So this is Christmas...

...and what have you done…LOTS! Enjoying every bit of this amazing weather, super hospitality, and Christmas cheer!! Feeling blessed to be with family this holiday season way down south. White sandy beaches, sunny and warm weather, seashells, amazingly warm pools, Florida oranges and alligators, and all things Christmas…. cookies, traditions, and Santa too.

 

 

 

Santa found us in Florida and said he enjoyed warming up for a bit! Allie received all that she asked for and more...an apple watch, a new life jacket, Nike Pro shorts, gift cards, new gym shoes, jewelry just to name a few. Ayden found an Oculus Virtual Reality, guitar music book, a guitar pick case, a new life jacket, a Star Wars iPod case, and a Roblox gift card.

  

 

The weather was amazing every single day...which is not usually likely in Florida in December.  I was so thankful the kids could swim in Auntie's pools and at the beach daily!  I even got in the water was so warm!

 

Christmas evening we caught the sunset just in time on Anna Maria Island beach!  Now this is what I call Christmas!

  

A Cousins Christmas

In lieu of gift giving, we do a Christmas experience together. This year we did cookie tree decorating and a stroll through some pretty amazing neighborhood lights (coincidentally started by a friend and they sort of just caught on!) Tonight was way more fun and meaningful than just more “stuff.”

Elf'n Around

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Surprise

When school surprisingly closes for the day…impromptu visit with Santa and an afternoon enjoying all the mall treats. Allie asked Santa for an apple watch, life jacket and Nike Pro shorts. Ayden asked for on Oculus Virtual Realty, guitar music, and a life jacket too.

Allie is 11!

Allie is thriving!  She has not only grown physically, but I think this year she has made some big steps forward in maturity too.  She could be a little nicer to her brother...something to work on as an eleven year-old.  Allie is almost as tall as me at 4'7" and weighs 70 lbs!  Allie has had a few firsts this year past year.  She learned how to steer a horse, donated 11" of her hair, was a flower girl in Uncle Monte's wedding, spend the night in a treehouse, and sold over 1,500 boxes of GS cookies.  Allie loves hanging out with her friends, exploring new places, playing Roblox, and watching any new series of Disney+.  She LOVES cheer and being with her cheer friends.  Her favorite foods are noodles, Taki chips, Root Beer, buttered popcorn, and chicken tenders.  My wish for you this year, Allie, is you stay humble, trust in yourself and be confident in all you do, and that you build a reputation that displays inclusiveness, kindness, and positivity!

  

Gingerbread House at Home

Although the kiddos had Covid...our very own Sweet, Aunt Jess packed us up gingerbread house making supplies so we could still participate in our annual tradition.  They were both so excited to have something to DO!  Ayden build a skyscraper and Allie made a castle.  They BOTH made their gingerbread houses all on their own and for that I'm so proud...and thankful!!