Chicago Lab Fest 2008 - Friday
Last year I joined the Labrador Retriever Forum. Since that time, I’ve made some friends on the board and this year Eric and I decided that we would take a trip down near Chicago, IL for the Labfest in that area. It was an absolute blast!!! Eric wanted to become a little more involved so he made shirts:
And a Chicago Lab Fest website! 
Which includes photos from past years as well.
FRIDAY
Eric took the day off in anticipation of packing for our trip to Chicago. I worked until noon, and then he picked me up and we were on our way. We made a couple of quick trips and then we were off. On the way, we stopped at a McDonald’s so Eric could grab a bite to eat while I took all three of the dogs (at the same time) out for a potty break. On the way back to the van, we were about 20 ft away, it downpoured. Now just rained, but a heavy, I -can’t-see-the-van, and it’s-too-windy-to-move type of rain. I commanded the boys to drag me, but in turn had to drag a terrified Kya. We were all completely drenched. I had to change into my pajamas for the rest of the trip.
Arrived fairly quickly it seemed anyway. I met Whitney and Grant for the very first time, after reading and following their stories, photos, videos and blogs of their dogs for quite some time. 
That was pretty neat.
They’re dogs are beautiful!
I was a little apprehensive about Midas meeting a huge number of dogs so we did a one-by-one meet of our three to their three and it went splendidly. Did not have one problem.
Mason did well too:
And Kya…she was curious and interested but really only comfortable with the dogs and I.
Then Lisa (and Steph) showed up with her 4 - that was a lot of dogs in the backyard. It was highly entertaining to watch Tractor play with the sprinkler.
Midas was wondering what was so fantastic about the sprinkler so he came up to take a look:
He wasn’t impressed lol, so Tractor was back at it on his own:
He sure can get air, even when playing by himself!
He’s a funny, sweet, endearing dog .
Karin showed up with Mason’s “brother”, Wedge - in both of these photos, Mason and Wedge are totally focused on the ball or on someone who may potentially throw the ball:
The household total was 11 dogs for the night - and it was completely fine.