We spent New Year's on the road this year! The week was split between St. Augustine and Naples, FL. New Year's Eve was spent in St. Augustine where we enjoyed the Hesson Family Pizza Party at the Cheese Wheel. It was delicious as ever. Jared and I even got to go on a date thanks to Papa and Gigi who are awesome-sauce. We enjoyed the Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, but missed the memo that there is to be a third movie. I think Emily is right, Peter Jackson is just having fun at this point. This trip the children also enjoyed their first trip to the Fort and got to see the cannons go off. Very exciting. We also got a lot of cousin time in. Perfection.
On Friday, I got some courage and drove the children to Naples, FL. Jared had to work so he stayed home. Honestly, though, I think he would have hated it. I love him, but he's boring. Being boring is actually one of the things I love about him; it just means I have to force adventure upon him. This time we adventured without him and though things didn't go as planned (it rained and was freezing cold), we had a great time visiting with the Ernst family.
Grayson playing at Can U Dig It? Park. So fun. They had this huge excavation area with things to dig up. My children had a blast just running around barefoot and making "snow" angels.
Emily and Darren are finishing up CRNA school and will be moving soon. I HAD to see them before they go. I really love these guys and am so excited for the new adventure looming in their not-so-distant future. Emily and I got to enjoy a quiet dinner together (thanks, Darren for hanging out with all 8 children alone) and just talked as much as we could. We go years between visits, but it feels like no time has passed. That is a sign of a true friendship.
Although it was raining and freezing cold, we went to the beach anyway. We were able to dip our toes in the water, get a some shells, and fly a kite. It was so beautiful!
My sweet children. They were such troopers on our adventure. Mom made them drive in the car for 3.5 hours and sleep in a strange place.
Ethan was the bravest one. I think he would have gone in the water if I'd been willing to go too.
Miriam got at least one handful of sand in her mouth. She enjoyed the beach very much.
Darren was able to get the kite up in the air. It was super cool.
Grayson felt bad for this tree that had "died".
Ellie found some awesome starfish.
Snuggling with my girl. I wore a bathing suit, but definitely didn't need to.
Kyle flying the kite. Emily and Darren have amazing children.
All of us minus Emily. Emily is taking the picture. From left to right: Paul, Grayson, Andrea, Miriam, Ethan, Kyle, Darren, Landon, Ellie, and Gabe (in front).
Gabe! He is a ball of energy. Emily is a terrific mother. I hope my children turn out like hers. She is one of my heroes.
Emily, Grayson, Andrea, and Miriam
Emily and I are pretty similar in build. She said looking at me was like looking in the mirror. If that's the case, we're both pretty cute! I love you Emily. Thanks for having us this weekend.
Riding the train around the zoo!
The giraffes up close. They were our favorite!
Ethan really didn't want to ride this alligator, but I really wanted a cute picture. We had to settle for this:)