Sanibel, Florida

We got back from our vacation in FL yesterday after an unexpected pit stop in Minneapolis thanks to Delta's delays. It was fun to see pappee and gagu and extend our vacation by one day. But we are happy to be home with Bella after a wonderful vacation.

We met up with Deanna (Dan's sister) and Ryan and their two boys Brennan and Gavin at the Minneapolis airport and flew to Fort Meyers with them.

Allie spent a lot of time just watching her older cousins. It usually looked something like this.

We found out that Allie LOVES the water and basketballs. It is a good thing we had plenty of both!

Brennan loved the water too. Here he is with "Big Dan" as he liked to call Dan.

The kids loved playing out front. Especially cleaning up all the leaves in the driveway!

Since Allie isn't walking yet, she had to be creative when moving around the brick driveway and the pool deck. She figured it out after only a couple of days!

The beach was a HUGE hit! We went to Captiva's beach and rode bikes to Bowman's beach. The kids were in heaven!

Allie's first time on the beach. She looks a little confused.

She told me she loved the view.

Getting ready to try the water with daddy.

She didn't like it. But, it was freezing cold since it is still only February. Mommy couldn't even go in.

Dan, Allie and Brennan walking the beach. So cute!

Dan, Deanna, Brennan, and Allie.

Family photo!

The kids loved playing together.

Allie loved eating the sand.

And eating the noodle.

Mommy loved Allie's ruffle butt.

This is what happened on the drive home from the beach.

And then it was bath time. It was impossible to get a photo of all the kids looking at the camera. This was the best I could do.

Dan's mom, Barb, joined us late Saturday night. Having Nana there was the best!

This one is a framer!

We had dinner one night at the Bubble Room on Captiva. It is a famous restaurant for kids. Brennan loved it. Gavin wasn't so sure about all the Santas that were there.

Dan, Allie and I went fishing one day. Dan caught a lot of fish!

Fishing was exhausting for Allie.

Allie loved a lot about FL, but I think her favorite was that her dad was around all the time. Here they are playing by the pool, which they did for hours each day.

My pretty girl!

It was a wonderful vacation. Thanks Gagu and Pappee for letting us stay at your beautiful place. I'm really going to miss this view!

VACATION

We're in the middle of our Florida vacation and although I thought I would keep up with blogging, I'm much too busy relaxing and having fun!

Since Allie could fit in the overhead compartment, we decided she could come!

I'll be back soon with updates on our fabulous vacation!

Happy Valentine's Day

Today Allie made her first ever homemade Valentine's Day Card. She's only one, so hopefully your standards aren't very high!

She loved drawing with the crayons. She did not love posing for a photo.

Inspecting her work.

Valentine's cards aren't nearly as exciting as an empty Baby Einstein DVD case.

She did enjoy walking her card in the stroller.

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day spent with the ones you love!

A Twinkle of Mischief...

Allie and I are taking Kindermusik and on the first day the instructor said, "Allie has a twinkle of mischief in her eyes!" I love this description because I think it is true. Not because she's naughty, but because she is so curious and active. What do you think? Do you see that twinkle of mischief?

Allie is a very curious baby, always looking for the next thing to get into. This morning, it was kleenex!

I do love Saturday mornings with Allie. I get up with her so that Dan can sleep in after a long week. It's just me and Allie, relaxing and knowing that the entire weekend is stretched out before us. We play, we laugh and we wait for dada to get up to join in the fun!

Have a great weekend!