Benihana Table for 4

We made our 2nd annual stop at the Benihana. Although it's not a typical kids restaurant, our kids' love it. Charlie has spent the past year talking about the chef flipping shrimp into his hat. This year did not disappoint. When we sat down Charlie immediately tucked his napkin into his pants and put his chef hat on and announced to the table that he was our chef. Throughout the meal Charlie was mesmerized and the chef even caught Evy's attention when she would take a break from the corn on her plate. Charlie left with a new found love of shrimp (I think he ate at least 2 pounds) and Evy left with a full belly of corn and steak. Another great night of vacation.

(Take one) 

(Take two) 

(Charlie checking out the Koi pond)

(Our table and the restaurant overlooks the intercoastal)

(Evy testing her walking skills)

(Ready for a good meal!)

(YUM - fried rice!)

It's Beach Time!

We didn't spend quite as much time at the beach as often we normally would because it was not a great place for Evy. She liked to eat sand and really wanted to pet the Seagulls, which is never a good idea. Needless to say, we still made it a few times.

(Charlie and Daddy beachside) 

(Charlie posing under my favorite sign!)

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(Relaxing!) 

(Can you believe the size of this hole?)

(Fishing with his net in the ocean)

(Future fisherman)

(Wave jumping)

(Beach bunny)

(Sand does not taste good!)

Adventure Beyond Lauderdale

We  went on an adventure and left the confines of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. We went to the Sawgrass outlet mall (it's amazing and huge) to do a little shopping and visit the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. The entire dinner was a bit crazy because Evy was not in a good place, but we did get this cute picture of Charlie before we ate. We also managed to find a small carousal, which was the other highlight of the evening for the kids. 

(He's part monkey)

(Conductor Charlie) 

(Everything is amazing to Evy)

Pool Time in Florida

Charlie's love for the water has not waned during the cold Chicago months. Everyday in Florida he spent no less than two hours in the ocean or our "private" pool. His skills and confidence have grown so much since he started swim lessons. He can now swim the width of the pool while coming up for breaths with no life jacket! I think his favorite part of the pool was daddy -- his all time favorite toy. Evy was not as much of a fan of the pool, I think it was too cold for her taste, but she looked good while avoiding it!

(They played this game over and over!)

(Using his new boogie board)

(The fish is diving for his sunglasses)

(Future Star) 

(Always ready to jump in)

(He's been in the pool for 2 hours at this point) 

(Trying on her life vest -- even though she doesn't love the pool)

A Rainy Day in Florida is Still a Good Day!

The first day of the New Year was the only time the weather did not cooperate. It rained intermittently throughout the early afternoon, so we spent part of the morning snacking in the poolside cabanas. Once the sun poked through the clouds we walked to town for lunch. After lunch the rain clouds started moving in again and we headed home for naps.  Despite the rain, it was still a wonderful day. (Could these kids be any cuter?)

(Her first pigtails)

(Snacking poolside)

(Wonder where she learned these funny faces)

(Always silly)

(Almost had them both smiling)