Chuck E. Cheese Breakdown

It has been well over a year since we went to Chuck E. Cheese. Lily unfortunately asked to go, so we broke down one Saturday and took her. Mostly because it is right next the the paint store and I needed paint, but I like to credit us with just being good parents so we will dismiss this fact. I have to say that Saturday at Chuck E. Cheese is a looney bin. Screaming kids and even louder screaming parents all over the place. But we survived and Lily seemed to enjoy herself.

This is Lily's interpretation of Dr. Seuss. For Read Across America Day they did a lot of reading from Dr. Seuss titles. She knows she "doesn't like Green Eggs and Ham" now.

The beach in February?

It has actually been warm enough this winter that it allowed us to get out to the beach several times. Most days we hit the indoor pool, but a few times we have been able to actually get out and walk on the beach and build some sand castles. Lily loves to carry her pink shovel every where we go, including in the car. She is also loving the swimming pool and all the crafts that they do in our community every Saturday and Sunday.

Catch up (Valentine's Weekend)

A little catch up here. Sometimes I think we are so busy that we don't have time to stop and look back at all we enjoy. It's been 70+ degrees this week, so definitely time to kick back and smell the roses.

The weekend before Valentine's Day we had a great time decorating cookies and going to the Museum of Natural History. We took in an Imax film at the museum that involved monkeys and elephants so Lily actually watched the entire 45 minutes.

I must also say here that Lily is the most excellent cookie decorator. She sits down and helps her dad with all the cookies. Mind you, she likes the sprinkles most, but whatever keeps her going!

Too long without a post

It definitely has been too long since our last post. We have had a crazy month that was busy and a couple not so fun elements, but everyone is back to normal. Chris and I spend most of our time after Lily is asleep doing work around the new house (painting, upgrading lights, etc.). The house is really starting to look great. 2/3 of the paint is done and most of our other projects are complete so we are looking forward to spring and summer with our "honey do" list complete. In the middle of all that we've tried to get Lily out and about. We've had some up an down weather so we've enjoyed some walks aside with no jackets, then the next week a little snow on the ground. Lily seems to enjoy the snow and the sun too.

Lily enjoying her sun glasses

Yes, our daughter loves public transportation. Not sure what her infatuation with buses and trains are, but be prepared to ride one if you visit.

After a trip to the Museum of Natural History (and our first movie which was in 3D... a little weird for a 2 year old, but the elephants and monkeys made up for it)... we also enjoyed spending time decorating cookies. Lily will sit and decorate the entire time (as long as we keep the sprinkles coming)

Off to see the Dolphins

The weather was beautiful in Florida. Some high 70 degree days and a couple that actually felt hot. At least Chris was sweating a couple times. Lily enjoyed being out in the sun. One day we were lucky enough to hit Madera Beach before the crowds came out. Then we took a dolphin adventure trip with "Captain Larry" out of St. Johns pass. We got to see probably 20 dolphins as well as many nice houses from the water. We even saw a dolphin family with a baby. Lily shrieked with joy at the site of the baby.

Lily and Chris on the dolphin boat

Baby & mama dolphin (great picture thanks to Chris' diligent work)

Hollywood Lily & her dad on Madera Beach

Look how empty the beach was (ok maybe it was 9am)

Lily loves the idea of the beach,

but she always likes to be held in the water instead of going in herself

Trip to see the Manatees

There is a great state park in Homasassa, FL where you can see manatees and lots of other fun creatures. I think Lily loved the Flamingo's best.

Flamingo

Sand hill crane

Hippo

Manatee family giving kisses (we saw lots, probably 30 of them)

Lily showing Grandma & Papa the fish

Christmas in Florida

We had a fantastic time in Florida with Ron, Merry & Andy. One of Lily's favorite things turned out to be walking Andy every time she could.

Chris and Lily after much walking

Getting ready to walk Andy

Lily on the carousel at Disney Marketplace (she had a fun time and it was even free)

Lily enjoying the view at Disney

Lily and her new friend Ainsley playing babies & dress up all at the same time.