New Year's Eve in Florida

We decided to take advantage of Nana and Papa's new house this year and got outta dodge and bad weather on December 27th and headed down to Bonita Springs, FL for a week of fun in the Sun.  This is Avery's second time flying and after our experience of going to California we hoped you would be as much of an angel this time, and you were. 

The perfect little traveler - you slept! 

We were so lucky while we were there, it was 80 and sunny pretty much every day.  We started our trip by going to breakfast at the Skillet which is Nana and Papa's favorite breakfast spot. 

Papa, Daddy and Avery

The house from the canal

The pool

The view from the roof deck

 Nana and I were so excited to be in warm weather and have some girl time, our first day there we went out and did a little shopping. 

Nana and Mommy taking a cruise in Papa's new convertible

We couldn't wait to get you in a swimsuit and get you in the pool.  I hoped that you would enjoy it as much as you enjoy taking baths at home.  We suited up and headed into the spa since it was easier to heat up for you so you were in freezing cold water.  No surprise you LOVED the pool.

Avery and Mommy pre swim

Avery swimming with Daddy

Avery and Daddy

Pooltime

The doggies on the dock

Tuesday night Mommy and Daddy were able to get out and about and have a date night.  Nana and Papa babysat for us while we went out to Angelina's  for dinner it was amazing.  We had a great time and tried to enjoy an adult moment.  After dinner we had Lauren, Aaron, Kristen and Adam Schaechterle over to the house for a drink.  We forget that everything closes pretty early down in Florida.  Both of the ladies are expecting and it was so fun to have mommy chit chat. 

Nana and Papa's area has their own private beach which was perfect for us.  There's no more traveling light so we packed up what felt like the entire house and headed out to the beach.  We had towels, an umbrella to protect your beautiful fair skin, lots of sunscreen, hats, camera's, waters, the bjorn, phones - you name it we had it. We were so excited to get your little feet in the sand and feel the water wash up under your toes.  

Enjoying sitting with Mommy

First steps in the sand

Fun family time together

You loved every minute

Getting some shade

A walk along the beach

Wednesday was New Years Eve and Nana and Papa planned a wonderful night out for us.  Even though it was an early night so that we could have you with us we had a wonderful time.  We went to the Bay House and it was fantastic.  Our server was wonderful, we enjoyed a delicious few bottles of Pinot Noir had wonderful appetizers and dinner and the dessert was the most unique I've had in a while.  You were a perfect new years angel and we happy as can be.  When the food arrived you started to get a little sleepy so we let you take a snooze while we finished up and then just as we ordered dessert you perked back up. 

Avery, Daddy, Mommy, Nana and Papa

You partied a little to hard so you took a snooze

Mommies yummy dessert

Mommy and Avery at dinner

Since it was Mommy and Daddy's first time in Bonita Springs we thought it would be fun to get out and experience the town. On Thursday we headed to the Naples Zoo.  It was such a fun day, we got to see so many great animals and also were able to say hello to our great friends Lorin, Aaron, Addison and baby boy Schaechterle.  

Papa, Avery and Mommy at the Giraffe feeding area

Addy, Lorin, Aaron, Daddy, Mommy and Avery 

Addy and Avery holding hands - so cute

Mommy, Avery and Nana wanted to take advantage of the weather and went on great walks every day

Hanging by the pool after a nice walk

Nana and Avery in the pool

Out and about shopping with the whole family

Giggles with Daddy

Playing with Papa pulling off his glasses

Daddy's Girl

Mommy, Nana, Avery, Daddy and Papa at our last dinner

It was hard to leave Nana and Papa and the warm weather behind and head back home.  We had a wonderful time and had a safe journey home with Avery and Brisco.  They were the perfect travel companions although i'm not sure we are in any rush to travel with Brisco and Avery again. 

Happy Girl, Home Sweet Home

Merry Christmas

What a Merry Christmas it was!! We started out the holiday with Daddy getting the flu on the 23rd :( Mommy did everything she could to keep you as far away from him as possible.  The good news was it only turned out to be a 24 hour stomach bug, but the bad news was it left everything down to the last minute for mommy to do which didnt' go well. It was almost like a tornado touched down in the condo. And while you were totally packed thanks to Rachel, Mommy and Daddy were not - nor was the car packed.  You also got to enjoy your new playmat from Rachel.  She also got mommy and daddy an ornament with your footprints on it and a personalized mug.  

I did at least think a little bit ahead and while Daddy didn't feel good on the 23rd, Avery and Mommy headed out to Barrington with a car full of presents to drop off at Nana and Papa's house.  We also went to our annual Egg Harbor brunch with the Barrington Group but decided since the group is so large and there are so many kiddos we would have it at Megan's parents house and got Egg Harbor take out.  It ended up being a great option and really relaxing, we were able to chat with everyone and see some out of towners - Caitlin, Billy and Rory.  Shame on us though we didn't take a photo, next year. 

As Daddy started to feel somewhat better we headed out to Barrington for Christmas Eve.  We changed our tradition a little bit this year.  Normally we rotate celebrating at Nana and Papa's or the Larsens however since you are so little and it would be a little to difficult to take you there and bring you home so late we decided to take a bi year.  Last minute Mike and Janice Campbell decided to join us in on the phone which was great.  We had king crab legs for dinner and you entertained us all just being adorable. 

We woke up on Christmas morning ready to celebrate the joy of giving and even though you didn't' really understand what was going on around you, it was so special to share our first Christmas all together. We first had breakfast - my favorite egg casserole, cinnamon buns and fruit.  Then we opened up stockings, you made out like a bandit just with your stocking.  After that and a brief nap for you we opened up all the presents under the tree which took us quite a while to get through.  Between the dogs tearing through paper and you trying to open goodies we had a wonderful time and feel so blessed to be able to share the memories together as a family. 

our traditional yummy Christmas breakfast

Avery's stocking

Daddy, Brisco, Mommy and Avery getting ready to open presents

She's so excited she can barely contain herself

Papa and Avery

Nana, Avery and Papa in front of the tree

Mommy and Avery opening your stocking with the doggies at attention

Papa being silly with antlers opening his gift; framed photos from the Breeder's Cup

Avery and Daddy opening your stocking; you're so excited about your butterfly teather

Playing with your new polar bear puppet from Great Aunt Jane

Kisses from Abigal

Brisco, Avery and Abigal post presents

We had our traditional Christmas night dinner, ham, sweet potatoes, cranberries and corn souffle. Daddy was feeling so much better so he joined us for dinner.  

Avery, Mommy, Daddy and Brisco Chrismas night

Great Aunt Jane, Mommy and Nana in our Scottie Sweater from Jane

Happy Hanukkah

It's peanuts first Hanukkah!! This year Hanukkah falls from December 16-24th.  Since it was Avery's first I think we all went a little bit overboard :) Even though Daddy is traveling we made sure to do it up right and I did my best to hold down the fort till he returned.  We shared the story of Hanukkah before Daddy left for New York and then Mommy wrapped (with the help of Rachel) all the gifts that everyone sent including a few from us.  

Once Daddy got home from his trip we started lighting the candles every night and recited the blessing. 

Night one: Avery got a book The Night Before Hanukkah and when Daddy came home he read it to her.  She also got a first Hanukkah onesie.

Night two: Avery opened a activity walker and some Hanukkah socks. 

Night three: Avery with the help of Brisco opened a dress 

Night four: We opened a laugh and learn doggie

Night five: We opened a dress and sweater

Night six: We opened a laugh and learn guitar

Night seven: Adorable dresses and onesies
Night eight: More onesies and a doggy printed dress

Dave was in New York for his last project so he was extra sweet and got Avery an adorable penguin ornament for her tree.  He also got mommy some of her favorite treats; macaroons and chocolates from Bouchon - Yum!

Daddy reading the night before Hanukkah to Avery.