We spent new years eve and the beginning of January 09 in West Palm Beach, Florida with Grandma Gaile and Zadie (Marvin). Our initial departure was quite tumultuous but we were so glad to arrive to the warm weather and GG and Zadie. We spent our first day resting and getting acclimated - we opened presents for Hanukkah and then enjoyed playing with them.
Zoe got to sleep in a big girl bed ... which she enjoyed, and she enjoyed climbing out of it as well. Back here in New Haven she is still sleeping in her crib, at least for the moment.
Swimming was so much fun, and we went as often as possible. The kids were very brave and did quite a bit of swimming on their own (aka with water wings). We were impressed with Zoe and hope she is as fearless next fall when she is old enough for lessons. Zachary practiced his skills from his lessons and returned to New Haven quite excited to resume. Mama and Daddy enjoyed the time in the water as well - and the hot tub breaks!
We took the kids to the Palm Beach Zoo where we enjoyed seeing the kangaroos and tigers. Zoe actually LOVED the tigers, and it was hard to pull her away. However both kids rode the carousel with Mama which was probably for more for her then them. There were lots of good sculptures to pose by. We missed the new panther cub by a day ... next time!
Out for pizza dinner ... YUM!
Daddy and Mama went to Ft. Lauderdale and stayed on the beach (alone) for a night. Thanks to GG and Zadie for taking care of Zachary and Zoe. We enjoyed our ocean view and a nice dinner, we posed just before heading out. Later we found new sunglasses for the kids which they gladly sported upon our return.
Palm Beach, the kids were so excited and as you can see both loved the sand and the ocean waves. We were so glad they liked it so much and hope to plan a family trip to the beach early in 2009 summer. Zachary asked lots of questions about the waves, and enjoyed collecting shells to bring home - including some he took to school for show and tell. Zoe did a lot of digging and carving in the sand and loved the seagulls.
Squint and you can see that it says Zach & Zoe in the sand. Also a distant shot of the kids enjoying the fun of the beach.
After the beach we took the kids for ice cream and boy was it yummy. Just like her Daddy, Zoe loves milkshakes - in fact she loved her daddy's milkshake!!
The kids enjoyed all the fountains at Cityplace and then Mama attempted to carry both kids to the car ... not sure what she would do if she had to carry them more often - they are heavy!!
We were heading out to dinner on our last night to celebrate Mama's birthday (hooray for 35) and we took some family photos. Not to bad we thought, almost everyone is smiling, but more importantly the kids and the grandparents look fantastic!
We are grateful for good health in 2009!!
