Passed!

For all you who have supported me (George) during the arduous process of college->premed->medschool->residency (and finally) -> real life, I am ecstatic to say I have passed my board certification for family medicine! It is the culmination of test upon test for what I am do with the rest of my life. What a weight off my shoulders.

At this moment, it is a chance to thank everyone who has helped me achieve my goals along this "long, strange trip". ¡Muchísimas gracias!

Take 1

Attempt at Christmas photo #1.
Grant has recently entered the "very cheesy smile on command" stage.
Henry would only pose in the "silly face" option.
Gonna be a tough year for that perfectly staged holiday photo.
Candid might be the route to go.

We're still trying to check off a few holidays "musts" as we enter the homestretch of advent!

Advent and Adventures

 We are approaching our advent season with a watchful waiting. One by one we are working through our advent calendar and excitedly opening doors to reveal the nativity scene taking shape. The boys are really coming to terms with taking turns opening the door each day.

We're learning some Christmas songs (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a favorite) and stories and, of course, every potential snowflake (which have been surprisingly sparse this year) means that Santa is coming. Which, by the way, is rather motivating for modeling good behavior. If Santa delivers toys for good girls and boys, you certainly don't want to be caught on the "naughty" list. At times, a quick "Santa's watching" is all it takes to remind the boys (especially Henry) that there is more at stake with the task at hand. Four weeks is probably our limit for long term delayed gratification, but we're rolling with it for as long as it will last!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!
This year's tree hunting excursion was quite different from past years. Firstly, there was no snow to tromp through. A little more of a challenge to capture the spirit, but much easier for the task. No shaking snow to get an idea of the shape of the tree, easier walking for boys (sort of), and we knew exactly how tall the tree was, as opposed to walking above a foot of snow. However, we had a soaking rain the day before, the mud boots got good use and we were slightly nervous the station wagon wouldn't make it along the muddy driveway.

 We were successful, however, (thanks, Papa George!!) and we got a beautiful tree. The boys had a LOT of fun decorating it (and decorating it, and decorating it). I think we'll actually decorate it a little each day until Christmas because those low hanging, train and truck shaped ornaments are just too tempting to leave them hanging on the tree for good.

And in another adventure, just when we thought everything was running smoothly around here, meet Newton. Our new pooch. We picked him up Saturday in the rain and while George and I were getting him settled in, the boys took the opportunity to play outdoors for a little while. In the mud, like with trucks and splashing and all sorts of good dirty boy fun. In the 40 degree weather. BRR! When I called this off, it was warm baths for everyone.

 We are excited to welcome Newton to our home. He is from Shelter from the Storm and is very sweet. He does have a few undesirable habits. We are hoping old dogs can learn new tricks and he'll ease up on the barking and learn how to take a nice walk on a leash. He is a schnauzer mix, and is very good with the kids. Grant can be a very assertive little petter, and Newton doesn't seem to mind being poked in the eye on occasion.