It's Beginning To Look A Little Bit Like Christmas

You wouldn't know it driving past our house though. Even the neighbors are starting to comment on it.  Today's the day!  But first, a little holiday cheer from the farm.  What are those crazy boys up to this year?!?

There has always been a bit of a rivalry between the older boys (Chocula, Hershey, Daniel and Burrnie) and the the younger boys (Baaxter, Woody, Murphy and Woody).  Girls, food, cookies, back scratches...you name it.

Chocula's usually the main enforcer.  Baaxter's smart enough to stay out of the way (usually ;-). Woody's mouth runs all the time and somehow cute, innocent little Spud keeps getting caught in the middle.  Daniel likes to take advantage of everyone's distraction and come over for extra attention.

I wasn't going to paint a new card this year.  Last year's number ten seemed like a nice ending point and really, other than a snowball fight or trying to figure out a way the sheep could make snow angels without looking dead, I couldn't come up with any other winter activities to portray.

When we lost Iris so unexpectedly this fall and quickly realized just how much she'd kept everyone in line, I decided the snowball fight would be a perfect design.  Kate's arrival last month tied in well, too.  She could be racing in to save the day...with Tilly happy to once again be "back up".

The neighbor kids are back again, as always, sitting on the three white pines from the last few posts. Hank and Maisie are together with Comby by Hank's side while Betsy is with Baaxter. Hickory's (always) eating while T-Bone is watching the events unfold.

Graham pretty much has to be on every card.  I'm not sure how he got that negotiated into his contract, but there he is ;-).  B. Willard is also a frequent cast member as is Mia.  Little Mia is a bittersweet inclusion this year.  After years of battling "something liver related" we knew it would not be fair to put her through another winter.  She will always be there in spirit though, another Angel Among Us.

Merry Christmas from Equinox Farm!