Snow Day

This winter has been terribly cold and snowy. Charlie had another snow day today, so we broke out the paint to pass the time. He often says that he would like to be an artist, maybe we have a future Picasso on our hands?

Evy's First Meal

Evy has hit another milestone and was able to try solid food. I decided to start with oatmeal just like Charlie did when he was a baby. She was not so sure about it at first, but has grown to enjoy her nightly meal.

(First bite)

(What is this?)

(That's not so bad)

Let It Go

We took Charlie and Evy to the movie theater for the first time to see Frozen. Charlie did great during the entire movie and Evy slept until almost the end. In fact, the movie was so good once I got Evy settled I went back into the theater so I wouldn't miss the end!

Family Vacation Part 2 - Lauderdale by the Sea

After spending a couple days in Miami, we rented a car and drove an hour to Lauderdale-by-the-sea. It is a small town just north of Fort Lauderdale and it turned out to be the perfect place for our family vacation. Charlie had a blast swimming in the pool and the ocean daily. The town square was only a few blocks from our hotel and we had dinner there every night, followed by delicious ice cream at a local place in the square. It was a great week and we were not eager to return home to the polar vortex that had engulfed Chicago.

We had one day that started out rainy and a little chilly (by chilly I mean 60 degrees). While Evy was home napping I took Charlie out to the beach to search for shells. We had the beach almost completely to ourselves. We spent time looking for shells and jelly fish, both of which were covering the beach.

(Shoes off and heading to the sand)

;

(The first shell we added to our collection)

(This was our entrance to the beach)

We had lots of quality family time during our trip. We spent lots of time at the pool, going on adventures, and just hanging out. It turns out Charlie is the only person guaranteed to get a smile out of Evy. 

(Sibling time)

(Charlie ready for a swim)

(Charlie found a coconut and he was thrilled)

(Being goofy)

 

(Charlie is officially a fish and has no fear of the water)

(Evy got lots of rest on this trip)

(Charlie and daddy spent hours in the pool)

(I think Evy enjoyed the warm fresh air)

(During lunch in Ft. Lauderdale we found this statue that only Charlie was strong enough to move)

On our last full day we decided to check out the pier that was in town. We had lunch on the pier and then took one last swim in the ocean.

(Charlie and daddy waiting for our table)

(It's hard not to smile when the sun is out)

(What a beautiful girl)

(We met a very nice waitress at this restaurant who was willing to be our photographer)

(We tried to get both kids to look, although it is an impossible task)

(One semi-nice smile)

(We made it to the end of the pier)

(Charlie cracking jokes that likely end in "pickle")

(Daddy and Charlie searching for more shells on the walk home)

(That was a fun swim)

(Rinsing off the salt water)

(Evy was exhausted after all of the fresh air!)

I think it is safe to say, that this was a memorable trip and one we will not soon forget. We already booked for next year and we cannot wait to go back!

(Thumbs up from Charlie and daddy)

Evy's First Swim

Evy went for a swim with her daddy and brother for the first time in Florida. Once the sun was out in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea we took the chance to see how she would like the water. I don't think she was as comfortable in the pool as she is in the, but she didn't cry. By the looks of her furrowed brow, she was just taking it all in. I am sure she will be a fish in no time just like her brother!

Dining in Lauderdale

One night for dinner we drove 20 minutes to the largest outlet mall I have ever seen. Unfortunately we got there too late to do any real shopping (that will happen next year), but we did take Charlie to Rainforest Cafe for dinner. He loves checking out all of the animals. Evy was not as impressed and she was not a fan of the periodic thunder storms.

(Charlie waiting for his dinner) 

(Evy was ready for bed after this wild night!)

Benihana restaurants seem to be everywhere in Florida. We thought about taking Charlie while we were in Coral Gables, but we could not get a reservation...on a Monday night! Lucky for us, there was a Benihana in Lauderdale so we made reservations knowing that Charlie would love to watch the chef prepare our meal at the table. Our dinner was very good and Charlie was completely mesmerized. Once we got home he was pretending to be the chef and toss shrimp into his hat! 

 (Charlie and his chef hat)

 (Yummy dinner)

One night we had dinner at a restaurant that was literally on the beach. Not only were we dining outside and oceanside, but we didn't even need a coat. This was amazing considering it was -20 degrees at home.

(Charlie loves his grilled cheese)

(And hamming it up for the camera)

Welcoming in 2014!

We arrived in Lauderdale-by-the Sea on New Years Eve. There was a  party in the town square complete with a band an official ball drop (although the ball actually didn't drop on time). This was Evy's first New Year's Eve and the first time Charlie stayed up until midnight to celebrate. We spent the evening with the Tinucci family who also happened to be staying near us and had a great time enjoying the warm weather and spending time with family. What a great way to start the New Year! 

(Charlie showing Little Louis how to break it down)

(Me and Charlie) 

(Charlie was having a great time celebrating) 

(Evy's first NYE)

(The family) 

(Daddy is so funny!) 

(Two at a time!) 

(A great party with daddy)

(Ringing in the New Year with a post party dessert)