Florida Trip - Day 6

Monday we were up early and at Kyle's at 6:45 AM. We needed to get on the road as we had a sixteen hour drive ahead of us.

 It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. Hugging Kyle made me tear up - he is such a good guy and I will miss him so much.

 Craig's turn! (And look at how skinny he is getting - he has lost 125 pounds since January, 2016!)

We were on the road by 7:20 AM. But this time, not only were we going home, we were stopping at Cole and Emily's in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for dinner!

 Kate was not nearly as shy as she had been a few weeks ago when we visited for Emily's birthday.

And Julie came running out to hug us and say "hello" when we arrived. (That always makes your day!)

 

 Cole came home from work early. We ate Greek food for dinner and celebrated Kate's first birthday (which is actually July 29.)

Emily had said that Kate liked fluffy and furry things, so Craig found her a stuffed dog that fit the bill. (Look at that smile!)

 Plus, it came with its own pink house!

 It took a bit to free the puppy from its box.

 But when she finally got to hold it, Kate was thrilled!

 She loved her puppy!

 This is just a random shot of Craig holding Kate, but I love how she is looking up at him.

When it was time to get back on the road, I asked Cole to take a picture with me.

 I was planning on the standard mom/son photo like this.

 Cole had other ideas.

 He grabbed me in a bear hug...

... and gave me a big kiss!

Which, of course, made me cry. Again. Just like always when I say goodbye to one of my children.

Murfreesboro is six hours from home, so we rolled into West Lafayette at 1:30 AM Tuesday morning.  We were exhausted, but glad to be home and in our own beds. Florida is a long way away, but this trip for Addie's birthday and to see family was definitely worth it!

Florida Trip - Day 5

We began Sunday with waffles and eggs. Church wasn't until noon so we had a fairly leisurely morning. Kyle left at 10:30 for meetings, and we headed back to our motel to change into Sunday clothes.

Addie wanted to sit with me during Sacrament meeting, and held my hand most of the time. It was so sweet! She also wanted me to meet her ballet teacher who was a Primary teacher. She said that Addie was truly gifted as a dancer. Having seen Addie dance, I was not surprised. There is an ethereal quality about Addie as she performs.

 After Church, we just enjoyed being a family and hung out together.

Kyle played with Whitney for a while.

 Looks like they wore each other out!

LuAnn is a Family History consultant and she helped Braden and me with some questions that we had about our genealogy. (Corinne just cuddled up for fun.)

Addie read (and completed) several books while we were there, and spent time Sunday afternoon reading on her grandparents' bed.

One of the things I like about Florida is that there are lizards everywhere. I saw this house gecko on the sidewalk as we came out of Church.

It was our last evening together as Craig and I were leaving early Sunday morning. Hard to believe time had gone by so quickly.

Florida Trip - Day 4

Saturday was Addie's baptismal day!!

 She was very excited.

 Ashley set up a lovely memorabilia table.

Addie was excited to show me that she was wearing the necklace we gave her for Christmas last year.

 The family.

 Braden and I took a selfie.

 Daddy and Addie just prior to her baptism.

 Afterward there were refreshments for everyone.

 After lunch, we went swimming in our motel pool. 

 We only were in the pool for about twenty minutes when lightning and thunder drove us indoors.

For dinner, Kyle grilled salmon, tilapia, asparagus, and mixed veggies. It was delicious. (Good thing there was a covered porch to protect him from the storm!)

The Weavers, Craig, and I babysat while Kyle and Ashley went out for some fun as a couple. I played Fireball island with Braden (he was SO excited to play), Luann, Craig, and Corinne.

Next up? Sunday's activities!

Florida Trip - Day 3

Friday was a busy day. Ashley's parents were flying in later that morning, and so Craig and I were going to watch the kids while she picked them up at the airport.

 Corinne, Whitney, and I played a Disney guessing game. (Good thing I know my Disney characters!)

Whitney and Addie went with Ashley to the airport (Kyle was at work) and so Craig and I took Braden and Corinne to the park to play Bocce.

 Corinne and Braden had a go on the playground for a bit while we set up the game.

 The park's lawn does not have St. Augustine grass, a species that most Floridian lawns have and is very coarse like crab grass. The park's grass was much finer and easier to walk on.

 Braden shows great form!

 Despite it being fairly early in the morning, we were all getting hot and sweaty and so we called it quits after a few games and went home.

Braden and I played chess for a while, we all had lunch, and then Ashley arrived with her parents and a carload of groceries from Sam's Club for the baptism.

The afternoon passed very quietly - chatting, playing games, and just enjoying being together.

 Skip-bo with the kids, LuAnn, Craig, and Ashley.

 Judging by her smile, I would say that Corinne has a good hand!

 Whitney and I took a selfie. (She really likes to sit on laps and hasn't been shy this trip at all.)

 The kids are singing at Addie's baptism and so they had a practice late afternoon.

Kyle got home around 6:00 and after dinner (Ashley made pizza, including a Keto pizza for Craig!) we spent the evening chatting. Kyle, Craig, and I got in a game of dominoes, too.

Rather a quiet day, but there was lots of family time involved!

Florida Trip - Day 2

Thursday was Addie's 8th birthday. We were pleased to be in town and able to celebrate with her.

We brought ballet necklaces and bracelets for the girls, just as a fun gift, not as part of the birthday.

 Addie.

 Corinne.

 Whitney.

And a Lego set for Braden.

Craig is such a good grandfather - he got down on his knees to play a game with Whitney and Corinne!

 Whitney seemed particularly attached to him.

 She gravitated toward him all day.

Braden whomped me at chess. (But seriously, dude! Reading a book while I take my turn?? Guess I am truly no threat. Hah!)

 Addie had a visit from the woman who leads the music in Primary. She had a baptismal gift and flowers for her.

 Braden really likes to play games. We played Missionary Impossible and Sorry.

For dinner, Addie wanted hotdogs cooked on the grill, potato salad, watermelon, and chocolate cake. We opened gifts after dinner.

 I want to receive this card for my birthday!

 Blowing out the candles.

And reading Zia, the sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins that Aunt Lisa got her.

It was a fun day! We stayed until a little after 11:00 PM and then headed back to our hotel for the night. Can't wait until tomorrow!