Florida Christmas Part I

We've spent the last three Christmases in Florida (one of them, Henry was in my belly). There is nothing better than heading south for the winter - unless, it is also cold in the south. And this year, it was cold. But, not 2 feet of snow cold, like we would have experienced if we stayed in PA. Regardless of weather, it's nice to go away for the holidays - it feels like a vacation, staying at grandma and grandpa's new house, going to the beach, eating out and not having to do much of anything. But, with all that, I think this will be our last Christmas in Florida for a while. We need to start making our own traditions, right here, under our own roof with our own chimney. Next year will be the year, when the whole Santa and reindeer things will come to life for Henry. This year, he definitely got it more than the last - he loved the lights, he liked to open presents (only a few at a time), he loved all the Christmas cartoon specials on TV, and the decorations around the house.


We spent 10 days in Florida, leaving on 12/23. Before we left we had a mini Christmas, just Brian, Henry and I. We didn't go too overboard this year, since Henry doesn't really get it and we have a ton of expenses with the renovations. The one thing I made certain Henry got was all the Shrek movies and a Shrek doll. And we strategically gave him this right before we left for the airport (with DVD player packed). Henry loved it - turns out, he likes looking at the DVD cases more than watching the movies!



Once in Florida, every day was Christmas for Henry. Aside from the constant gift giving between grandma and GG, the kid was center of everyone's universe for 10 days straight. Uncle Alex was even down for a few days and helped with the entertaining. Brian and I even went away for two nights and I don't think the kid noticed we were gone. Henry went on bike rides, played at all the playgrounds, made lots of trips to the beach, went to the pool and walked up and down Venice Avenue, grandma and grandpa street, to climb the gigantic banyan trees, while waving at the world's largest blow up Christmas decoration display at the house right across the street. Henry was in heaven.
Meeting Shrek, before we left for the airport.
Climbing trees on our walk.

Watching TV with Shrek and Snowman

Terrified in the pool, attempting to float on his back, alone.

walking the "tight rope" with dad.

Going down the big-boy slide.

Curising with Grandma and GG

Breakfast courtesy of grandpa - the kid doesn't have to move to get a drink. And there is a movie on the DVD player and cartoons on the TV.

Climbing the rock wall - does he have enough spotters?

Helping grandpa blow the leaves - which grandpa did at least 3 times a day (OCD?)

First time riding on the back of a bike! Thanks Uncle Kenny & Aunt Tina!

The Banyan tree- Hide & Seek heaven!

There were like 2 of these plus a trillion other Xmas decorations. Cars lined at the street at night and Henry pulled his nose whenever wanted to go out to see them. He LOVED it!

Taking a rest on the walk home.