Chilly Sunday morning, spitting snow. Barb on her way home. And Ripley and Lucy at my feet. I’m just not sure life gets much better than this.

Ripley and Lucy in repose.

Far and away the most asked question about the annual holiday card, “How did you get the dogs to sit still for the photo?” The answer has always been a combination of patience and treats. This year, neither was enough to get Lucy to pose. When the camera came out, she freaked and ran. Barb never lost her cool but I really thought this would be the year she’d have to punt.

The image above perfectly captures the exhaustion of everyone involved. Not an award winner, but an honest and true image of the season. We’re all a little exhausted.