It's a wrap...

 Last Christmas, we expected grandbaby number two to arrive around December 28th. Since babies are not known for arriving exactly on schedule, I did my holiday shopping and wrapping very early so I would be prepared no matter when the birth occurred. The Cygnet made a late appearance, but it was extremely nice to be so organized in advance. Remembering that feeling, I shopped and wrapped early this year, too, and have had a cheerful pile of gifts stacked in Chris's office for weeks. There have been some last-minute gift additions, and today, I got them all bundled and beribboned. I had adorable almost-one-year-old help. 

Recent rain (and wild winds!) washed away our snow, but it has been cold. This morning it was 15 degrees when I fed and watered the animals. The goats have thick coats and don't seem to mind the brisk air. They look adorable in their festive ruffles. 

Yesterday, we took the girls to Farmer Cheryl's to meet Angelo, a Hackney/Clydesdale cross colt. He is as sweet as they come and has the kindest expression on his face. It will be fun to watch him grow and learn. 

This week we celebrated fifteen years of endless love and devotion from this little character. 

She has a bad heart, a bothersome hernia, a mammary tumor, and cataracts, but she doesn't let any of that slow her down much. She still plays fetch, beats Bravo (who is 5 times her size) up a few times a week, eats with gusto, and rules the house with all 8 pounds of her sassy self. I know we won't have her forever, but we treasure the time we do have. She's been a delightful companion. 

We also celebrated Chris's birthday. (He's been a delightful companion, too!)  We took the day off to be together. There was a nice drive, we did some shopping, enjoyed lunch out, and had a fun family supper. Rachel and Evans gifted him something very thoughtful. Chris has often happily remembered a bank he had when he was a little kid. It had a Santa figure on a chimney. When a coin was inserted Santa's eyes would light up and he would ring a bell. They managed to find one of these vintage items and surprised him with it. How kind and thoughtful is that? A new (old!) family treasure. 

The house is decorated and cozy, the holiday menu is planned, the gifts are wrapped. There is nothing left to do except enjoy these sweet days.