"Christmas! 'Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart." - Washington Irving

Happy Birthday BG!

Today is my brother Brian's birthday, and another brother Jaffe's is in a couple of weeks (they are 11 months apart). That means that it is almost Christmas!

The village looks beautiful, the lights are all the same above every store. I just started my decorations today, and we are getting our tree this weekend. The shopping has begun, although there is lots more to do. The kids are really aware of Christmas this year. They are singing all of the songs they are learning for their school Christmas concert next week! ere is one of my favorites:

(sung to Freres Jacques)

Father Christmas, Father Christmas

He got stuck, He got stuck

Coming down the chimney, Coming down the chimney

What bad luck! What bad Luck!

We had 2 great playdates this week. Hopefully, it will be a fun-filled Christmas in Dublin. My sister will be here in 2 weeks, and we are very excited!

Last weekend we went to see Santa in his workshop at a farm. They had a great set up, where we could see Santa privately, and he spent about 10 minutes with us. And the boys even got a toy. It was very cute.

We even visited Daddy's office. An annual Christmas favorite!

And a very Happy Birthday to my friend Lisa too!

Lastly, it is the end of an era. My family has had 3 Golden Retrievers over last 13 years, and yesterday the last one passed away. Riles, you were a beautiful sweet dog and we loved you! You will always be remembered!