Florida Trip!

We took our annual trip to Florida from December 8-15 this year. We had an awesome time! The first few days were so nice and relaxing. We had a few yummy meals and did some shopping. During the middle of the week we spent three days down in Orlando vising Mickey and all his friends. We ended the week how it started -- with more food and relaxing. We're always so sad to leave. One of these days Nathan will convince me to live here!

Day 1 - traveling!

Megan in the Detroit airport -- "It's cold here -- get me to Florida!"

We passed this on the Florida Turnpike -- how cool!

Poor Chloe was totally worn out by the flight. She got airsick and conked out as soon as we hit the road.

Chloe was so glad to see Grandpa and Grandma Roush!

Day 2 - Sunday was a busy day!

Grandma measuring Chloe on her closet wall.

Megan being measured for the first time!

We made hummingbird pancakes. So delicious! 

Visiting Aunt Jean.

Inspecting grapefruit.

We went to lunch at The Ice Cream DR and got to try some fun sodas. Had some tasty soup and sandwiches...and ice cream! 

Day 3 - more fun relaxing

Good morning! 

Hibachi at a restaurant in The Villages. Chloe and I were first-timers. 

Day 4 - Epcot and Hollywood Studios

Day 5 - Magic Kingdom and more Epcot

Day 6 - Downtown Disney

We got to stay in a suite Wednesday night and we loved it!

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel.

Day 7 - last day

Visiting with family friends the Gammons.

We went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch -- so yummy!

Last few bites of ice cream at The Ice Cream DR.

Saying good bye to Aunt Jean.

November Randoms

Visiting Santa

Megan is going through her stranger anxiety phase and Chloe is reverting to the same anxiety so I truly expected someone to cry when we visited Santa at Somerset Collection.  Megan didn't seem to mind Santa and Chloe, although suspicious, sat quietly while the photographer took pictures.

O Christmas Tree

On Friday while the girls were napping we transformed our plain old family room into a festive, homey little corner of the world. Chloe loves the tree and exclaims "Christmas Tree!" about ten times a day when she enters the room. Megan seems to like it because she knows Chloe likes it, but she has started to wander over there and bang the lower lights with her toys. Not sure what's going on in that little head of hers but we take it as a positive sign that she likes the tree.

Not only have we started the tradition of putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, but Nathan and I indulge in a little eggnog while we're working. Yum!

 

Thankful

We had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving! After an early lunch at Nathan's folks, we watched the Lions' game. Chloe and I took a walk around the pond. The weather was cool but dry so we watched the ducks in the water and burned off some calories. The kiddies even helped decorate grandpa and grandma's tree.

So much to be thankful for. We have our little family of four, our health, home, jobs, and wonderful friends and family that we get to share it all with every day.

Megan - 8 months

My baby is 8 months old now! She is getting so big and mobile. She's crawling everywhere and is starting to pull herself up. We had to lower her crib this week from the middle to the lowest level to be sure she doesn't pull herself out of her crib at night. The other big accomplishment is that she gets to sit in the big bathtub instead of her infant tub. Usually Chloe is in there with her but Chloe opted for a shower so it was just Meggers today. Love her!

Voting

I love voting. I thank my parents for always being a good example and emphasizing how important it is to participate in the democratic process. Chloe has gone with me to vote several times over the last few years and this time it was Megan's turn to join us. The volunteers had fun with the girls and even gave them a sticker. It was a fun little outing!