Heather @fitncookies says
How fun to surprise him!! I can’t wait to see what it is; I love crafts! Regardless, the fact that you made it had to have been the best for him 🙂 Have a fun day in Jacksonville with your family!
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
Happy Birthday to your dad! Can’t wait to see what you made!
Jill says
Impressed with your lunch, looks good. What kind of baked beans do you buy?
Did you guys get Sadie a while after you were married? Before? Just curious when you got her and if that was the kind of dog you both planned on.
Also, maybe Ryan ought to become a personal trainer too…you guys could open up your own business 🙂
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
So excited to see the gift you made for your dad! I think homemade gifts are the best!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says
Happy Birthday to your dad! I hope he enjoys his special day!
Nicole says
Dog parks can be so much fun. Does Sadie play with other dogs at the dog park? Or does she just want to play with you in the park?
The Kidless Kronicles
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I had guacamole on a burger for the first time this week, and it was so good! I can’t believe it took me this long to try it. Your avocado burgers look really good too.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I cannot wait to see what the gift was!! I am sure that you dad loved it and really appreciated the birthday surprise visit :).
Jaime says
There isn’t a Publix anywhere near where I live, but my friend grew up in Alabama and, before she moved back, would bring the most amazing chicken salads and dips from their deli when she would visit her parents.
Kristi says
I now want a hamburger with avocado!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I’m excited to see what craft you made!
Happy Birthday to your dad!
Miranda @ Miranda Runs says
What a sweet daughter of you to go and surprise your dad with a handmade present! 🙂
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I love that Ryan had to act like a dog in order to get Sadie to play in that tube. Too funny! 😉
Lauren says
I’m glad you got to take the drive to surprise your dad! I’m sure he loved seeing you guys! Elmo is the same way with ANYTHING out of the ordinary. If we put any decoration in our house, he will bark and freak out because something is different. I can’t even explain the issues with the Christmas tree. Lol He gets over it, though. Thankfully 🙂
Brooke @ Running In Heels says
That dog park looks so fun! My Vizsla, Lily, would have a field day!
Victoria @ Reluctantly Skinny says
Can’t wait to see the craft project! I spent my weekend making 100 handmade invitations for my friend’s wedding. DIY much?
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Haha I love Sadie’s face in the tunnel! Her expression screams, “MOM!!! DAD!! Look what I did!”
I can’t wait to see what you made for your dad. I love crafts, but usually need pinterest or an outside source to get inspired!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Happy Birthday to your Dad! Can’t wait to see what your gift was!!! Avocado= the best burger topping EVER (even if mine are veggie!) Potato rolls (or farls) are such an Irish thing! You should make potato pancakes 🙂
Beth Sheridaan says
Oh good…Can’t wait to see the gift! I LOVE crafty presents 🙂
Silke says
Please don’t burn your food 🙁 Sorry for the drastic comment, but my friend, age 28, died of cancer (colon). Take care of yourself!!!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
That’s so sweet you surprised your dad! Happy birthday to him!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
Sadie is too cute needing Ryan to show her that the tube is ok 🙂
I miss baked beans, I got told I can’t eat legumes anymore and baked beans are what I miss most of all. Those potato buns look to die for delicious!
Mandie Marie @ The Fruitful Turtle says
Happy B-Day to your Dad. Can’t wait to see his gift.
Tara@PNWRunner says
I cannot wait to see this gift you are making for him. Crafts are fun! I need to do more…
Sarah @makingitmyhome.blogspot.com says
My dog, Mulder, looooves when we take him to the dog park. He is still working on feeling comfortable enough to actually play with the other dogs but he still loves going and is always so tired when we get back.
Marielle says
My puppy finally had all her vaccinations and was able to go to the dog park for the first time yesterday!! So much fun, can’t wait to explore different ones in our area! 🙂