Pontoon Fun!

During the planning of this surprise birthday trip, we had talked about how much fun it would be to rent a pontoon boat and cruise around on the canal for a while.  We had decided that today was our best option so we made reservations, got packed up and heading out on the water.  Dan had said "Keep in mind, last time we did this it was October, not January, so it might be chilly."  And boy was he right!! Thankfully we had run back in at the last minute to grab sweatshirts and long sleeves, otherwise we would have frozen!  We spent 4 hours cruising around, taking in the sights and having fun.  The boys, both big and small, took turns driving the boat, sometimes getting us stuck!  We saw tons of pelicans resting in trees, lots of dream homes and a pirate ship.  What a great way to end a wonderful trip!
 

Pool Fun

Today was a day to soak up the sunshine, especially for Bruce and I who are only in Florida for a few days.  (At least until we come back in March!)  We spent the morning by the pool with the boys and then went back for lunch just before nap time.  The guys got sucked into a Star Wars movie so Karin and I headed back out to the pool to relax.  The boys came back, in shifts, to have some more fun in the sun before we all started getting ready for dinner at Busters, where all the boys played and won the bulldozer claw game.

Lakes Park with the Boys

Today the ladies had some long overdue girl time, leaving the boys to fend for themselves.  We were planning to go to high tea at the Butterfly Estates but apparently it was booked and "very special" so we simply went for lunch.  While it took an extraordinary amount of time to receive four sandwiches and wraps, none of which required cooking just assembling, we had a great time just sitting and chatting and laughing!  After lunch, which was quite good despite the long wait, we headed to Beall's to do a little shopping.  Shocking I know!
While we were out the boys, big and small, headed to Lakes Park to play on the playgrounds.  This, of course, after having popsicles on the patio.  While at the park, Papa was interviewed by a local TV station doing a story about the roles of parents and teachers.  We still aren't sure why they chose him because he isn't a Fort Myers resident.  Maybe it was the bright yellow shirt...maybe he volunteered...yeah, I'm thinking that's it! We all know, Papa isn't shy!  I couldn't find the video clip but here is the article for Papa's 15 minutes of fame in Fort Myers.

Gramma's Birthday Dinner

After a fun day in the sun, by the pool, everyone went to the Nauti Turtle for Gramma's birthday celebration.  Papa had done quite a bit of research to find a restaurant where there was something for everyone, especially a place that was good for the boys.  The Nauti Turtle was perfect!  A menu with a lot of variety, a place where the boys could get up and run around a little bit by checking out the boats by the docks or dancing to the live music, and a place willing to let us take our time and have a wonderful celebration of a very special lady!  Pat, Kenny and Mary-Anne (Gramma and Papa's friends from Florida) and Marsha (Gramma's friend from elementary school!) joined us in the celebration.  After dinner, Danny invited everyone back to our condo to keep the party going...such a little host in the making!  We played a family game of Uno and had lots of laughs. Happy birthday, Mom!  You had made such an impact on our family in so many ways.  We are grateful and thankful to have you as our mom, gramma and friend, everyday!  We love you!

Surprise, Gramma!

Today a surprise, months in the making, finally happened and it was perfect!! Tomorrow is Gramma's 60th birthday and we all (Bruce, Evan and I and Uncle Dan, Auntie Karin, Danny and Sean) flew down to Florida to surprise her!  And boy was she surprised!!
I had told Bruce that I wanted to go to Florida for my mom's birthday last spring and then mentioned it to Dan as well.  When Dan and Karin decided to make that the time for their family trip to Fort Myers, it only made sense for Bruce and Evan to join me as well.  We had been sending emails and IM's and making secret phone calls for months and all the planning paid off!
Dan, Karin and the boys flew from PVD to TPA and then drove to RSW to pick us up.  When we arrived at the condo, the ladies (Mom, Marsha and Jan, who was also visiting) were out and on their way home.  We hung out at the condo with Papa waiting for them to arrive and to reveal the big surprise!  And it was perfect!!  Gramma was thrilled to have us all there and was secretly hoping we would all be there to help her celebrate her birthday.  This was definitely the best birthday present we could have given her!  Can't wait for the next 5 days of fun in the Florida sun!

For My Aunties

My Auntie's are AWESOME!!!

More Snow!

Two snow storms within one week...that is unheard of this winter!  And the best part about this one is that it happened on a weekend so Daddy and Evan could play in the snow while Mommy went to a baby shower for baby Murforelli.  How fun!

From Collages

Potty Time Again!

For the second time in a week, Evan was very interested in sitting on the potty.  Let's hope that this interest continues and he is potty trained before he is two!

       

Hi Mom!

Ok, you got your photo...could I have a little privacy please?

Beautiful Bites!

I made meatloaf for the first time tonight and I must say, for my first attempt, it turned out pretty good.  Here is what Evan had to say about Daddy's bites, with an added little bonus for Gramma.

Winter's First Snow!

So far this winter, we have had very little snow, especially compared to the record totals of last year.  I am generally not a huge fan of snow but I know a little guy who does like to get out and play in it.  We have tried to take advantage of the mild weather and get outside as much as possible.  Today, we finally had a chance to play in the snow!

Silly Boy!

We may just have our own little comedian here in the making.  Evan is always entertaining us, performing and simply being goofy!  We love his wonderful personality and that he always knows just how to make us smile after a long hard day!

                                                                                                 

Evan's turn to push

Laundry basket rides for Evan and all his friends

Naptime on the kitchen towels (after emptying the drawer) 

                                                                                                                                     

Rock Star in training 

Being silly wearing daddy's hat 

Potty Time!

Evan loves to pretend to use his little potty and to climb up on the big potty too.  I am really hoping this means that potty training will be quick and easy...and soon!  A mom can dream, right?

A Fun (Spring-like) Winter Day!

Today was one of those rare spring-like winter days when you just have to take advantage of the weather and do something fun outside.  Even though these days are coming more frequently this winter, they don't often happen on a weekend when Daddy is home to have fun too!  We took advantage (as did many other families) and went to the playground at Auburn High School again and had fun on the slides!

 Evan started the day calling some friends on his blue tooth to see who wanted to go to the playground with him.

When no one answered, he settled for going with mom and dad.  

And then had squeeze pops to end the day...so fun!  

I love this spring-like weather!

More Presents

This really is the Christmas that keep giving and giving but I think we have finally reached the end.  Tonight Evan was able to open his last few gifts that were left in RI while we were out west for the holiday.  Thank you to everyone for everything!  Evan is truly blessed to have each of you in his life!

 Checking out the trailer for my new truck from Gigi

Vroom, vroom!

                  A lady bug pillow pet!                           Just as soft and snuggly as the puppy!