Sean Slavin Photography

So, Bec and I have been together for almost 12 years now. Through all of them, not a day has gone by where we haven't talked about getting a dog. First, we argued discussed about the size, shape and breed. Second, we tried to figure out timing. Then the girls started appearing. Finally, about a month ago, we decided that now was as good a time as any.

For the past few years, we've been taken by Leonbergers. Bec's mom has one and the girls had all fallen in love a long time ago. Bec found a breeder and we got things organized for a special delivery from Santa.

The last thing that the girls found under the tree yesterday was a note from the big man in red himself. He told them that he had a special gift that didn't fit on the sleigh and we would have to go to LAX to meet an elf who would deliver the gift personally. Dillen was totally floored and vibrated with excitement. Roxy, slightly less interested because there were princesses under the tree. Piper, smiling as always and just along for the ride.

This morning, we headed north and waited. And waited. And waited. The girls were agonized.

But once it hit them as to what was happening, the turnaround didn't take very long. Instantaneous would be about right.

The car ride home was rather uneventful. The girls received their first whiffs of puppy farts which had them in stitches most of the way.

Once we got home, Elfie staked things out, took over and immediately became Piper's new best friend.

Dillen and Roxy made sure to show her all the details of both the front and back yards.

She's a beautiful dog. Very mellow and already so good with the girls.

Best Christmas gift ever.