Christmas with Nopsi’s Family

We always get together with Nopsi’s side of the family the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with them. This year we went across the lake to Aunt Dede’s house, where the men of her family took over the kitchen and assembled a really delicious meal for everyone.

However, before we sampled any of the food, we drove a little further to Abita Springs to visit the Abita Brewery (Riley uncharacteristically fell asleep on the way there and was a pill when we had to wake him up). Dede’s three boys decided they wanted to do something different this year, and touring Abita seemed to fit the bill. Why not?

 

Kenny and I hadn’t been to Abita in years; it is hugely different from our last time there. The operation has expanded so much, and it’s really a nice place to visit, although the actual tour only lasted a few minutes. Riley’s favorite part was getting to taste Abita root beer. He had two sippies full throughout the afternoon and kept calling it his “special juice.”

After the tour, we went back to the house for presents and dinner. Riley had lots of fun running around their big backyard with Taylor’s dog Colston, and there was no shortage of sticks for him to collect as well. It was a long day for him with no real nap, but such is the way of things this time of year.

 

Spending time with family is more important than sleep, right?

Thanks for hosting, Aunt Dede and Uncle Dean. We had a wonderful time, and all of the food was amazing. You really outdid yourselves this year!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

We would like to wish everyone the merriest of Christmases, the happiest of holidays, and the jolliest of seasons. Here’s hoping you’re spending today surrounded by the people you love, no matter where you are.

From our family to yours, a very, very Merry Christmas to everyone!

Video Monday: Citrus Kisses

Last Monday we went with Nola, Nopsi, Aunt E, Uncle Jeff, and Kate to see the lights at Lafreniere Park and then out to dinner at Coyote Blues afterwards. Naturally, five out of the six adults (I, of course, was the exception) got fun drinks, which all came with pieces of fruit on the edge of the glass. After awhile, Riley had gathered himself quite a little citrus collection and was having fun making citrus faces at everyone.

 

Then he took it one step further and wanted me to give his citrus face a kiss. Of course I obliged, and Uncle Jeff got it on video. Please enjoy.

Happy {Christmas Eve} Monday!

Video Friday: Clean-Up

Kenny and I have recently been encouraging Riley to clean up his toys before going upstairs for bath and bed; otherwise, our living room perpetually looks like this:

As long as someone is helping him do it, Riley cooperates fairly well with cleaning up. However, I do confess that on some nights I just don’t have the energy to deal with the mess, and it becomes much easier just to leave it. After all, he makes the same mess again almost as soon as he gets up the next morning.

But Kenny has taken the lead on the clean-up process lately, and he, of course, tries to make it like a game so it’s more enjoyable. On this particular night, Riley was “crashing” his toys into his two storage cubes and having a grand time.

It may take a little longer this way, but it accomplishes the task and lets the boy have a little extra fun before night-night time.

Happy Friday!

Six Things

1. Riley is SO. WHINY. these days, and it’s all I can do to keep my sanity. I know, I know, he’s really not that bad, but I can’t even take the little amounts of whiny he exhibits almost every day. I’m hoping my pregnancy hormones have something to do with my lack of patience right now, but I’m not convinced I won’t feel the same way once Sprout has arrived. So, suck it up, Mama; suck it up.

2. A few more Christmas pics from around the house….it certainly is festive in here!

3. Riley’s customary mid-morning snack of dried blueberries.

4. While on a walk in our neighborhood, we spotted this really tall crane and a man trimming some really tall palm trees, as well as a wood chipper truck. Riley was fascinated, so we sat on the corner and watched for a while.

5. Sporting his new haircut, just in time for Christmas! (And having to drive home shirtless since he refused to wear the protective cape at Henry’s.)

6. First time wearing his cool French football jersey QP bought for him in Paris…..and not wanting to cooperate with Mama taking his picture

 

Video Wednesday: Jackson Square Caroling

On Sunday evening we went down to the Quarter for Christmas caroling in Jackson Square. Kenny and I hadn’t been in years, so this was obviously Riley’s first time.

  

QP and UJ hosted a little open house at their place before the caroling started, so we gathered there first before we walked down to the square. I wished it was cold enough to bundle up in coats, hats, and gloves, but, alas, this is Louisiana. It was probably close to 70 degrees out there that night.

Riley didn’t do any singing, but he did seem to enjoy himself. There was plenty to look at, but of course he was fascinated by the fact that we were all holding lighted candles right next to him.

 

Then, with encouragement from Nopsi, he had a little fun trying to blow one of the candles out. He may have to work a bit on his technique, but he eventually snuffed it out.

Thanks to QP and UJ for hosting us; we had a great time!

Happy Wednesday!

Playground Drop-In

One morning last week, after Jazzercise (which is getting increasingly challenging for me to do, but I’m trying to stick with it for as long as I can!), Riley and I stopped by the playground in Nola’s neighborhood on our way home. It was an absolutely glorious day, and I enjoyed spending a little time watching my boy climb and slide.

 

He’s getting awfully good at maneuvering himself around on these playground set-ups. Before I know it, he won’t need my help anymore.

But at least I’ll get to help Sprout for a few years.