We took the Jax (4 including my sister's) to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for New Year's. We were fortunate. It was in the mid-60s for most of the week, so we enjoyed spring-like temperatures in December and January.

The pups got their first beach experience. They enjoyed long runs in the sand and digging for sand fiddlers. They also climbed the dunes at Jockey's Ridge and barked at the hangliders. And they were the only ones who enjoyed the four flights of steps in the beach house. They turned the stairs into a racetrack.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Best wishes for 2012!