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)

Christmas at Grandma Merry & PapaRonnie's

We were very fortunate again this year to be able to spend Christmas and the holidays in Florida with Grandma Merry & PapaRonnie's.  Lily had a fantastic time.  She loved seeing Andy (as much as he loved seeing her).  She loved walking him, giving him his biscuit and just generally playing with him.  She was also committed to spending as much quality time with her grandparents as possible.  In fact, she repeatedly sent Chris and I away so she could spend more time with them alone.  I think we were definitely second fiddle during the visit.

Lily on the metro on the way to Florida

Shops at Wiregrass Christmas Tree

Lily had an amazing time learning to ride the golf cart with Grandma Merry 

A plaid Christmas

Lily and Ainsley at Ainsley's house 

Lily and Ainsley having lunch out after Christmas

Mom & Lily time Pre Christmas

Lily and Mom had some good quality time before we left for Christmas.

First we met some friends at the local showing of the Little Mermaid.  It was a fantastic performance and Lily even got to meet Ariel and other characters after.

Then we got to get a mani-pedicure before leaving for Florida.

Lily was the best helper ever with Christmas cookies and candies (and I mean a lot of cookies and candies)

And finally, Mom got to attend the Christmas party at Lily's school, complete with gingerbread cookie making.  What a fun pre holiday we had together.