Florida

The day after Christmas, we got in the car and headed south. First stop, Gainesville to spend some time with Spike. We all had a wonderful time. We saw gators, ate burritos, played with Tilly, saw campus, ran the stadium, and chilled with Spike's puppy and kitties. 

After spending a few days in Gainesville, we headed further south to Naples to hang out with Mom, Tommy, Colleen, and their kiddies. We went to the beach and played at the pool. It was a great escape from the stresses of home, a wonderful get-away with excellent weather and fun with family. We had a beach day and there were actually waves. The kids got to boogie board and play in the waves. 

On New Years Eve, Em and I went back to the beach during the day. The other kids did not want to go so we took a girls morning at the beach. It was great to spend some one on one time with her which is something we rarely get to do. There weren't many waves, but there were millions of cool shells so we did our fair share of shell collecting. And because we brought the boogie boards, we caught some tiny waves (likely made by passing boats but a wave is a wave) together. And since we hadn't done my dad's traditional "ice cream in new cities" ice cream, we found a little ice cream at a nearby deli. And we got some matching bracelets. Was a very nice morning with Em. 

Welcome 2016. Farewell 2015. 

Swimming with Addy & Kally. 

Christmas

Christmas Eve, our neighbors invited us over to celebrate with them as well as other neighbors and friends. Santa made a visit to the kids as well like last year. It was nice of Santa to stop by on such a busy night for him. 

Emily wasn't feeling well so she went back home before Santa arrived. We suspect she had a funky piece of crab (or some new allergic reaction) at dinner based on how she bounced back when we returned home and that it didn't spread. Thank goodness on all accounts. 

Christmas Day was fun too. Kids didn't get up too early like we used to as kids. They opened presents and we had brunch. Then we spent a low-key day in pajamas playing with some new toys. We had some friends over for dessert that evening and called it a holiday.

Gingerbread man

Aaron's class put on a little program for the families at Christmas time. The kids sang songs, ate some yummy snacks and made some holiday crafts. Aaron is quite a ham when it comes to performing. And he looks giant in this video. He is among the younger kids in the class. 

Gingerbread Man

Longest time

Jeff and I went to see Billy Joel in Charlotte. I grew up listening to him in car trips as a kid. I can still remember the orange vanagon trucking along between Illinois and Ohio and listening to the cassette tapes from the little brown suitcase of tapes. Needless to say, seeing Billy Joel in concert was a life bucket list item for me. Others that we listened to on childhood road trips include Simon & Garfunkel (saw them, best concert ever); Neil Diamond (saw him); Beach Boys (saw them in high school); Elton John & Lionel Richie. I'd see Billy Joel, Simon & Garfunkel and the Beach Boys in concert again should they tour nearby. Talk about transporting back in time in such a good way. 

Aaron singing Frosty the Snowman

Aaron has been busting out in song lately with some winter and holiday songs. On our drive between Chicago and Milwaukee, he started singing some Frosty the Snowman. 

Hugging light saber

Aaron loves his Star Wars. For Thanksgiving, he had to bring his light saber and Yoda ears. He has no problem wearing them wherever and whenever. Cuteness abound in this 3 year old.