I am so blessed.

 The other day, my sweet girl came down the stairs, all prettied up for the boys' piano lesson.  She was so very proud of herself.  I made sure she knew I liked it, but I had to wipe a bit of it off before we left--a slight "touch-up".  :)

 My friend gave me her Wet Swiffer.  Samuel offered to figure it out for me and proceeded to mop the entire house!  With only two bedrooms that have carpet, that's a whole lot of mopping!  He is so helpful!

 Philip offered to make our Jiffy pizza crust, and put on the toppings!  He is such a sweet little cook!

Here, he is even offering to cut the apples into fourths.  He was very careful.

recesses :)

Philip's birthday party with his grandparents!

Florida: Day 1, Friday the 23rd

 lodge pool

 Bitty Baby fun!

 lodge park

 Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota--#1 beach in USA--the sand is white and soft like flour

 This is the very girlie I went to when the sea gulls bothered me . . . she would chase them away and protect her Auntie!!

 This was so cool!

Florida: Day 2, Saturday the 24th

 Henry was sitting here looking at his friend's family's Christmas card all thoughtful-like.  He said he missed him.  :(  He lives in Michigan.

 Christmas Eve children's program at their church.  Sophia and Philip were recruited as a wise man and an angel.

 Sarah made me a super nice birthday dinner of lasagna, green beans and . . . baklava!!!  Super tasty!

 Samuel watching Uncle Clint at church

 Pearl was a perfect, sweet, thoughtful Mary.

 I got to play with Harper!

 She was so super sweet to her Auntie Cheryl during the program.  It was like she knew Mom and Dad were busy helping!  cutie pie  :)

 Thanks Mom and Dad for the birthday gifts for me and the fun stuff for the kids!

 Harper liked baklava as much as I do!

 wise men . . . or wise guys?  j/k  :)

 swimming at the lodge

Florida: Day 3, Sunday the 25th CHRISTMAS :)

Pearl made the neatest gifts for each of us!  This is my flower.  She is so creative!

Harper loved the bear Sophia gave to her!

Yummy Christmas dinner.  The potatoes were amazing, Sarah!  Look at Cal's plate in the top left corner.  He was super excited about the noodles!

Harper loves her stroller that Sarah and Clint gave her!

Harper is enjoying her pancakes in her new plate we gave her!

 Henry played so much with this and this alone for several days.  He really enjoys his toys.  So sweet!

 The guys took the kids on bike ride to see the kids' school.

 a lizard

 hot tub on Christmas . . . really?!

just so stinking beautiful!!!!!