Happy Christmas!

 The biggest Christian holiday has finally arrived... the day we celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.  

And... open up presents from Santa and his elves.

Ramsey dug right in and found fun boxes of Legos (WWII soldiers and Task Force/SWAT), candy, and other larger items that would not fit inside a mere stocking.

First bigger gift: a gun.   

Ramsey was questioning how the elves could possibly make toy AK-47s.

We talked about potential out-sourcing.

Oh look.  Another gun.

Handmade M1 Garand, straight from the North Pole (Etsy?).

While Ramsey played with his new Legos and toys, Eric, Jango, and I all chilled with some football.  Yes, football.  On Christmas.  So weird.

God bless you all on this very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve!

 On a wintery Christmas Eve, with just three of us, there was no need to rush or scurry.  We just did what we wanted to do.

Step 1:  Bake cookies for Santa!

Do NOT miss any of the batter - get every ounce of it!!

Step 2: Take lots of pictures!

Even if your husband thinks you're a weirdo and hates having his picture taken!   Take 'em anyway!!

Someday, we'll have the wonderful photos to remember happy times.

Step 3:  Open presents!!

Of the gifts I gave Eric, this one was the best.  ha!

Aaaaaand, here's a gun.  I think it was a toy M16.  I dunno.  Ask Ramsey.

A beautiful onyx chess set was in this box.  Nice!  I used to play on a tan/beige and cream onyx chess set with my grandmother when I was young.  I loved it!

Hmm.. what could this be.. in a long skinny box?

Ya, another gun. ...some sort of toy long rifle.  Again, no idea what it is... ask the kid.

Cold hard cash!

Ramsey loves him some cash.

And a check for mo money!

The kiddo brought in a good haul, with Army and Delta Force t-shirts, a Delta Force baseball hat, some pants, camo Dude shoes, a pair of new tennies, boxing gloves, a new gaming controller, socks, plus two new board games for his teacher (how sweet was that?!)

Jango got a chew toy.... and a beef stick.

Eric helped Ramsey put his AK-47 together.

Step 4:  Put out cookies and milk for Santa, plus carrots for the reindeer.  We left them on the table this year so Jango wouldn't try to eat the cookies.

Step 5: More pictures before bedtime!!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

October Dog Walk Challenge

At the end of September, I signed us up for the St. Jude's 31-Mile Dog Walk.  Start date: October 1.  End date: October 31.  

October weather here can be quite tricky.  We had about 50% that was great.  The other half, not so much, but we ventured out quite a bit anyway, me donning gloves, warm hats, scarves, and heavier jackets.  

We raised some money for an amazing charitable cause.  It wasn't a ton, but every bit helps.  And, it made Jango happy to get out of the house and it gave me an extra few steps to keep the ol joints working.

Sometimes Ramsey accompanied Jango and me.... sometimes he didn't. 

No matter the day, we always had beautiful scenic views.

In the end, we had feelings of great satisfaction and accomplishment.  

And, Jango earned a free dog leash.

Chillin' in October

 The days have been so amazing lately that it was hard to tolerate indoors!  After school and work, we've been outside, enjoying the fresh Indian Summer(esque) weather while it lasts.

I never want to jinx anything, but wondering how much longer this gorgeousness is going to last?!?

After walks, we could be found lounging and swinging on the play set.

We found that our poor tree down by the lake had been chomped quite heavily by resident beavers.  Poor tree!    

Ramsey may need to help out and utilize his new-found wood chopping/splitting abilities.  Maybe this will be a winter project. !?!?