...Best Smile Goes Too?

Adventure #56 Tampa Bay Bulldog Parade

I don't have kids. At the rate I'm going... I won't for awhile. So, when the opportunity came up to enter my pride and joy into the Tampa Bay Bulldog Parade, I obviously did not hesitate. It was a nice February Saturday in Florida and after days of preparation, we were ready! I say days of preparation because after three costume mishaps including ARRRR The Pirate, a Moo Cow From Chick-Fil-A and a Patriotic Army Solider we finally got it right! Well, so I thought. So, for all those "real"parents I am sure you have been there before. You buy the cutest outfit. The socks, the adorable backwards hat and they won't keep it on? Yep, that was Brutus. He actually ate through the cardboard army tank box that I spent 5 hours on constructing on my only day off! He also ripped through his made for a kid in a coma plastic vest. After 3 hours during happy hour just the night before my regulars.. Auntie Kate, Auntie Carla, Auntie Ann and Auntie Kathy constructed a Moo Cow costume of the famous Cows from Chick-Fil-A! It had cow ears, cow bells, and the cute famous sign for his back reading: Eat More Cats! It was original and adorable! Though, at 8 A.M. the following morning, it quickly turned to a slobber-filled and pee stained mess. Remember people we are talking a Bulldog and not a toy cup poodle!

We arrived at the event with the above just in case costume changes and a backpack full of poop bags, slobber towels and cookies! After registering we ran into the best helper of all. Auntie Jill! She came in handy to hold the camera, the poop bags and at some points the BEAST! For about twenty minutes we scouted out our competition and sized up the other big ballas out there. I am not gonna lie... I was shaking! To give Brutus and I all the extra confidence.. my team of supporters showed up in hundreds! (Uncle Mark, Uncle Bill, Auntie Carla, Auntie Anne, Aunt Kathy, Auntie Jill, Auntie Shanna and Auntie Kate) came out screaming and cheering for yours truly.. BRUTUS BEEFCAKE!!! Just seconds before we entered the arena It hit me... "What the Hell am I doing out Here?  Is this for real?" We made our way around the terror of a circle and ended up directly in front of the main judge! Best of Show was announced, then best dressed, then best couple? With the cheer and whistling from my side of the crowd, very soon the last award was announced....TA DA....and BEST SMILE GOES OUT TOO>>>>>  BRUTUS BEEF CAKE OF SARASOTA!! THE CROWD GOES CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S TEN AM... IT WAS TIME TO PARTY!!!!!!!!! We all head down to O' Leary's to celebrate and bask in the spotlight which for one year will be held by Brutus Beef Cake as Best Smile!

I have enclosed a video of the tank that I tried to construct on my own that week. Yep... Wishful thinking Mommy! See Video Below!