My wife and I had such fond memories of the first time we went to Crystal City's annual Pups and Pilsners, two years ago, that we almost didn't go back this year. It seemed like one of those memories that you will always remember fondly either because of you got there at that exact right moment for a series of awesome experiences, or the circumstances surrounding it make you nostalgic for it.

We were well into planning our wedding at the time. We had just been to a wedding the week before and were going another the week after. The weather was perfect, and we spread out a blanket and sat and talked and relaxed and dog watched. It was a moment of quiet in a fury of planning. And of course, I photographed many dogs. By that time next year we had just moved out of Arlington and were busy that weekend (incidentally at another wedding) and so just never made it back.

The event itself is no more notable than the seemingly millions of events put on by the various Arlington neighborhoods. Throw together some beer tents, sell tickets for tastings, invite some bands, and tell everyone to bring your dog. All but that last one is how just about every other Arlington Neighborhood event is constructed.

So with all that in my head, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go this year. Most of our friends had other plans (they were at a wedding...) and it was a little more of a trek for us than it had been the last time. It was only at the encouragement of my wife, Grace, who knew I really wanted to go more than I knew myself, that we went this year.

As it turned out, it was still a lot of fun. There were more people this year, and a plethora of tasting tickets. We met a couple just celebrating their two year anniversary. We had a great time talking with them and sharing our stories. And of course I took many photos of puppies.