We took a trip into Washington, DC this month to see the National Christmas Tree. 

Santa treated us pretty good again this year.  We got most of what we asked for.  Owen was quite happy since Santa left him Gummy Bears at our house and at Granny’s house too.

We all gathered at Granny’s House for Christmas Dinner.  The food was great and a good time was had by all.

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at the home of some very good friends.  Mom was happy as this was the second year in a row that she didn’t have to cook the big meal.  Our contribution was to the desert table.  Mom brought pumpkin pies and Dad brought two of his famous apple pies.

As usual, We put up our first Christmas Tree the day after Thanksgiving.  We have at least two more to go so Dad can show off all his antique lights and decorations.

Pop-Pop and Granny stayed with us for a couple of weeks earlier this month while he recuperated from his latest hip replacement surgery.  He now has a bionic right hip to match his three year old bionic left hip.  Their dogs Gunny and Piggy were here too so we had a pack of five dogs for a while (two Jack Russells, two Pugs, one Maltese).  Toby, the teenage (two year old) Pug kept things lively by egging on the other dogs until they would chase him around and show him who was really the leader (Gunston) of the pack.

Ross is on his high school swim team again this year and is busy getting in shape for the season opener.  He is also becoming a real guitar virtuoso.  Owen is honing his musical talents on the piano and in the percussion section of his middle school band.

Lovettsville, VA, which is about 15 miles north of Leesburg, was originally settled by German immigrants.  As part of their German heritage, the town celebrates with an Oktoberfest each Fall.  We went to the Oktoberfest this year and a good time was had by all, including the dogs.

Toby, the Pug we have been fostering found a new home this month.  Once all the paperwork has cleared, he will become a permanent member of our family!  With Captain, Baby and Toby, we are all set if we have any “Three Dog Nights” this coming winter.

Swing State,” so both campaigns are spending lots of time and money here.  Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate, was here in Leesburg on October 17th.  Mom, Dad and us kids were all there to hear what he had to say.

And not to be outdone, Barack Obama, the Democratic incumbent, held a rally on October 19th at George Mason University, which is Pop-Pop’s Alma Mater.  Since basketball season is still a week or two away, Pop-Pop saw no good reason to be there.