Florida

We had a fantastic week in Florida with everyone (see group picture to see who was there). We swam in the pool and soaked in the hot tub (the Fritter Freezer and Fritter Fryer, respectively, according to Maggie Lou), read books - aloud and to kids, took naps - alone and with kids, went running (well, some of us) and took walks, went to the playground, went to the beach, went fishing, threw rocks into the canal, went out on the kayaks and paddle boats, made cookies, decorated the tree, celebrated birthdays (Luis's and Baby Jesus's), played games, played with toys and ate lots and lots of good food. And while all of this was fun and relaxing and exciting and an all-around great time, it was the quiet moments in between that made the week so great. It was watching Franklin patiently share his toys with Luis or watching Solly give a sweet kiss to Baby Eston. Watching Diego get Baby Eston to stop crying and fall asleep (so that Randolph and Lauren could join in on the game playing happening that night). Finding Randolph asleep on the couch with Baby Eston asleep on Randolph. Watching Alison teach Luis to decorate holiday cookies. Seeing Sandy, Maggie and Franklin splashing in the hot tub. Listening to Bibi read books to her grands. Seeing Dodie and Randolph come in from a run together. It was the way that everyone pitched in with everything - childcare, cooking, cleaning - so that we all had more time to enjoy each other.



We all took a lot of pictures. And with so many people and so much going on, well... it was very difficult to narrow them down.

It was such a wonderful week and I am very grateful to Mom for putting it together and to my siblings for bringing their families.