Christmas Comet

Sometimes it's better not to think too hard about something.  Case in point: getting a dog.  KLC and I have been talking about it for a while.  The reasons to wait were obvious.  We have two four-year-olds in the house, a very strong-willed older cat, and limited amounts of time or energy.

Still, it's been a topic that we've floated back to from time to time.  Until last Saturday (yes, Christmas Eve) when we saw that the Seattle Humane Society was open.  KLC's mom was visiting for the holiday and we decided to go.

The original intention was to get an older dog (if we got one) because they would be potty trained and also it's harder for those dogs to find a home.  We realized, however, that just about all of the older dogs has a major restriction or two, ie, couldn't be in a home with a cat or young kids.

We waffled about just going home and waiting to try to find a dog.  (It was heartening to see that the Humane Society was super busy and lots of animals were getting adopted -- so much so that there was a wait to talk to someone.)   In fact, we were about to walk out the door when our name was called.

We decided to stay and that we would be willing to think about a puppy.  Well, at this point, you know it's a done deal.  We met and fell in love with this little guy who is just a handful of fur.  For a sample of his amazing cuteness, take a look here.

His name is Comet, both after Santa's reindeer (we sing the Rudolph song 12 months a year to the kids) and the astronomical object (a nod to my profession.)  He is all puppy.  He likes to play, chew on toys/toes/fingers, eat, and sleep.  He's also just about perfect in every way.  Sometimes it pays off not to let your brain get in the way of doing something really smart.

Visitors from the East Coast

Last week, my parents arrived for their first visit to Seattle since I moved here.  With a whole area to show them, we took them on a bit of a whirlwind tour.  They got to see downtown Seattle, a quick peek at Bainbridge Island, a sample of the parks on both the fresh and salt water sides of the city, and more.  They also got a taste (sorry for the pun) of lots of our favorite eateries, and it's a good thing I can get back to the gym this week ...

In particular, we tried to plan some things to take advantage of their being here just a couple of weeks before Christmas.  One of the highlights was going out to the foothills of the Cascades to cut our own Christmas tree.  The twins were very excited to zoom around the trees, picking out ones from about 18 inches high to about 14 feet off the ground.  Luckily, the adults were in charge and I think we picked out a great one.  My parents were able to help us with the lights (including a couple of trips to Ace Hardware for some replacements) and the ornaments.  

We are all thrilled with the tree, and we are very happy that my parents were able to make it out.  It was a great pre-Christmas gift for all of us.

Misc. Fall Photos

Now that it's December, I decided it's time to post some of the miscellaneous pix of the kids that I took throughout the fall but never managed to post.

At the start of their soccer careers.  Or at least the start of their first session of indoor Lil' Kickers.

Being their own monkeys at the zoo.

Sporting their new winter hats.

And, finally performing solo feats not at all possible this time last year at one of our nearby parks.