The Social Networker

 It's the holidays, so I've been making the rounds.  You know, partying with my friends.

 Here I am with my good pal Sloane.

 Sloane is hilarious.  She had me rolling on the floor laughing.

 I think she digs me.  I'm not sure, though; she's kind of subtle.

 It turns out the ladies can't keep their hands off of me.  Ooh, behave, Zoey.

But sometimes I just like to wind down at home in my jams.  Like Hef.

Swim, Gracie, Swim

 I had a substitute swim teacher this week.  He was a real task-master.

 He pushed me to do things I'd never done before, and I made a lot of progress, as you can see.

 But we had fun, too.

Here's a cute photo of Ben, so you know that the blog isn't just about me.

Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run

 Ben and I ran in our first race on Saturday.  It was a real grind.  (I have no idea what these Petco "pets" had to do with the race, but I found them entertaining.)

 Aunt Kate came along, too.  Here we're all doing our pre-race stretching.

 I did some hydrating while I stretched.

 Ben just stretched.

 Santa showed up, of course.  He waved the runners across the finish line.  Mrs. Claus wasn't there.  She was probably back at the North Pole doing all of the real work that needs to be done in the weeks before Christmas while Santa makes his myriad personal appearances.  Seriously?

Mom and Aunt Kate had to hold me back at the finish; I was running such a blistering pace.  I can't wait for my next race.

A Certain Jolly Fellow and His Wife

 Christmas must be upon us, because all of a sudden I've been seeing Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus everywhere I turn.  The other evening, as we drove home from school, they passed us in their sleigh, waving as they went and accompanied by a police escort.  They must have been headed somewhere important.  Then, last evening, I ran into them again and had the chance to tell them what I want for Christmas.  But I'm not telling you.

And what a surprise, I also ran into my old friend Billie! We've both grown so much since we last saw each other, but it was just like old times, only we're both about a foot taller than we were back then.  She still has such great style. Don't be a stranger, Billie! 

That Happiest Place

 A dream come true.  Seriously.  I can't believe this happened to me today.

This is also a dream come true. 

I just love to read a good book -- even when I'm visiting Disneyland.  I enjoy studying up on all the stories that make this place so magical.  It also helps me to understand the rides, which can seem a little obtuse if you don't know the background.  (Mr. Toad, I'm looking at you.)

Candy Girl

 Under the watchful eye of my little brother, I was pretty particular about the eating of my Halloween haul.

 I rationed it out over several weeks.  I ate two pieces a day, only after dinner.  The weird thing is, my math must have been off, because it all seemed to disappear faster than I'd calculated.  Before I knew what had happened, it was all gone, even the chewy ones that I didn't even like.

Hey! Is it possible that someone else was eating my candy, too?! No fair!  I worked hard for that candy!

Milk Pig

Two words describe Ben best.

He's a milk pig.