A Dumptruck, a Jumprope, and a Dog

...these are the things on Caroline's Christmas wishlist this year. We've been assured that she is only expecting a pretend dog, and when we asked what kind of dog she wanted, she said "White."

Though we couldn't get her to actually ask Santa for them at their breakfast meeting at Irish pub Ri-Ra.

Yes, the Connors visited Santa at a bar. For breakfast. The only unfortunate part was that they hadn't actually started serving yet. But that didn't stop CEC from getting some early lessons about good beer.

There was also singing, courtesy of a local high school ensemble. Caroline was fascinated.

And of course, there was the trip to Santa's lap. Even Anna Kate woke up in time to join in! The photo is priceless.

I wish I could bottle the look on Caroline's face and keep it in my pocket. It's just so... Caroline. And sweet Anna... oh my. You are just so... sweet. It kills me.

Yes, I had this photo made into a magnet and it is going on my filing cabinet at work.