Christmas at the Zoo!

Mitch and I decided to take Addie Blaire to the zoo for a Christmas program I had heard about from a friend. It worked out great because I was already in Little Rock that Friday night hanging out with friends so Mitch brought her up on Saturday for the zoo and we all spent the night with Aunt T and Uncle B at their house. The program was great! I have told everyone about it, so I am really glad we went. They started of the afternoon with Santa in this beautiful lodge room. The kids got to eat cookies and milk with Santa. This worked out great for us because Santa even sat at our table with Addie Blaire and she got to talk to him one on one. I think this is what really made the difference this year for her, last year she was kicking and screaming literally in the picture and this year she said in his lap for several minutes telling him all about the necklaces she wanted for Christmas!! (news to me.) I was so glad she had time to get to know him without just trying to throw on his lap, which apparently doesn't work for her. After that the kids got to pet several animals as you will see in the pictures. They brought in a big bird (not familiar with my types of birds sorry), a ferret, a possum, and a turtle that all the kids got to pet and play with inside. She really thought that was cool. After we finished our cookies Santa got on a golf cart and the kids chased him all over the zoo delivering presents to all the animals. It was so cute to see them all chasing after him. The gorillas were my favorite, but the elephants were pretty neat to see too!! Christmastime is here again, I just love it!

Hanging out with the big jolly guy!!

She wasn't too sure about this little critter at first but she warmed up to him quickly.

No need to worry the bird was actually resting on the caretaker's arm, but it made for a great picture!

Eating some cookies and milk with Santa.

Warming up in front of the fireplace, it was so cold that day.

I just love to catch a good profile picture of her next to each of us because we still can't figure out who she looks more like. Feel free to cast your votes!!! Can you also see the excitement in her eyes, that is what it is all about much better than any presents this year!

The elephants held up there feet and then stomped on their presents. They got some hay which didn't take the long to handle.

The best way to travel through the zoo.

This was the momma gorilla chomping down on her present. I loved watching the gorillas the most because they are so human like when opening theirs. The baby grabbed his and took off with it, the mom carefully unwrapped hers, while the dad just ripped into his. (kinda like at our house!)

We stayed the night with my sister and it turned out to be a great night because they were having their luminaries that night and it was gorgeous out there around the lake in their neighborhood. Although Mitch might beg to differ because he got suckered in by Bracy into helping light them. All work and no play, poor guy!

Aunt T has some pretty cool stuff laying around!

Aunt T bought Addie Blaire a gingerbread house kit, pretty nicely decorated for a 2 yr. old.

The group of friends that got together (minus Jill) at Cantina Laredo for dinner and then we spent the night at Jess's house. It was alot of fun reliving the old times, how can that still be so much fun after all this year's, but somehow each time we get together new stores are told and old ones seem even more funny then before.

Posing in front of our Christmas tree.

Waiting for the Christmas parade to begin.