Christmas was super fun this year with how much more Dean seemed to understand. We watched lots of Santa movies and read lots of Santa books. The first time he sat on his lap in the mall, he freaked out a little bit. The next time he went though, he didn't cry at all. We were planning a beach trip with my family for Christmas, so we told him Santa would bring him toys at the beach. All Christmas he would go around saying "Santa beach" and "Mouse house" because that is what he "wanted" (what we told him he wanted) for Christmas.
My family went on a cruise to the Bahamas the few days before Christmas. We were unable to go because of how pregnant I am, so we drove down to Daytona Beach, Florida where my family would meet us for Christmas a few days early to have our own little family vacation. On our way, we took a detour through Orlando. The night we arrived we hung out in Downtown Disney which Dean loved! The Disney store and Lego store was a hit. We also ate at the T-Rex cafe which is amazing. Dean loved watching all the dinosaurs move throughout dinner, and despite how late we were up he was happy as can be. We topped the night off with ice cream from Ghiradelli. The next morning, we went to a character breakfast with Dean where he met Goofy and Pluto and was in heaven!
We are so lucky Dean loves the beach as much as we do. He loves everything about it: the waves/ocean (even though it was cold this time of year), playing in the sand, swimming in the pool, and chasing the birds. This is what we did pretty much every day there and loved it. My family met us for the day of Christmas. Dean loved all his presents and was spoiled as usual! This Christmas was kinda bitter sweet because it is the last Christmas my whole family will be together for the next few years. Cade got his mission call to Ogden, Utah and leaves February 17th and Dyson will most likely leave this summer after graduation for his mission.
The day after Christmas, we went to Sea World. The shows were awesome and really captured Dean's attention. I am amazed at all the beautiful animals out there and the Shamu Show really was breathtaking. Those whales are gorgeous!
For New Years, we went out to eat with family and then came home for our own little family party. We had chocolate fondue, played lots of games, and lit off huge fireworks in the front yard. Dean loved watching the fireworks and wasn't scared at all this year.
We have truly been blessed this year. Andrew has done super well in school and continues to work hard. The beginning of this year, he moved up to the outpatient clinic at Life and now can see all sorts of patients (including us). I remain busy with little side jobs here and there, but mainly I am trying to enjoy the sweet moments I will have with just one baby before this next one comes. Andrew had three weeks off for Christmas break, so he was super helpful in getting all the baby stuff ready. Dean is understanding a little more there will be a new addition (he has his own little backpack to bring with a present he picked out for the baby and grabs it frequently while running to the stairs saying "hopital mom!").
Andrew and I had our first night away from Dean during his break as well. I surprised him with tickets to Monster Jam, a "nice dinner", and a hotel in downtown. We went to the Gladys Knight restaurant downtown and got the famous "chicken and waffles" dinner which actually was delicious! My parents stayed home with Dean, and he was super happy to spend time with Granny and Papa. He was a little confused when Granny was the one he woke up to, but he didn't seem to mind.
Dean will be the best big brother. He really does love babies and talks about his brother "Colby" in mommy's tummy. He is super loud and talkative! He makes me laugh every day and is such a happy kid with a strong personality! He knows exactly what he wants and tries to manipulate us to get it. He is a little mama's boy which makes me worried when this new baby comes, but I am not too worried because he is also obsessed with his Daddy (especially more recently)! We are super excited for our new addition! Hopefully the next time I update this blog, the baby boy has arrived!
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