Bringing home Bailey

For the past year,

the girls have been begging 

and pleading for a dog. 

In fact, Ryleigh has been known 

to wake in the middle of the night, 

sneak down to our bedroom, 

tap Vic on the shoulder 

and ask for a puppy of her own.

It appears that Santa was listening,  

because on December 2nd,

Christmas came early 

for the Hamilton family!

Somehow, our elf on the shelf

managed to fly all the way to our house

carrying some very precious cargo...

this adorable mini golden doodle.

The oh's and ah's and squeals 

of delight as the girls opened the 

front door are something we 

will never forget.

This sweet boy was showered
with more hugs and kisses and
attention than he knew what to
do with.
Ryleigh's "love" was so intense
that his very first act as our family
pet was to go potty right in his crate.

He settled in quickly, though,

and his playful, loving demeanor 

was evident right away.

We took a family vote on what his name 

should be. After a number of suggestions,

all four of us agreed on Bailey.

He has been a wonderful addition 

around here, and despite his constant 

stealing of underwear, jumping on the couch

and pestering at dinnertime,

Bailey provides more love and fun than

we ever could have imagined.

Welcome home, sweet boy!

P.S. How will we (I mean, Santa,) 

ever top this Christmas present?