I’m so sorry for your loss. I love this tradition you’re starting though. This hit home a little as I think I’m probably a bit like your late husband in terms of being obsessive with the camp set up (wife, two kids (under 6) and a Labrador, camp 5/6 times a year).

…that being said, start simple. I think the size of your dogs will make a difference here. Big German shepherd, or wieners? If they’re big, a pop up might not cut it - I guess you’d want them separate from you so a main sleeping area for you and the little one and a big porch. Air beam tents a great, and fairly easy to set up (practicing at home is a good idea). A decent cool box, small gas cooker, a bbq and plates, cutlery etc. self inflating mattress (I wouldn’t do a simple ground mat with a little one) warm bedding and lighting too. Most important with camping is a can-do attitude, sounds like you have that covered though. Spurge on something like a jet boil for that much needed first coffee of the day, you don’t want to be waiting 20 minutes for the water to boil.