Finally Florida

It's been a cold and snowy 2014 and February vacation couldn't come soon enough. After years of bad luck with the weather in Florida this year we hit the jackpot. We got out of Boston right before a 9 inch snow dump and returned right after another 6 fell. In between the weather in Naples was sunny and 80 degrees and just perfect. If we had the means, we'd be snowbirds, too. 

There was a good 3 feet base of snow in the front yard from all the driveway & sidewalk clearing 

Is that Olaf?

 

 From snowsuits and boots to shorts and flip flops

 

 95% of the people on the beach in Naples thought the Gulf was too cold to go in. Erin had no problem. She really is warm-blooded.

 Continuing the theme of traveling with superfluous ridable toys, the new neighborhood where Nana & Grampa live was perfect for scooting. 

 

 

 

and the backyard was perfect for Tessie toddling

 

Tessie and Riley the dog became instant best friends

 

 The older girls got their first makeup session with Tia

 

Looking all grown up 

 Again Caroline had her birthday in Florida, the big oh-seven

 

 Tessie was between ear infections on this trip and snuggled up to many of her relatives

 

 Christopher came down from Tallahassee to see us

 

 Who are those silly girls?

 

The pool in the housing development was heated and a big hit with everyone

 

Tessie letting Riley clean her up

 

We can't do this every winter

January cold & sick

Max learned early on that next to this floor heater is the warmest spot on cold winter mornings. Caroline tries to absorb some heat  

Erin's gets even closer

Over MLK weekend Mom had to go to a conference in Vancouver and Grandma Joan & Grandpa Ed came up to help. Meanwhile Tessie got sick, then Dad, then Erin, then Grandma Joan, then Caroline. Mom returned and got sick, too. 

Teddy did not get sick, and she watched Erin's dance class

Three in the bath

One weekend Spy Pond was skatable and Caroline got her first taste of outdoor skating

When not being entertained by others Tessie sometimes beeps her own nose

 

The girls have discovered Mom's wardrobe

 One night Erin snuck a grapefruit up to bed to play with. The next morning we found this description.

Caroline's party for her school friends was held at the pool at Hayden Rec Center

Playing on the seats at the food exhibit at the Museum of Science

Caroline's eating habits would have kept her well-fed in the Aztec world, but picky Erin would have had a tough time

Tessie's wiped out and so are the older girls

 One morning Tessie put on Caroline's fuzzy gloves and kept them on the entire time

Now that's how to stay warm

Tessie will give big running hugs

The girls reveal their family plans

Tessie loves the fridge farm