Horses, llamas, iguanas, cats and dogs. Oh, my! That is just a small sampling of the various types of animals you will find at this annual Pet Pictures with Santa Claws. Because of the overwhelming response last year, the anticipated event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Dec.13 at Most Feed & Garden, 1742 Dixie Highway in Crete.

Breakfast with santa

This year's Breakfast with Santa is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Cardinal Creek Golf Course in Beecher. This event is sponsored by Alicia's House and the Beecher Lions Club. Cardinal Creek will serve a breakfast buffet. Santa will arrive by helicopter on the golf course, weather permitting and children will receive a stocking full of treats. Reservations are recommended. Call (708) 946-2800.

Stories extraordinaire

Spend the afternoon with John James Audubon, one of America's greatest naturalists and wildlife artists, from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Plum Creek Nature Center. Storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis, becomes John James Audubon in this first-person living history program. Listen to tales of his adventures as he finishes something no one had ever accomplished before: drawing every bird in North America. Registration is required by calling (815) 727-8700.

Kids are special

Special Kids Day Holiday Event is 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Steger Community Center, 3501 Hopkins in Steger. All families with a child with special needs and their siblings are invited. This event is open to all ages. Call Dawn at (708) 754-8131.

Christmas in the country

Crete turns into a Winter Wonderland this weekend and is dedicated to winter fun for the whole family. Starting at 6 tonight and lasting until Sunday families can delight in a chili cook-off at Crete Park, a scavenger hunt, hay rides, performances by Crete-Monee Choral Music Association, holiday family photos, Souper Supper at the Crete United Methodist Church, a pet blessing, Reindeer Romp with real reindeer, the Parade of Lights, live nativity at Zion Lutheran Church and the Memorial Lights Parade. Call (708) 672-6969.

Twas the night to shop

My friend Mary hosts a Shop 'til You Drop One Night Event from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12 at 22015 Governors Hwy. in Matteson. There will be a massage therapist and someone doing nails and eyebrow waxing. Noah's Ark Stuff-n-Fluff Workshop will also be offered. For information, call Mary at (708) 691-1388.

Toys for tots

Shawn Langan of American Family Insurance at 3324 Chicago Road in Steger is again opening his office as a designated Toys for Tots drop off site. Drop off a new unwrapped toy from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The opinions are solely those of the writer.