Florida Trip

 

 We were so excited that again this year it worked out that Peanut and I got to fly down to Florida to visit Gammie and Papa.  We were especially excited that Aunt Mimi got to join us for a day, even though the plan was for longer than that...the storm cut her visit short, extended ours...and well, it really was quite the adventure but we enjoyed every minute with Gammie and Papa and we even got to visit Aunt Sherry and her dogs Izzy and Salina whom Hayden is quite fond of.  He can tell you all about how he got to tickle their feet.  They were actually quite patient with Peanut and he was very gentle.

 Here is Peanut and Gammie on the sofa after a game of Hi Ho Cherrio.  We had so much fun playing games, going to the park, Chic fil a, and watching Wheel of Fortune (Peanut calls it "The Letter Game") each night.  The biggest surprise of all was when Aunt Mimi arrived and Peanut got a gift from her and Gammie and Papa.  A remote controlled Zamboni!  Wowzer!  If you know my Peanut you know he is Zamboni crazy and this was a great gift.  I am so sad I didn't get a picture of Peanut and Aunt Mimi but we expected her to stay for another day and I was going to take some, but the storm hit fast and furious and she had to get up very early and head back home.  The storm shut down the airports and practically everything else for 2 days, but we had good company, games, toys and a big bucket of Blue Bell ice cream so we were quite content.  Smile.

 My beach pictures did not turn out quite as I had hoped.  I'm not sure if it was the storm, but everything was just kind of gray...and it was too cold for cute beach clothes.  But we made the best of it and got down about three times.  I took my camera once and did get a few shots.  The fun thing will be to look back over the years and see how he has grown since our first trip last year.  This year was his last trip as an only child too!  Here he is talking to the seagulls.

 I love those curls.  Putting off that first haircut as long as I can...

 Telling the waves to stop.  Funny thing is, he actually seemed kind of surprised when they didn't.

 My sweet father in law wasn't feeling well that day but managed to make it to the beach for his annual picture with Peanut.  What a guy.  Not much slows him down.

 Finding treasures on the beach.

I really dropped the ball on beach toys this year.  We have plenty packed away at home but I forgot to pack them!  Thank goodness we had brought the Handy Manny dump truck.  It was good for scooping sand and collecting shells.  It was a great trip and we are so appreciative of Gammie and Papa's hospitality and love. 

Have a great week friends and family!

I've Got Mail!

I'm pretty sure my mother is a big contributer towards keeping the old "snail mail" system alive and kicking.  I never considered how wonderful this habit of hers would be until she and my dad started sending Peanut little care packages.  What a wonderful way to share with him and he is so excited to get their mail.  He had received all sorts of fun things from bingo games to robots and this day it just happened to be some lion puppets to decorate.  Thanks Mom and Dad.  It is perfect for him and so special because it's from you. 

 

Working hard to adorn his lions.

 

What great fine motor skill practice!

 

And there all always other treats in the package like interesting newspaper articles with great pictures.  Peanut has the picture of the new gorilla at the Houston Zoo clipped to his easel in his room and has been showing it to his friends.  Here he is reading Grandma's letter.  We are working on the S sound and he has found one!

This was from another package and Peanut's first time with a glue stick.  He was very neat and kept it all on the paper. Sometimes on the wrong side of the paper...but not on the table.  I'll take it.  Smile.

It's been almost 4 months since we've got to see Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Chuck and it's going to be a few more.  It's hard to be away from the ones you love for so long, but the Skype chats and mail help us stay in touch with each others lives. Have a great week friends and family!