Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

We're ready to ring in 2011!
It promises to be a year of exciting new adventures for our little Isla.

As we close out this year, Isla wanted to share her Top 10 songs of 2010.
10. Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine
09. Right Round - Flo Rida
08. OMG - Usher
07. Forever - Chris Brown
06. Janglin - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
05. One Tribe - Black Eyed Peas
04. Kick Drum Heart - The Avett Brothers
03. Dynamite - Taio Cruz
02. Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
01. 40 Day Dream - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

Disclaimer: We realize some of these songs didn't come out in 2010, but Isla doesn't know any different. She just feels the beat and loves to dance and sing along. She also doesn't understand the references made in some of the songs, which is probably a good thing!


Cheers to a prosperous new year!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

A Very Merry Christmas!

Let's cook!





We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Santa's work is done!

Great job, Daddy! I mean, Santa...

Friday, December 24, 2010

Santa's Here!

According to the NORAD Santa tracker, he's in our snowy city (11:16 p.m. CST).

There "he" is, hard at work on the promised kitchen. Good luck!

And there she is, fast asleep. (Finally at 9:45!)

Milk, cookies, carrots and beer?!

Isla thought Santa and the reindeer could use a little pick-me-up to finish the night strong.
She remembered how much the big guy appreciated the beer last year, so she left him one for tonight too.

She was also so happy to find a new little friend in her room when she got home from Gamma and Grampy's house. Santa's elves let her know he's on his way!

White Christmas Eve!


I'm ready for you, Santa!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My Zolar Bear


Yesterday we lost a very special member of our family. Although she didn't get much mention on the blog, she was a very important part of our lives for many years. My Zoe passed away from a short but brave battle with bone cancer. She was the sweetest dog you'd ever meet and the only one I knew that could say her own name!

Zoe found me when I lived in Indianapolis after college. Yes, you read that right. She found me. I was home one afternoon when I heard children running through my front yard, down the street and across the way in the school parking lot. They were chasing after a slender white dog with a bungee cord around the neck. For some reason, I went out front to ask if it was their dog and if they needed help. The little dog came right up to me and rolled over on her back! Noticing she was a girl dog, and was panting, I gave her some water. She continued on down the block with the boys in tow.

I went back inside figuring she'd find her way home. Then I heard the boys again, but didn't see the dog. They said they couldn't find her anymore and continued to play. I felt compelled to find her. I searched the surrounding blocks but came up empty. I headed home thinking I'd done all I could. As I approached my house, I saw something on the front porch. It was a white wagging tail attached to a panting white dog. She found her way home after all.

Zoe was with me ever since. She moved back to Chicago with me and then lived a comfortable life at my parent's home. She had plenty of yard to run and play in and eventually gained new friends like Reagan, Mr. B and Isla. Zoe was sweet and gentle with a bit of a dramatic side, but her rosey nose and big brown eyes could win you over every time.

Thank you Mom and Dad for caring for her and going above and beyond in her final days.

Zoe was a gift that I will treasure always. I love you, my Zo.

Zoo Lights!

On Monday night, we took our annual trip to Zoo Lights with Aunt Jaime, Kameron, Keaton and special guests Craig, Jacquie and Aunt Deb.
Oooh...
Ahh...
The official picture with the Snowman. Could we be any more bundled up?

Enough with the lights and pictures. Let's go see some animals, boys!

This jaguar was on the prowl. Eek!

And this little monkey was happy to see us!
Most of the other monkeys and penguins were sleeping, but a few of the little penguins swam to the glass to greet Kameron and Isla.

Oh, musical Christmas tree!

Kameron: "Isla, stop catching snowflakes on your tongue and look at these ice sculptures!"


Although it was cold with lots of swirling snow, it was a perfect night for Zoo Lights!
See you next year!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Yooooo Gabba Gabba!

What better way to warm up on a cold winter's day than wearing your hat
and dancin' with DJ Lance!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Ho! Ho! Ho!

On Friday afternoon, we took Isla to see Santa, as promised from the night before.
"Ok, I'm all dressed up and ready to see him. So where is the big guy?"


"Really, he's just around the corner?"

"Oh my goodness! There HE is!"

"Well hello, Isla. I've been waiting to see you again."

"I'm glad you finally decided to sit on my lap instead of the floor in front of me. I'll be sure to bring you the kitchen you want. You've been a very good little woman."

"What a relief! I posed for my official portrait (see top right of the blog) and I was rewarded with this doggie. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get that kitchen!"


"Ok Mommy, last photo of the day, please!"

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Ready for "Kissmas"

The tree is up and there is plenty of room for presents! I can't wait to see you tomorrow, Santa!

Monday, December 6, 2010

A second reading from the Book of ZAB

ZAB 3:04
Thou shall keep the sub 3 dream alive. It won't always be an uphill battle as it was in the 2nd half of the course yesterday.

This is the word of... the Tif!

Great job pk! We are SO PROUD of you!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

A reading from the Book of ZAB

Thou shall run 11 marathons and finally finish under 3 hours on this, the 5th day of December in the year 2010.

This is the word of the ZAB.


In honor of "This Old Cub". R.I.P Ron.

Amen.

Ready to rock, roll and RUN!

If you'd like to follow Paul's run, you can track him here:
once the race starts at 7AM PST tomorrow morning.
His bib number 1121.