Another Santa Encounter Gone Wrong

So we tried to get a picture with Santa again on Saturday. We went to the mall this time. Hampton did fine, but Everett definitely flaked out. I am thinking it was either low blood sugar (it was near lunch time), the wait in line, or he just really does not like Santa Claus. Either way, we didn't get a picture and I am okay with that. I have mentioned before his love of characters and I still thinks this is true because once we left Santa, the Chick-fil-a cow greeted us and he was a bit nervous, but also excited. They were also handing out free samples of chicken and he walked up to the lady and asked for one. He's so cute.

I did get this picture though.....

and this one!

Looking forward to more Christmas fun throughout the week!

Play Group

Just like his hair, Everett can be pretty wild.......

Or maybe I shouldn't use the word wild, but passionate about life. This morning he slept in until 9 and then ate 2 waffles and a whole banana!

Later in the morning we hosted a playgroup for toddlers Everetts age. Everett was so wild, I mean passionate about having friends over.

He did really well though. He shared his toys and was so sweet. It is so funny to me though how if I am busy and he is asking me for something, if I don't get to him quick enough he'll just go to the next mama.

He got in this really cute pose with Hampton, but I just wasn't quick enough getting my camera.

Hampton did so great as well. He just likes watching all the big kids play. This is also his new facial expression and it causes me to fall even harder in love.

Everett was the perfect host as he stood at the front door saying goodbye and offering hugs as the children left. His favorite phrase for a departure is "see ya later!"

Two Little Reasons......

Two little reasons why I feel like the most blessed girl/woman/lady (what are you exactly when you're almost 30?) in the world......

Reason number 1
Reason number 2

And I also just happen to love little snowflake bottoms......

Winter Wonderland

It snowed last night turning our world into a Winter wonderland. Everett was so excited!

I felt like I was in Narnia.....

I was happy that the snow plow came within hours.

While Hampton was taking his morning nap, we went out to play in the snow. Ev looked so cute in all his snow gear.

His gloves kept coming off, so we'll have to get some better ones. He loved it when I would make a snowball and then throw it against the fence.

Our version of sledding.....

And Eric did a great job of making a snowman.

After fun in the snow, Everett took a nice, warm bubble bath.

While our clothes dried by the fire.....

For lunch we had grilled cheese and hot chocolate.....

The boys took long afternoon naps and then Hampton enjoyed Eric playing him Christmas carols on the guitar.

The day ended perfectly with fireside smores and a movie.

Another fun day of making family memories. In Everett's words, "It was snow fun!"

Santa Encounter

Last night we went to Biltmore Park to visit Santa. It wasn't exactly what I had anticipated as it was very cold, and he was outside, and he was ready to take a break and we were a bit rushed. Everett ran up to him, but then got really nervous. He had this really odd combination of nervous laughter and almost tears. We really couldn't quite figure out how he felt about the whole thing and he Santa himself was perplexed. We'll try again next week with the mall Santa.

We warmed up in Barnes and Noble. Everett had a hard time picking out what sweetie he wanted.

He loves to play with the train set at Barnes and Noble. I was very proud of him because there was another kid playing with the trains who was not so nice. He kept trying to steal the trains Everett was playing with. Finally Ev had enough and said, "No kid. Those are my trains."
I guess this is his tough guy look.

And here is my little elf.....

Hampton At 9 Months

Hampton had his 9 month check-up on Monday. He is doing great! He weighs almost 23 pounds and is in the 75th percentile for weight and height. His head circumference is over the 90th percentile. He is not yet crawling, but I think is about to. He is starting to eat more finger foods and learn how to drink from a sippy cup. He will stop the medication for his hemangioma in about 2 months. He also has a cataract on that eye, but it hasn't grown and is very small at this point. Hampton is such a joy! He is happy and content about 98% of the time. The only thing he really does not like is riding in the car and we are getting him a bigger seat, which may help with that. I just love this baby! He is such a great addition to our family.

Well The Weather Outside Is Frightful......

But the fire is so delightful!