The Christmas season is upon us.  My tree is up, but there is only one gift under it. Buddy, apparently, likes to play with wrapped gifts, scoot them around the living room and chew on the paper, thus my little 2 foot tree will be nekkid of gifts this year. Shopping is close to being done, just a few more items left.  It’s busy season for sure and our weekends are totally booked through New Year’s.

Last night we went to our annual Christmas party hosted by our good friends Charlie & Christina.  It’s always a good time and last night was no exception!  Yummy lasagna and breadsticks for dinner, lots of good snacks and the traditional White Elephant gift exchange was a hoot, as always.  I ended up with 2 dvds, a jar of homemade canned peppers (which Jason is thoroughly enjoying), a gourd, a plastic reindeer and a pocket knife that looks like a key – ha!  Jason got a good one and snagged a 4-piece set of wine glasses.  Unfortunately as I was putting one in the dishwasher this morning it became a 3-piece set. (Exactly why we don’t buy expensive wine glasses.)

Portia has decided to move in with her (biological) mom and will be officially moving next weekend.  So we’ve been busy getting her packed up, filling out school transfer forms and tying up other loose ends.  I hope the move is a good choice for her – it sure won’t be the same without her home, but I hope to get to spend some quality weekends with her in the upcoming months.

The dogs are all doing well.  Buddy has reached the 80 pound mark.  He could still use 10 or so pounds, but at this point he’s healthy and happy and very smitten to be indoors and laying on our couch rather than being pinned up outside as he has been in the past.  He’s over his food aggression and him and Blue are quickly becoming good buddies, which I never thought I’d hear myself say. Blue never plays with other dogs, but him and Buddy are like two peas in a pod!  This is a picture I got of Buddy one day when he was just standing by the chair and decided his big ol’ head needed a rest.  Hehe!

Can't..hold..big...head...up..any...more...

That’s about all I really have as an update.  Hopefully I’ll be getting some exciting photos to share with all the festivities going on in the next several weeks.  I wish everyone happy holidays!