Santa's Elves were here!

While we were at the Connolly's, little elves snuck in and left special gifts for the kiddos.

Santa is on his way!

Now Bear is wearing long underwear?! No way!

Isla got a funny new book from the Bear in Underwear series.

And Mr. Man got a dumbbell. He's starting his new year's resolution early...baby fat be gone!

(it's really just the cutest rattle ever!)

A Connolly Christmas Eve

Gammo and Grampy hosted a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner complete with way to many sugary treats. Isla had enough for her and Gannon for sure!

You totally owe me some M&M's and jelly beans next year, Isla.

And we opened stockings full of fun little presents.

Before we left Isla promised Gammo she would go right to sleep... As of right now, Isla is still unclear of the meaning of promise.

Star light, star bright...

How many cookies can I eat tonight?

Not too many because we made these for Santa! Great job with the sprinkles, Isla!

Zoo Lights!

It doesn't matter when we go to Zoo Lights, we never have good weather. Yes, I know it's December in Chicago, so what should we expect? Blustery wind and rain are not the best light-viewing conditions. And wouldn't you know as I make this post, it's a clear, calm night. Nevertheless, we always have fun!

C'mon Kameron! Let's ditch these grandparents and get to the monkey house quicker!

This little monkey is always happy as can be, no matter what's happening.

Isla: "I'm so happy we got to see the gorillas and chimpanzees! Eek!"

Kameron: "I think you belong in there with them you crazy girl."

After the quickest tour of the zoo we've ever done, we headed to dinner at R J Grunt's. And Isla's excitement reached new levels...

Kameron is so good at humoring Isla and my efforts to take a picture of both of them smiling for me.

Just waitin' on my hotdog...

Thanks again for coming with us Aunt Jaime!

Kameron: "Seriously, she would fit right in with those apes."

Isla (singing): "It's the most wonderful time of the year...with "my kids" at the zoo lights and everyone telling me "Santa's almost here!!..."

The tree is up...and it's good!

Although we were a little behind on getting the tree up this year, we were able to get it done a lot quicker with a special helper.

The other little helper dozed off somewhere between the assembly and decorating.

But Isla followed Gannon's request of putting the first new ornaments on the tree, a gingerbread man and woman, right where they could see them each day.

What a great job team!

Ooh! Aah!

The return of the Exersaucer

Once loved by the big sister, it was time for Mr. Man to give it a try.

This is a captivating book...

and there are animals that speak spanish and sing songs!

And even more things to put in my mouth!

I think I'll hang out here more often!

Santa: Greatest beard week ever

Alright, Mr. Claus...I've been sittin' on my list for weeks now and I can't wait to share it with you!

This is the face of a very, very good girl!

"Welcome back, Isla. Look at those boots! I've never seen anything like those before."

(And we think he really meant it.)

Isla: "Now, let's get down to business...First, your beard is looking as good as ever. My Uncle sings a song about a beard. Speaking of singing, I'd like a microphone. And drumsticks. And a red guitar. And Magical Fairy Dora. And..."

Santa: "Well, I see you already got one big present here–your new little brother. What would he like?"

Isla: "He wants a dinosaur. And a truck. And drumsticks. And Magical Fairy Dora..."

"You sure have your work cut out for you with that sister, don't you Gannon? You're quite the little ham yourself!"

Once Santa got the full scoop on this year's Christmas requests, the official portrait was snapped (see top right) and the kiddos got new special friends, a penguin and a polar bear.

It was another great visit this year, especially now that Mr. Man is with us!