One of My Favorite Places...

This year we got to spend New Years' in Florida, and we had a great time. Dad and Dianne flew us all out (us plus David and Leda). We were all able to sit together on the plane, and let me tell you, flying with 2 adults per child is definitely the way to go!


One of the first stops we made was to the beach. The water was freezing and the wind was blowing so hard, but when you can drive right out onto the beach, why not.

Jackson didn't mind the cold at all, and immediately took his clothes off (of course) and was in the water. Caroline got her first taste of the beach as well, although she slept most of the time we were there.

Jackson's sweet footprint

and yes, my son did end up naked!

me... just as happy as can be at the beach, rain or shine, its my favorite place to be!

Another really fun thing we did was take a boat tour of the lakes and canals near where my grandparents live in Orlando. It was really fun! The kids were each required to wear a life-jacket, and I was a little worried that it would make for unhappy babies, but let me assure you... they both LOVED them!

Those of you that are the freaked-out-by-germs type, just skip the next picture...

For a whole hour Caroline actually didn't eat her fists, because her life jacket was so yummy. We couldn't keep it out of her mouth. I guess I'm lucky that germs don't bother me!

Jackson loved being on the water and just kept pointing at it telling us he was in a boat on the water. He just couldn't believe it!

While on our tour, we saw some of the most BEAUTIFUL homes I have ever seen! It's really a shame that people have to live like that, huh?! :)

Cameron, and David and Leda left a couple of days before the kids and I did. On the last day they were there we went to "Downtown Disney". It was the only real "Disney" thing we did because this time of year (around Christmas and New Years') is one of the busiest. Its just an area full of shops and eating... most of it Disney themed. We went into a really big toy store and Jackson didn't even know what to do with himself. He just kept looking in amazement... guess what his favorite was... thats right... all the "Cars" stuff.

He liked the big characters...

... especially the "pretty girls". What can I say, he knows what he likes!

Then we all went to lunch before they had to catch their flight. Cameron didn't fit in the picture, but thats okay, because for those of you that know him well, know that "he doesn't participate" :) hah!

(Leda was taking the picture)

Papa's and Grandma's house is probably about a block from a lake, and the houses that are on the lake did a beautiful fireworks how on Friday night after everyone had left. Papa got out the sparklers, and Jackson had a great time! He wouldn't take his eyes off the sparklers. The last time he used them was on July 4th and I don't even think it was dark yet. He really like using them outside in the dark!

We had such a good time and are so grateful to Dad and Dianne for flying us out and to Papa and Grandma for always making sure we have a place to stay! We love you guys and miss you already!

The best part of our vacation was just being there... there is something about Florida that is so RELAXING!!!

I walked into the Florida room one afternoon and Cameron and Leda were fast asleep watching TV

Sweet Caroline asleep at the beach

When we were all at luch after going to dowtown Disney, I looked over at Jackson and he was asleep on Grandma's shoulder with pizza in his hand. It was hilarious!

One more thing... the flight home was a little more interesting being alone with two kids, but the flight attendants thought Caroline was so cute (and who wouldn't) that they all took turns holding her! It was such a big help.

Then, once we got and everything was unpacked and all the laundry was done, we needed another vacation!