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)

Ringing in 2015

We had a fabulous New Year's Eve. Matt grilled a delicious steak dinner for us to enjoy before we ventured to the downtown area to check out the NYE festivities and get our last ice cream of 2014. We stopped at our favorite ice cream shop (Kilwin's) and walked around the busy streets enjoying the music and the sites. As it got closer to Evy's bedtime we headed back  to the hotel and spent a couple more hours with Charlie lighting sparklers and playing Go Fish, which is his new favorite game. He made it until about 9 pm before heading to bed. Matt and I the enjoyed drinks poolside until midnight. Happy New Year!

(In the town square) 

(Evy finally well enough to smile!)

(Happy in Daddy's arms)

(Last family photo of 2014)

(Me and my baby)

(He's growing so fast!)

(Happy Charlie)

(Sparkling)

(Handsome boy)

(Happy New Year!)

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Maybe it wasn't a jet plane, but we did fly on an airplane to Florida. Evy and Charlie did well, despite the fact that our flight was late, Evy was up past her bedtime and had a fever, and after a three hour flight we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour. It's still the best way to travel for us. 

(Lots of smiles) 

(The giggles are setting in) 

(No one, not even Evy, wanted to come home)

(Charlie still the super star traveler!) 

Christmas 2014 Recap

Another Christmas in the books. We didn't get as many pictures as we would have liked because with a four year old and a one year old we had our hands full this year. We spent lots of time with family and the kids were given more gifts than I know what to do with. These are the pictures we were able to get that were not blurry!  

(Getting ready for the party)

(Charlie with Santa)

(Evy not so sure about Santa)

(Charlie telling the "real" Santa what he wants for Christmas)

(Evy learning the joy of opening presents)

(The kids happy on Christmas morning in matching pajamas)

(Charlie the Christmas Elf) 

(Charlie with the Dobry Santa)