Mystery and Intrigue

I need to get me a detective coat like Joe's, because there's something going on around here and I'm not sure what it is. Mom has been telling me all week that there is a surprise for me this weekend, and yesterday and today I found some clues. What do you think it is?

First, Mom and Dad came home yesterday and told me they got this for me:

What is that thing? I have no idea.

Then today I saw Dad pull this out of the closet:

And I saw Mom packing up some of my stuff. She put my travel bowl, some food and treats, and some towels into my bag.

Usually when Mom packs my bag it means we're going to visit Grandma and Grandpa, but this is different. We don't usually need towels! And what the heck is that other thing for?

I wish Mom would just tell me what my surprise is, but she just keeps saying I'm reeaaallly going to like it. Do you dogs have any ideas about what it might be?

P.S. Mom says that whatever it is we're doing, it's not just the three of us.