We celebrated Christmas 2013 with our immediate family a little early this year because we spent Christmas Eve driving out to Destin, Florida with Brent's family. We opened up our presents on Christmas Eve morning, had a big breakfast and then headed out on the drive. Harper got her first set of Magformers (we have continued to love this toy and hope to add more sets someday), a science experiment kit and some bunny slippers. Owen got a tool bench (actually a hand-me-down, but it was new to him!), a puppy guitar and some books.
We caravanned with Mimi and T-Pa, which was fun! We made it most of the way to Destin (minus a few hours), spent Christmas Eve in a hotel, and then finished the drive on Christmas Day. The condo we stayed in belonged to Amy (Kathy's daughter), and her husband Patrick and cousins Wesley and Caroline. Brian and Jenevieve and their family were also there!
 |
| Harper got her cast off on December 23rd, the day before we left for the beach. Perfect timing! |
 |
| Matching Elves! :) |
 |
| In Destin on Christmas Day -- Owen is 16 months |
 |
| Wesley buried Harper and Caroline in the sand. |
 |
| Making sand angels |
 |
| Owen was NOT a fan of the sand! Despite all our efforts, it never clicked for him. Oh well. It sure was easy to keep track of him, though. He wouldn't dare stray off the beach towel, which made our job as parents much more relaxing! :) |
 |
| "I'm happy if you will just carry me!" |
 |
| We did Christmas as a family on the morning of the 26th. Before we were ready to get started, the kids were allowed to watch a little show. Harper is cheering here as Tinker Bell came on the TV--too funny. :) |
 |
| Girl cousin pile-up |
 |
| Owen looking a little sleepy during the gift exchange |
 |
| Addy made Harper a card! |
 |
| It was not too chilly, unless you were all wet! The younger kids started out playing in the sand in clothes with the hopes that they might just get their feet wet in the water with their rolled up pants. Um...didn't happen! Who can resist ocean and waves, even if the water is cold? Pretty soon they were all soaking wet with water logged pants, so we gave up and just let them shiver in their swim suits. They had a blast! |
 |
| Before getting all wet |
 |
| Aunt Jenevieve and Holton |
 |
| And then with their swim suits on! |
 |
| Uncle Brian walked with the kids out to a shallow sand bar. |
 |
| Best cousins! |
 |
| My mom got Harper these kid binoculars for Christmas, and they were a big hit with all the kids. They also continue to be a bit hit! |
 |
| Stopping to eat a sandwich and warm up in a towel--the birds were very interested in our food! |
 |
| Evening on the beach, post dinner |
 |
| Expert dismount! :) The kids played on the playground, while Owen stood frozen in one spot because he didn't want to take any steps in the sand! |
 |
| Traditional Christmas dinner |
 |
| Addy sweetly reading with Owen |
 |
| Mimi read an ongoing chapter book to Wesley and Caroline and this time Harper and Addy listened too. |
 |
| Another playground--Aunt Jenevieve helped Owen down the slide. |
 |
| "Look! A pinecone!" |
 |
| There was a hole in this rubber bridge. Brent was sticking his finger through the hole, and Owen would laugh and laugh. |
 |
| Our last morning was a little cloudy and misty, but we took one more opportunity to play in the sand and walk (carry Owen) along the beach. |
 |
| Harper looking for shells with T-Pa |
 |
| Brent and Owen |
On our drive back home, we stopped in New Orleans for lunch. Mimi and T-Pa headed back after lunch, but we decided to stay for a few more hours and listen to some live music in the streets and walk around. It worked out great because we ended up leaving in the evening, ate sandwiches in the car and then both kids fell asleep for the entire drive home from New Orleans! It was six hours of breezy driving, just chatting with Brent and listening to radio shows together.
The only sad part of the day was that we lost Harper's two sleep friends as we walked around in New Orleans. They were in the bottom of the stroller and fell out somehow along the way. Luckily Harper has an extra set of both, but she was so sad! Brent back tracked (running) through all the places we had walked as we waited in the car, but they didn't turn up. We talked about how some little girl in New Orleans probably found them, and she will love them now and give them a good home! Harper asked tearfully, "Next time we come to New Orleans, can we knock on everybody's door in the whole city and see if we can find them?"
 |
| Lunch at Pierre Maspero's in New Orleans |
 |
| Stopping to rest as we walked around |
 |
| Harper, in particular, really enjoyed the music! Sometimes when there would be a crowd in the street, she would weave and duck her way through the crowd to get a front row spot to listen. |
 |
| Running off some energy! |
 |
| I melt at those smiles and laughs! |
 |
| Riding on Daddy's shoulders in Jackson Square |
Brent made two videos from our trip--Florida and our afternoon in New Orleans. I LOVE that Brent does this for our family. He really has a talent for taking the raw footage and cutting it down to a length that can be easily watched, in such a wonderful way. We love going back and re-watching all the old videos Brent has put together!
Beach Trip from
Brent Hughes on
Vimeo.
New Orleans from
Brent Hughes on
Vimeo.
