my favorite time of the year

Tomorrow morning I'm leaving with the boys on a 3-hour trek south to my in-laws.  We're having the company Christmas supper with the combined staff from both branches.  My mother-in-law is planning to tackle the multi-course meal, which she is so capable of... mmm... can't wait!!  And there will be babysitting service so we get a whole evening of good eats and games... with only adults!!  I'm so there...  Anyway, I won't be around until Monday, so I'm taking a blogging mini-break and planning to be back at it on Tuesday.  Next week is crazy-busy, with a visit to the ENT specialist on Monday for Buster's ears, company on Tuesday evening, Fire Department Christmas party on Wednesday, and our young couples' Christmas party on Friday.  So yeah, we won't really be wondering what to do.  Although we're basically done our shopping for the season so that is a huge plus... we try to avoid the crowds and order online as much as possible, although I really can't resist some store-shopping.  It's the whole atmosphere really, the Christmas music, decor and smells... and just the whole attitude of everyone in the throes of early-season excitement!  

To those of you south of the border, I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving and much yummy food today... and I hope you wrote lists of all the things to be thankful for!  We are blessed beyond words...