Pre-Christmas Fun

 We did so many fun things while my mom was on her winter break. 

It was my first time to Lights in Lincoln Park Zoo with Auntie Debbie and Uncle Pat. Ask me about Uncle Pat scaring a monkey and I will be sure to tell you the whole story. I told it to the Target cashier, she was quite impressed.

 Christmas cookie decorating with my BFF cousin, Sophie. Way too much sugar was had. See Sophie in action on Sophie's blog!  Don't worry, Auntie and Mommy don't always let us eat off the floor.

We DID get a little snow. Not enough. People, I got new snowpants and a sleigh! The lack of snow is "frustrating." Yes, imagine that, "frustrating" is my new favorite word. And my snow dog who is supposed to pull sleds? Hmmmm, she needs more work. 

Santa 2011

What a week I've had! And today I got to see Santa with my cousins. It's hard to believe this is my 4th year visiting Santa and Leo's 1st. It was a pretty close call at first due to the scary elf. However, I spent plenty of time on Santa's lap and (again) told him I wanted paints. I also told him Sophie wanted "beautiful things, too." And Clara and Leo? Well...maybe next year...

I am not sure that Santa's Elves look like THAT

I sweetly told him that I would like paints

This was before Leo realized what was going on...

...and now he realizes.

Little Girl in the Big City

I got to go to work with Dad today and talk into microphones. Apparently I was very chatty and had quite the knack directing "in the booth" - surprised? I loved riding the choo-choo train. Meanwhile at home, Leo learned to crawl and attempted to escape from his crib all in one day. 

Leo practicing his new tricks when he should be sleeping

Tiny Dancer

Today Mom, Dad and Leo got to see all my moves at ballet. What a show I put on! We'll have a video to share soon but for now enjoy some pictures! And try to imagine all that you see AND me talking the entire time. 

Leo vs. House

Leo is going to tear apart our house once he gets mobile. And he'll be crawling any day. In his walker, he's taken down a chair, tortured the dog, dumped over her water bowls, taken my toys off shelves, wiped all magneted things off the refrigerator and cleared our bookshelves with one fell swoop of his chubby hand. He's got his eye on the tree. Mom's watching him...

Christmas Rock

Well, Mom tried to get pictures for our Christmas card.
And that's when Leo figured out the rocking chair.

St. Nick!

I am fun this year. I am really getting into the whole St. Nick/Santa thing. Mom and Dad said I had to be good and stay in my bed (I have been getting out a lot these days) if I want St. Nick to put stuff in my stocking. Wow! Leo and I got matching jammies and hats! Now let's just see if Mom can get a proper picture for the Christmas card. We'll see about that.

The North Pole in the Rain

This weekend we went to the North Pole! Well, we actually went on a bus from the Geneva community center to see Santa, Mrs. Claus and Reindeer at a farm. That was a quick trip to the North Pole!

Grammy got Leo all bundled up to see Santa.

There was a new friend for me at Santa's workshop!

Wow, a real reindeer!

Mrs. Claus read us a story and I wanted to sit by her elf helpers.

Leo's first Santa sit!

I was a little apprehensive at first, but I just started talking to him (surprise)...

...and then I just kept talking to him. I asked him for paints and a teddy bear.

Mommy and Leo in the North Pole rain

These next three pictures took place in about 30 seconds. 

Yes, my brother can sleep anywhere.

De-crowned!

Well, my brother got the OK to get his helmet off! We are all kissing his cute head and planning all the fun hats he gets to wear! Of course my mom is paranoid that another doctor will tell us Leo has to put the helmet back on again but in the meantime, we are enjoying the fuzzy Leo head.

Holiday Weekend and My Brother the Reindeer

What a fun Holiday weekend we had! I'm so proud of my Dad. He did his first running race and he did so well! And mom is so proud because he wore shoes. And then we had Turkey Day and as you all know my Dad gets quite into the Christmas Decorations! I think I will follow in his footsteps.

Leo cheering on Dad

Proud of my Daddy

Decorating!

My commentary

The shirt says it all

Watch out for little brother reindeer!

I wore these Elmo Christmas jammies when I was 15 months old. 

Leo is just 9 months old. My oh my.

Story Time

My little bro is liking bed time story time. It's amazing that our whole family - including sometimes the dog, fits on my bed.

Buddies

My brother and Uli have become quite the pair. Leo giggles at her whenever she passes, she lays by him when he plays with his toys, and he feeds her from his high chair. Ah, a boy and his dog!

Fall Chillin'

It's been awhile since we've had a quiet weekend at home. Well, we did and I showed my brother how much fun fall leaves are. He has also been perfecting the art of the tub soak.