Ho-Ho-Ha!

When I was planning our family calendar for December, I knew that I wanted to plan a fun morning out as a family to go and see Santa. This is, after all, Ryder's first Christmas and we had such a fun day last year that I had high hopes for this year. Thanks to Dustin's flexible work schedule, today was the day. We loaded up the family and made our way to the mall eagerly excited for a morning of Christmas cheer.

Then we got there. Santa was on a break, because the camera wasn't working and they weren't sure when they would be open again. This is what every mother that just got a two year old and 9 month old fed, changed, dressed and out the door wants to hear. So we went to ride the Macy's Pink Pig in hopes of starting a new family tradition. Did I mention that two year olds love to wait in line? Cue selfies to occupy the time.

Then we check back with Santa. Still M.I.A.

So we head to get some lunch in hopes that full bellies will help the 'tudes. 

 

 Not so much.

After a peaceful family meal shoving Chick-fil-A in our mouths as quickly as we can, we check back with the man in red one more time to find that he has returned to his throne. Just as we walk up to the line, we have one down for the count.

The camera was still down, but that wasn't a problem. I just got to use my camera and get some free pics. Win Win. So here it is friends, the Oprea Santa visit 2015. Don't smile too big now, boys.

All in all, my goal was to make some fun family memories and oh, did we. We are knee deep into our first Christmas as a family of four and I am really loving it. It's messy and loud and not going as planned but I wouldn't change it for the world. I mentioned in a previous post that we've been fully decorated since the first week of November. Here are a few pics from around the house.

 

We converted our dining room to a playroom back in September and I have to say it might be my new favorite room in the house.

Since we decorated our tree after the boys were in bed, we let Finn decorate his own little tree with unbreakable ornaments and lights he couldn't pull off. In my mind, the whole tree decorating thing will be a fun family event... just not this year when he's likely to throw or kick the "bawwws" (ornaments) and run a trail of pine needles around the house.

 No the table is not on fire. I just have a thing for twinkly lights.

And yes, all of these pictures were taken at 6:15AM. Courtesy of elf #2.

 And elf #1.

Undefeated

Yesterday, we made a decision at 6AM to drive to Clemson for Dabo's pizza party to celebrate an undefeated season and making it to the college football playoffs! We skipped nap times, but the day could not have gone better. The weather was gorgeous and we'll take any excuse to spend the day in Clemson.

Finn wanted to give the tiger an "ah-hive" (high five)

He also carried this ball around all day. We brought it with us and I thought for sure it was going to get lost within 5 minutes.

Don't be fooled by the sleepy frown- Ryder loved his first time in Death Valley.

Cold pizza never tasted so good.

Listening to Dabo speak while clapping and cheering.

"Yaaaaaaaay!"

Playing on Bowman

I love these people and this place.

Eight Months

Fist of all, I am just happy that I got this post up before he turned nine months. Our sweet Ryder turned eight months old right before Thanksgiving.

Baby boy, you are getting to be so much fun! You clap and squeal and make your little voice known in our loud and crazy house. Crawling, rolling, jumping- you don't sit still! Your big brother is not quite used to the fact that you can now move across the floor to get his toys so we have been focusing on sharing a lot lately. You absolutely are obsessed with Finn! He asks to hold you and your face lights up with the biggest grin I've ever seen. You laugh and clap and squeal when he talks to you and reach for him often. You love bath time together and reading books before bed. Usually, Finn will ask to snuggle you in his bed before we turn out the light. It is SO much fun to see your little relationship forming more everyday!

You're still eating mostly purees, but I'm pretty sure 4 teeth are about to pop through so you're not eating much of anything these days except nursing five times a day. You celebrated your very first Halloween and dressed up as an owl. We went trick or treating with friends and you ended up sleeping through most of it. You're still in size 6-9 month clothing and size 3 diapers.

You take a morning nap and an afternoon nap, and really dislike 5:30-6:30PM which is when we try and keep you awake until bed time.  You sleep great through the night- except for when you're teething, but still wake up around 5:30. This has actually gotten to be sweet little time for your daddy and me to spend with just you while Finn is still asleep so I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here is what we've been up to lately..

Clemson beat Florida State and we're 12-0 so we took a family selfie.

You look like a little elf wearing you brother's coat from last year.

You've been fighting off your share of sickness including pink eye and hand foot mouth that you've shared with your big brother.