The rain kinda scared me this morning but alas everything turned out OK. 

Both groups went to Southland today.  The morning group was very mellow.  Riley needs a chaperon when we first get to the park so Whistler was dragging him around while I cleaned up the poop.  Neither was happy with the situation and when I separated them Riley ran to J and they they were off playing together.  They are too cute when they wrestle and dance and generally go to their own little place of happiness.  By the end of the walk they were back to the real world and ready to get into the truck for a nap on the way home.  Frolicking takes a lot out of a guy.  Ryder tried to join the fun but could not keep up with frivolity so he went back to being too cool and hanging back. 

Copper, Kip, Whistler and Everest found a serious retriever fan and took full advantage of her generous petting skills.  It is amazing how they can pick out the ones that REALLY like labs and goldens and then work it.  I had to shoo them off after several minutes as they were starting to embarrass themselves. 

After shooing them off from the wonderful retriever lady we ran smack dab into a daycare picnic at the park.  Not only is that dangerous and stupid it is GROSS!  The dogs were cooperative about leaving the area but only after a very firm "come".

The afternoon group got to go swimming which I thought would settle them down.  Au contraire.  It only served to excited them more.  We had to leave the swimming area when it began to get crowded and poor little Auzzie had started to shiver.  He was cold and frustrated that he did not know how to swim and could not get the ball.  The dogs were still rowdy so I took them to the field (away from everyone else) so they could dry off and settle down.  Once they started to settle into exploring the grass and the wonders of mice and other creatures a male husky came bounding into the pack.  I watched the dogs reaction to the interloper and the young ones (Auzzie, Wilbur, Mitch, Nina and Shea) went straight over for investigation/introductions.  Then it actually seemed like Everest and Sid, as the biggest adult males of the pack, separated the husky from the pack and began a formal "once over".  Once that was done they "released" him to continue his play with the others. 

I find it fascinating to watch the pack behaviour.  I would love to find out if my assessments are anywhere near accurate.