A few days before we headed South, we let the kids open their presents at home. It was a joy seeing them excited about this and getting to spend time together, so I'm going to begin with pictures of our Christmas at home before sharing our Florida pictures.
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Our trip began with a stop in Starke, FL (a small town just outside of Gainesville) to have lunch with my college friend, Olivia, and her two boys. It was so good to see her and catch up since we don't get to spend a lot of time together these days. Being states away makes that a bit difficult, but I'm so glad our schedules lined up enough to spend a few hours together.
My has life changed in the 10 years since we first met at UF!
Then we drove to Gainesville and took the kids to the University of Florida, our alma mater, and let them run around the stadium a bit to stretch their legs before continuing our trip.
Go Gators!
When Chris and I were engaged, we had a good friend take some engagement photos of us around campus. One of the photos we took together was with this "bull" gator- the kids wanted to see it and take a silly photo next to it.
So glad we got to do that with them!!
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One of our afternoons in Orlando was spent at Disney Springs. We took the kids to the Lego store and then had a wonderful lunch with family.
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On Christmas Eve, we stopped in Tampa to see my mom, dad and step mom.
The first picture I'm posting of that trip is quite funny because, well,
you will see...
Our son was using a small shovel to dig some dirt out of a pot my mom had outside on her porch. He kept throwing the dirt onto her porch, so when we told him he had to keep the dirt in the pot, this was the face he made. Lydia took this picture and happened to capture the moment. ;)
His unhappiness didn't last long though. Here he is with my mom enjoying a tickling sesh.
Family photo- the first of a couple that we took with family.
<3
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Next stop was dinner at my dad and step-mom's house.
The kids enjoyed some good food and opened some more presents.
One of the gifts they got were swim goggles- you can see that they thoroughly enjoyed wearing those around their house. :)
Ring Around the Rosie, anyone?
Family photo #2.
Before heading back to Orlando, we stopped at the Wiregrass Mall and took a family photo in front of this gorgeous Christmas tree there. This is the spot where Chris proposed to me 9 years ago! My how time flies!
It was fun telling the kids our story and being able to take all 3 of them to this special spot.
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We also spent Christmas Day at Chris' brother's house- good food, gift grab, and great memories. Here are a couple photos taken from that night.
Gavin was very excited to help Mema and Jim open their gift grab presents. ;)
Amy and Gavin having fun- Gavin kept asking her to pick him up to sit on her shoulders. I think he finally realized that was his last turn and she wasn't going to do it again (and rightfully so!). haha!
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One of the places we wanted to take our kids was Sea World in Orlando.
The kids really enjoyed seeing all of the animals there and learning a bit about each one of them. They said their favorite parts were the orca show, playing at the kids play place on the nets, and watching the ice skating show.
Turtle Trek!
Our oldest, Tess, asked one of the guides at Turtle Trek a question and she was given an information card to keep because of it.
Our collector of little things was pretty excited to take home that card!
We stopped to see the penguins...and man was that place cold! Needless to say, we didn't stay at that place too long before heading to see something else.
Orca show at Sea World- The last time I remember watching this was with my 4th grade class when we took a field trip to Sea World- in 2009. Much has changed about the show since then, but it is still pretty amazing what these whales are capable of.
The kids were pretty fascinated by them.
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Another part of the trip was spent with friends and a shopping trip to IKEA. There will be a post about that coming soon.
Here's Chris and Lydia, with her balloon hat that a lady made for her at Dave and Buster's. She got one-on-one time with daddy while big sis and I shopped at IKEA. Little brother stayed back with Mema and Poppie to spend quality time with them. :)
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Family photo #3 with Mema and Poppie! :)
Here's to a New Year coming very, very soon! Can't believe 2018 is just around the corner!
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