Giving Thanks...Except for Midterms

So clearly it has been a while since I posted last. It is midterm season at the University, so I've been knee deep in reviews, text books, journal articles, and other things that just went right over my head. Things are well though and I'm hopeful to get some decent grades this semester. The grading is severe here and I've been told if you get an 'A' you've really accomplished something...so we'll see. We have had a four-legged houseguest for the last few weeks as Belle has been staying with us. She's been very sweet and we'll all miss her when she goes home next week. We took her in when we took care of Leah and Quinn a few weeks ago. That was a fun weekend. We took the kids to the Georgetown Santa Parade. The kids got to see old fire engines, bagpipe marchers, and St. Nick. (And because we're bad guardians they were busted by local law enforcement!!!) No no, just kidding. The kind officer allowed them to look inside (and sit inside) his squad car and they had a blast. Shell thought the parade itself was lame, but considering this is a small country town I was just amazed that the parade was more than a toothless guy waving a pinwheel and shaking a cup of rocks. I took really great video of some of the bands, however my digital card which stores photos decided it would be a good time to get corrupted and lose all my data...which is actually what happens to me when I drink Scotch...but I digress. Much bigger news than parade news in our part of Ontario as James and AJ had little baby Xavier James Nicholas Hammond-McGarry (that's a load of names...he's going to have to have addtional space when filling out forms...and this is Canada "home of the form") Another Scorpio! We rule! Here's a link to a picture of the little guy Xavier Also I want to send a special double secret probation type love and wishes to Morghan because I can. In sports news my beloved Utah Utes finished undefeated and will likely play in the Fiesta Bowl on January 1 in prime time. Dixie and I celebrated the victory over BYU last Saturday night. I played my mp3 of the Ute band on my computer, while my wife just shook her head either in awe of my joy OR bewildered that she ever agreed to marry me in the first place. She did at least snap this photo. To be fair, she prefered this picture instead and so to keep peace in the family I allow you to see it also. Anyone want to come over (up) and watch the game on New Year's Day?? I promise you won't have to wear the Utah scarf or have your picture taken. (and you don't really have to lick my face....unless that's your cup o tea...weirdo) We had a dusting of snow last night, perfect for a Thanksgiving morning (even if it was Thanksgiving here last month). My prof is American so I have the day off today to watch football :) If you are traveling today, take care. Remember that I'm thankful for each of you!!