Merry Christmas!!!

What a whirlwind of a week! I apologize in advance for the ultra-long post, but there is so much to share! Ben and I started the week at Grandma Debbie's (one perk of teaching is that I can go home to my parents for extended amounts of time). We helped Mom get ready for a brunch, for the bus drivers, on Tuesday. Basically, I cooked, cooked, and cooked. This is something that I enjoy, so it was a great start to my break. After the brunch, Ben, Grandma Debbie, my cousin Logann, and I were able to spend some time together before the whole family came in for the holidays.

Along came Wednesday...let the holidays begin! We started with a road trip to Lafayette to get my haircut, pick up Andy, Stacey, and the girls, and then head back to Grandma Debbie's. While we were on our way to Lafayette, Mom was on her way to go get my brother's three oldest children...what a fun night at Grandma's (almost all of the grandkids under one roof)!

Thursday saw Stacey, Logann and I cooking, Mom and the older grandkids at the movie "Tangled", and Andy hauling in some beans to the elevator.

Christmas Eve morning brought the stomach flu to poor Katie (for the second year in a row, her Christmas has been spent in bed with the flu). Poor Katie was quarantined to Grandma Debbie's bedroom. Stacey tried to make her day as enjoyable as possible, but I know it was difficult for her to hear all of the kids outside the room playing.

At lunch time, the last grandchild came to Grandma's...Tiffany!!! We all celebrated her second birthday with a HUGE strawberry ice cream cake! After some birthday wishes and presents, it was nap time for all of the little ones, and more cooking time for the adults!

Then, the FUN began. We started the evening with presents (who wants to wait for dinner and the dishes to be cleaned)! It's much more fun to open first...and we adults have learned that we have a MUCH more enjoyable dinner without the constant "are we done yet?" "can we open presents yet?" "how much more are you guys going to eat?" "really, are you done YET?"

Uncle Dave had a good time helping Ben open his presents.

Like any typical toddler, the wrapping paper and boxes were a bigger hit than the toys!

Jason and Addie celebrating her very first Christmas!

After dinner, dishes, church, and loading up, we headed back home to await Santa's arrival at our home. Boy, did Santa do well! Andy and I had so much fun seeing the delight it Ben's eyes...it didn't matter if it was clothes or toys, they all evoked the same emotion...huge eyes and a big gasp of excitement! The big hit at our house was his new motorized car. He's not great at steering it, but he sure can make it run into walls :)

After Christmas at our house, we headed off to Papaw and Grannie's. Ben kept up his excitement throughout the whole morning!

Somewhere along the way, Ben acquired a ribbon tail...it sure didn't slow him down. I can see that he has inherited my lack of patience! Andy could not get the toys out of the box fast enough...and Lord help him if they needed batteries!!! He was prepared though, screwdriver...check, box cutter...check, extra batteries...check!

Our week finally came to a close with the Oppy/Olin Christmas party in the evening. More great food, more friends, and of course, more presents for the kiddos! It was a nice way to spend the evening...chatting with friends while all of the kids played with their new toys. The remote controlled cars were a big hit!

Ben and Blake took time out of their busy play schedule to at least look at the camera. You can tell by their faces that they were NOT going to give me a smile...they were completely put-out that I would even consider taking pictures while they were trying to play!

Through all of the rushing, visiting, unwrapping, and eating...we still took time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It's always humbling to think that a little baby came to save us all...that is the best present of all!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Purdue Graduation

One perk of Andy's job is that we are able to go and celebrate with the Purdue College of Agriculture graduates twice each year. This past Sunday was the reception for the December grads. I have to say, this is always one of my favorite occasions. I get to congratulate the graduates, meet their families, catch up with Andy's co-workers, and of course, let Ben explore the closest thing to Heaven on earth...Boilermaker country! This year, Ross-Ade Stadium was covered with a thick blanket of snow and the sun was shining. It was definitely a beautiful day to wish good luck, and say goodbye, to Purdue's newest graduates!

Ben thought he needed a turn at the podium

Taking a look at Ross-Ade stadium

Smiling with his mommy

He was starting to get a bit ornery in this picture

Ben's first haircut

Tonight, we had Ben's first haircut. Believe me, it was not my choice...his daddy felt like he needed a haircut. I personally enjoyed his baby curls! Anyway, tonight was the night. So off to Bill's we went. As you can see from the picture below, his hair really was getting a little long (and a little shaggy). But, in my defense, he had just gotten up from a nap...so, it wasn't the best look for him.

I'm not sure Ben really understood what was happening, but he was a super good boy. He didn't make a peep the entire time (I think this was because he was so confused about what was going on)!

Getting a little trim in the front :)

The (almost) finished product...my baby has officially turned into a toddler. Don't worry, this mommy held it together (even though my heart was so sad to see his baby looks fade away).

I believe that this new "toddler" look has gone to his head (literally). After we left, Ben suddenly developed a new found spirit. He was not only sporting a new look, but also a new attitude...he was quite the little entertainer at dinner!

Tis the Season...

for Christmas programs!

Last week, Ben and I were able to go to my niece and nephew's Christmas music program. There is NOTHING like a child's rendition of Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bell Rock, and Feliz Navidad to help ring in the Christmas season!!! It's amazing how those little out-of-key voices can join together to make a "joyful noise"!

Ellie and Max did a great job (as did all of the kids)! It was a nice evening out with Ben and the family, despite the sub-zero temperatures!

The cousins!

Max's third grade class

Ellie and her fourth grade class

Well Hello December!

It's official, December is here...and it's COLD!!! This morning, Ben went to Linda's in full winter gear; footie pj's, double layer winter coat, sock hat, hat from the coat, and mittens. It was so cold, that when I took him out of the car he had to catch his breath...yikes!!! So, in honor of cold weather entering Indiana, I'm posting a picture of Ben and Andy at the hot and humid county fair...this is my way of boycotting freezing temperatures. I know this is useless, but it makes me feel better to take action...as my sister says, "how's that workin for ya"? It's not, but that's ok!

Giving Thanks!

We're now back to the "same-old, same-old" at our house after a wonderful four day Thanksgiving Break! We have so much to be thankful for...most importantly, a healthy son. Unfortunately, I did not do a very good job of taking pictures (sorry for not posting any). Even though we lacked the camara, we were still able to spend time with both of our families, do some Black Friday shopping, and even take Grandma Debbie's Christmas card pictures. It was a weekend full of laughter (I think Mom, Stacey and I were in tears from laughing so hard), family time, down time, games, wonderful food, and lots of fun. It was sad to go back to work, but in three short weeks, we'll start all over again. As we close out November, I think back to all that we have to be thankful for...and I look forward to December and all the joy that comes with Christ's birth!

The Festival of Trees

Last night we took a little trip over to Danville, Illinois to see the Festival of Trees. Our friend Ashley has family in Danville and they invited us to come out and see what it was all about. Different businesses decorate Christmas trees and then display them in the civic center for the weekend. It was so beautiful, and there were so many trees!

Ben was absolutely mesmerized by all of the lights and decorations (although he was a little scared of Rudolf, Santa, and Frosty the Snowman that were walking around)....not sure pictures with Santa will be a good idea this year :)

If you ever get a chance to go, I would recommend it!

Ben and Reece sitting in front of the tree Ashley's aunt and cousin decorated

Ben posing in "Santa's village"

Ben and Ashley (I think Rudolf caught his attention...notice the skeptical look)!

The whole gang posing in front of the giant stuffed animal tree

It's Fall Y'all

This past weekend we went to a fall party at our good friend Ashley's house. It was such a great time, especially since my parents were able to come down and enjoy the evening with us. We enjoyed games with the kids, tons of delicious food, a huge bonfire, and great conversation with friends that we hadn't seen in a long time. My parents were so nice and decided they would take Ben back to our house for bed which meant that we were able to stay late and enjoy catching up with everyone!

Dinosaur Ben and his Grandma Debbie

Dinosaur Ben and Army Guy (a.k.a. cousin Max) hanging out in the Ranger

Ben watching the HUGE bonfire...we had to keep

moving our chairs back away from it!

The next day, Mom, Dad, Ben and I headed down to Indianapolis to watch my cousin Andy play football. He's a quarterback for Wabash College, and did an AWESOME job! Unfortunately, Wabash lost...but, we still had fun visiting with my aunt and uncle! After the game we did some shopping and then headed home to face another week of work :)

Here's a picture of Ben watching Andy play...he sat there for an entire quarter just watching the football players.

A little piece of history...

Yesterday was such a pretty day and we had some extra time in the evening, so we thought it would be a perfect day for some pictures. Pat (Andy's dad) had a shirt and bib overalls that were his when he was very little. His mother made them for him in the late 1940's. In 1982, Andy had his picture taken in the outfit. We thought it would be very special to have Ben's picture taken in the same outfit. So, we dressed him up and headed over to the farm. The outfit is still in excellent condition so we're hoping that this "tradition" will continue on with the next generation...

Three generations of Oppy's

(we didn't even plan the blue theme, but it turned out so nice)!

Ben (and his cute little behind) taking a walk with his daddy

Ben "smiling" for the camera

Driving the "B"...as you can see, Ben is always happy behind the steering wheel!

Ben and Papaw (the Farmall pedal tractor is also Pat's from when he was little)

Long Awaited Fall Break

As I'm sitting here starting my four day "Fall Break" weekend, I thought it would be a good time to post some random pictures of the little guy that I get to spend these four days with!

We have a lot planned; flu shots, playtime, dentist appointment, playtime, house projects, playtime, playtime, and more playtime.

I think this will be the best Fall Break that I've ever had!!!

Ben taking a little nap in the "bine-bine".

Ben and Addie decided it would be a good idea to unfold all of my laundry :)

Katie and Ben enjoying the cool weather!

Bath time is Ben's FAVORITE time of the day...I think this face says it all!

I think he was looking at some bugs on the ground...yuck!

Down on the Farm

Our free time these past few weeks have been spent in the fields. Of course, Andy is in 7th Heaven, and Ben seems to be too! I'm glad to see that we have a "little farmer" in our midst. He loves the "bine-bine" and he is absolutely mesmerized by anything that moves and has a steering wheel. We've been lucky to go to Grandpa Jim's and Grandma Debbie's the past two weekends to help. As you can see from the pictures, he's quite the little helper :)

Ben must think that he's going to get to drive the "bine-bine" someday...I hate to tell him that if Daddy's in the field then Daddy's driving. Maybe Ben will be the first person to get Daddy to give up the drivers seat...only time will tell :)

Ben just hanging out in the back of Grandpa Great's truck, watching Grandpa Jim cut beans.

Ben and Grandma Debbie getting ready to haul in some corn...I think he's mad because he can't be the driver :)

This is one of my favorites...he can hear his daddy down the road, and he really wants to be in the "bine-bine" with him. He stood by the window for the longest time, just pointing and saying Da-da.

On the mend

Wow...it's been quite a week/weekend at our house. Last Wednesday, Ben woke up and got sick with the flu...5 times!!! It was a long night, but he seemed better the next day. We played it safe, and stayed home Thursday and Friday because he was just not himself...very lethargic. Friday, we thought we were in the clear...BUT, Andy decided it was his turn to be sick ALL night!

Of course, Ben was back to his old self on Saturday...so, he and mommy spent the day running errands and trying to stay out of Andy's way. Andy was on the mend Sunday, so he and Ben spent some quality time in the tractor and combine. I got to spend some quality time with Clorox, Soft Scrub, my steam cleaner, my broom, and my mop. What a GREAT time!

Hopefully the flu bug has decided our house is not very hospitable, and has decided to move on (hopefully not to any of your homes)...we'll keep our fingers crossed!!!

Just...can't...make...it...

Friday night, I went to Indianapolis with some friends which meant Andy was on "Ben duty" for the evening. When I got home, he told me that there were some cute pictures of Ben on the camara. This is what I found:

According to Andy, Ben was just walking around, chatting away in the playroom when he suddenly just fell to the ground, stuck his bottom in the air, and closed his eyes. Andy thought he was just playing, but nope...he was OUT! I guess a night alone with Daddy just wore him out :)

Ben's new swingset

We have some really great friends who offered us their swingset. Their boys had gotten a ton of use out of it, and we knew Ben would love it just as much as they had. We were very excited to go get it and put it up. Thankfully, with their help and the help of our brother-in-law, we were able to take it down Saturday and put it up on Sunday. Here are just a couple pictures...

Getting it set into place

The finished project...we just need to fill the bottom with sand, and we're good to go!

Going for a ride...

Stacey and I were sitting down for a moment on Sunday while Ben and Katie were playing in the playroom. (Don't worry, the playroom is just around the corner and it's COMPLETELY baby proofed).

While Stacey and I were enjoying some adult conversation, Katie came wheeling through the kitchen on Ben's tricycle. It was so cute seeing her riding a Lightening McQueen tricycle...but it got even cuter when she turned the corner...

From the looks of Ben's face, we couldn't tell if he was enjoying the ride or just wishing it was over! We asked Katie how Ben got in there, and she said "I just lifted him in because he wanted to ride." You never know what's going to happen when these two are together!