Our First Christmas in Illinois

Mommy and I traveled to Aunt Kristin, Uncle Eugene and Jackson Hareing's house for Christmas this year.  We left a day earlier than we had planned because we were supposed to get bad snow (but we got none - no White Christmas for us). The trunk was completely full with gifts and yummy goodies.

 

I did much better on the ride this time versus the one at Thanksgiving (I rode in my crate the entire trip).

Once we arrived, Aunt Kristin took me for a small walk.

 

 

Then Mommy and Aunt Kristin headed out to run a couple of errands. I got to stay behind with Uncle Eugene and Jackson Hareing while Mommy and Aunt Kristin went shopping for new holiday games and to the nail salon for a little pampering.

 

 

 

Once back, Mommy, Aunt Kristin and Uncle Eugene broke out the famous cheese ball, treats and the new games. This year, no Trivial Pursuit. Instead, Star Wars R2D2 Operation and R2D2 Trouble.

 

 

 

At one point, Mommy rolled a near-perfect game in the Star Wars rules of Trouble. Aunt Kristin was convinced Mommy cheated. I can assure you she didn't.

 

All the excitement from the games wore me right out.



The next day, Mommy and Aunt Kristin went to see Santa. It is a tradition they keep alive for Grandma.

 

Then they headed to lunch - and an entirely new experience for Mommy. She had never been and Aunt Kristin couldn't believe it considering Mommy spent her youth in the South.

 

Once fed, they headed out to do more shopping. They picked up trees and ornaments for Kristin's charity event next year (Festival of Trees). The last stop was to get matching PJ's for Christmas Eve.

I think they looked silly, but not as silly as Mommy looking like this:

The evening was spent not playing games, but watching The Interview. I can't begin to describe the technology difficulties that were had. So instead, I decided to stay out of the way and keep guard over Jackson.

 

 

While I tried to stay up to see Santa, I was far too tired from the excitement trying to download and play the movie that I missed him. But, he sure did leave a lot of gifts for all of us.

 

But first, to reveal the head gear this year. As many of you know, Mommy usually wears something on her head to open Christmas presents. I would say this year's gear was over the top.

 

Yes, that is a huge foam tree on her head (and me, Jackson's Reindeer antlers).  And everyone got in on it this year.

Now, onto the gift opening.

 

 

Mommy did finally take off that Christmas Tree. I think the bow was more practical.

 



 

All the gift opening had me worn out.

 

 

 

We spent much of the rest of the day resting, organizing and eating. Uncle Eugene made a great ham for dinner while Mommy focused on the potatoes (of course).

 

 

Christmas evening consisted of trying to put together Uncle Eugene's new puzzle. But, a puzzle embedded with movie scenes on each piece proved to be too difficult. Let's just say, they needed to Google strategies and the answers weren't that helpful.

 

We also got to talk with Grandma and Grandpa.

 

We were in bed early that night since Mommy and Aunt Kristin were going shopping an hour away the next morning (more trees and ornaments for Kristin's charity event).

 

The last few days went by so quick. But, I want to say thank you to Aunt Kristin, Uncle Eugene and Jackson Hareing for putting up with me for the past few days. Mommy and I had a great time!

 

 

 



Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Mommy and me wish you and your family peace, love and joy this holiday season .

Christmas Cookies

Today was all about cooking. And we started early with a quick trip to the store. Once home, the kitchen was transformed into a disaster zone. It is not like Mom to be so dirty.

Mommy made fudge, sugar cookies (the roll-out kind) from scratch and the ones with the Hershey Kisses on them.

Me, I took it all in stride and hung out watching Mommy, watching the Bears game (not so good) and countless Real Housewives of...

Christmas Time in the City

It's Christmas time in the city. And, Mommy made the most of it this weekend.

First things first, getting ready to go out. But Mommy didn't need a coat. It was 48 degrees yesterday!

Mommy's first stop was the Macy's store on State Street. Mommy would prefer to refer to it as Marshall Field's - and that is the way Grandma remembers it. She used to go there as a little girl during Christmas to see the Windows and to have lunch in the Walnut Room.

The Windows

Mommy wasn't willing to wait 3 hours for lunch in the Walnut Room, but she was able to get pictures fo the tree.

Next stop was the Christkindlmarket. The best way to describe it would be a traditional German Christmas celebration. Mommy said it was super busy and very hard to get around. But, she did get some hot chocolate and a pretzel.

She got to see lots of crafts including nutcrackers and hand blown glass ornaments.

And there was a big tree, but Mommy thought it was a bit Charlie Brown-like.

From there, Mommy went to the 96th floor of the John Hancock building. A bit disappointing, as it was foggy in the city yesterday. But, Mommy did get to enjoy a nice Cosmo.

From there, Mommy headed to State Street for a little shopping. And another stop. This time, the Thompson Hotel. Mommy had a nice cocktail and some spicy nuts. She also met a few people from Minneapolis, so all-in-all a good stop.

After a short break, Mommy headed back out shopping. This time, Michigan Avenue. She stopped by to see the tree at Bloomingdale's. I think it is beautiful, don't you?

Then she headed back outside to fight the people - and traffic. But, she made sure to get a picture for Grandma. Grandma loves the lights on Michigan Ave.

Mommy had a great time exploring the city. Happy holidays everyone!