The Recap

Mommy and I had a great Christmas. We stayed in Chicago and spent it with our friends.

Mommy went to a Children's Mass at church on Christmas Eve with her friend Katya and Katrhyn. Katya's daughter, Charlotte, also joined them.

After church, Mommy, Katya, Kathryn and Charlotte met up with Meg and Alysse for dinner. Mommy said the food was excellent. Everyone had a great time.

Me, I stayed up very, very late in hopes that I would see Santa. I guess I fell asleep before Santa arrived.

But he did stop by because there were gift waiting to be opened in the morning.

But, Mommy got to see Santa on Christmas Day at brunch with Katya, Kathryn and Charlotte. Mommy thanked him for all our gifts.

Then, Mommy and I went to Auntie Rachel's to spend time with her, her friend Jen and Jen's two daughters. They played with me a lot. I really liked that. But my favorite thing was the CHICKEN! That's right, Auntie Rachel and Jen made me chicken for dinner.

I had a chicken hangover.

So, I rested why the girls played Cards against Humanity.

Although I did try play one round.

Christmas was great. Now to rest.

Christmas Photo Outakes

Mommy rejected all of these pictures before choosing the official Christmas photo.

Merry Christmas

Our Christmas message to all this year:

The most unbelievable thing happened this year...the Cubs won the World Series. That trumps (no pun intended) all the new faces and the places we experienced this year, the joy of sailing on Lake Michigan, the summer concert series with sister Kristin and the forced work sabbatical. One thing is for certain, 2017 will bring more firsts. Our only hope is that peace will prevail.

By the way, Mommy couldn't decide what card she liked best this year, so we got all three. And, everyone got something a little different. Well, except Grandma and Grandpa. They got all three (because they love pictures of me and Mommy)

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Eve of the Eve

It's the night before Christmas Eve and the city is alive (at least that is what Mommy says). Mommy stopped by to visit the tree in the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's (she can't bring herself to call it by its current name). Grandma used to take the train from Champaign to Chicago with her Mom to holiday shop at Marshall Field's. She says they'd always have breakfast in the Walnut Room before they started shopping.

And before I turn in for the night, I have to share with you the favorite Christmas Card we received this year.

Mommy's friend Kim sent us this card. Her dogs (they kinda look like me, don''t they) had fun at their recent photo shoot. This might trump (no pun intended) my card this year. I got a good chuckle from this.

It's Cold Outside

I love to go outside, but it's been very, very cold this past week. Yesterday was so bad, I tried to hide from Mommy so I didn't have to go outside.

It's a good thing I was successful at getting Mommy not to take me outside. I think Mommy's picture says it all.

Holiday Hair

I got my hair cut today. Of course my appointment fell on one of the coldest days of the year.

So I got my coat on and away we went.

Mommy said I looked so handsome in my coat, bandana and Santa bell.

I think I'm going to be able to put the bell to good use.

Tree Trimming

Mommy and her friends helped Auntie Rachel decorate her first tree. Rachel is Jewish, but her best friend and her kids are coming to Chicago for Christmas (and they aren't Jewish).

So, Rachel got the tree and some ornaments, made some delicious treats and a few cocktails. And walla, a party was born.

Of course Mommy had to wear holiday headgear and a statement necklace (aka xmas lights).

The tree turned out really nice and fun was had by all.