It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

I feel like I have neglected my blog due to the craziness that is working in retail & being massively pregnant during the holidays!!  I feel like all I do is go to work, run around, then come home and crash.  But I swear that's not true!  I have actually managed to decorate for the holidays at least inside of my house.  It's very exciting this year because Ryleigh is actually understanding a little bit about what's going on.  She helped Mommy decorate the Christmas tree and can even point out her very own Ryleigh ornament.  And can I just add that listening to her sound out ORN-A-MENT is probably one of the cutest things ever. 

Our "fun" Living Room Christmas Tree

Our "pretty" Foyer Christmas Tree

(my first year with 2 Christmas Trees!!!)

and just because she looked so cute this day standing in front of her Christmas Tree : )

We haven't been able to do much this holiday season because like I said, retail during the holidays = crazy, but we did get a chance to go see Santa Claus.  We went to the same place we have gone the past 2 years and the experience is always stress-free : )  And you can't beat a picture with Santa at the price of a Mr. Potato Head to give to Toys for Tots, am I right?

waiting in line with Daddy...almost there....starting to get a little scared

Well based on last years Santa photo, Mommy was fully prepared to be in the Santa picture this time.  We seem to be following the stereotypical progression....Perfect first baby pictures, screaming second toddler picture and now we've added crying toddler/family picture to our collection.

Visiting Santa is SO MUCH FUN!!!

Why do we continue to do it?  I knew how it was going to turn out, yet I still stood in line and waited for this glorious memory to be documented.  I wish I had a video of our wait in line while she was happy and saying "Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Santa Claus".  She didn't fool me one bit though.  I knew as soon as we turned that corner and she got a glimpse of him that joyfulness was done.  I'd say "maybe next year", but next year we'll have an 11 Month old Cooper who will be old enough to be scared of Santa, so while Ryleigh may be happy, Cooper most likely will not.  Give us about 7 more years...we should have another good one by then.

After seeing Santa and recovering from the trauma, we enjoyed some hot chocolate and roamed the grounds looking at all the lights and interactive displays.  This part of the Santa visit she enjoyed : )

We are sad that this year we won't be able to spend the holidays with family up in Michigan, but we are excited about having our first ever Christmas in our own house!  Even as a couple, Steve and I have yet to be able to do that, so it will be fun to maybe create our own little tradition this year!  We wish everyone and safe and happy holiday and unless baby Cooper decides to come early, we'll be sure to post pictures and videos from our Christmas in North Carolina as soon as possible! : )