Hello family and a Very Doggy Holiday to You!

This holiday season Gus, Benny and I have had a good time. Last year was difficult for me so it was nice to have a quiet and relaxing holiday season. As a family the Givan's decided the have Christmas be less of a big deal so instead of putting up our big family tree we each put up our own little tree. We decorated it as we chose (or in Chris's case except for his rather large tree topper - see below) chose not to.

Benny participated in the family gift exchange and Grandma has his name. He was very happy with his presents as was Gus whom Grandma was nice enough to include. She made them each a blanket of "their colors". Benny's favorite color is orange which you may not believe but he does have a preference and will pick an orange toy our over others. Dogs by and large are color blind but they do see differences in shades and orange appears different than others. And Benny very much likes it. Gus is turquoise because I like it. :) Benny had Sarah's name. He enjoyed shopping for her very much although he did send Gus in his place to the stores.

All six (mother is cringing as she reads this. She doesn't like to say the number out loud) of the dogs opened their gifts Christmas day receiving a bone and another item. The bone's purpose was to distract them while we opened our other gifts. This worked wonderfully and we opened the rest of our presents to the sound of gnawing away.

 Christmas day was spent with Grandma and Grandpa. Gus was the dog who accompanied us (little Liza went too in her special sweater) and he enjoyed the attention. Gus likes to have Grandpa pet him and is learning that Grandma gives treats. Although he chews his. Benny does not.

Anyways, that sums up the holidays for the dogs and I. It was uneventful really. We enjoyed the time and the festivities but kept it low key. I didn't really decorate my apartment except set out my dog that I got for my Birthday (thank you Aunt Pam and Aunt Vicki etc) that lights up.

Here are some pictures from our holiday:

Chris's tree with the very large hat

My tree

My mother's tree - note the pigs. All that is on there is pigs

My father's tree

Gus was not a fan of the moose at the mall. Even if it didn't talk this year. I wasn't either Gus when I was your age.

Adelynn at the gift exchange trying on Olivia's crown.

Olivia in the very popular Frozen crown

Examining a gift together.

Ava and Benny share his new blanket