Fun trip to Oregon

For the MLK holiday weekend we were able to fly to Oregon to spend time with our Oregon family.  Unfortunately Lily got sick with the flu just before a visit to Chuck E. Cheese, but luckily she bounced back after about 24 hours.  We got to meet Chris' girlfriend Katie.  What a lovely person she was.  And finally got to spend some time with Courtney. There was tons of crafting, cooking making, game playing and dancing on the wii.  In fact the entire family participated in the wii dancing.  Absolutely hilarious.  Aunt Venita & Uncle Dave were the best hosts as usual.

Katie (Chris' girlfriend) and Lily playing Barbie.  Yah for Katie wanting to be a elementary teacher and wanting to play with Lily.

Courtney & Lily

Grandma Donna & Grandma Norma

Lily showing Uncle Jeff & Aunt Roxane her two lost teeth

Courtney & Lily

Cousin Tanner & Lily

Family get together (from left to right):  Tanner, Chris, Katie, Courtney, Lily and Raquel

Lily and Bobo

Chris & Lily on the ATV

Hanging out with friends

For our one weekend at home in months, we were able to pull off two play dates for Lily.  Friday night we joined friends Lluc & Chance for a lovely dinner and play time.  Then Sunday we had a play date with Lily's best friend Gianna.  What a busy weekend for the little one.

Fort Desoto

To wrap up our last day in Florida, Grandma Merry & PapaRonnie took us to Fort Desoto to enjoy another day in the sun.  Did I mention we had that we had some of the best weather we've ever had in Florida on this trip.  We got a lot of 80 degree and sunny days.  Sometimes even in the mid 80s.  All in all a perfect holiday.  And we didn't even come home with a new vacation house so we saved ourselves some money.  Can't wait to go back again soon.

Ft Desoto has some awesome beaches and wonderful bird life.

It also has the biggest (medium sized) sno cones ever!

Back to Grandma & Grandpa's + Visit to Tarpon Springs

After four days in Bonita we headed back up North to spend quality time with Grandma Merry & PapaRonnie.  We did some shopping one day, had a great BBQ for Chris' birthday with our friend Larry and then we headed out to Tarpon Springs, FL one day for some more sightseeing.  Tarpon Springs was an interesting little town that has been taken over by the Greeks (in a good way).  Apparently they used to harvest sponges there and still sell lots of sponges.  In addition, there are more Greek restaurants in this little town than I have seen in one city outside Chicago's Greek Town.  It was completely impressive and we were able to have some great Greek food and dessert.  

Annual Trek to Bonita Springs

Between Christmas and New Years we were able to head even further south in Florida to Bonita Springs & Naples, Florida to enjoy some quality time with our friends from London.  As usual we had a absolutely fantastic time eating good food, having good company and seeing some of the best beaches in the country.  Oh, and we got lots of shells too.

Lily and our friend Aniela from London

Lily and Dad in our family kayak

The two dolphins that swam directly under our boat.  Coolest kayak trip ever!

Hanging out at the beach at Naples Pier

Sanibel Island (shells, shells, and more shells)

+ some cool Pelicans in the tree and other cool birds in the surf

One day at Universal (one day only thank goodness)

We had a great day at Universal Studios.  We got there early, beat the crowds, rode all the ride at were out of there about 2pm.  Complete with a visit to Margaritaville restaurant for ship and steak.  What more could parents ask for.

One extra picture from Anna Maria Island (on our way from Orlando down to Bonita Springs)