Mama took Zachary and Zoe to visit GG and Zadie for winter break. Although our travel was a bit rough almost missing our connecting flight - we made it and enjoyed fantastic weather and got to celebrate Hanukkah with GG and Zadie.
Zachary and Zoe each got to light a menorah and were required to say the blessings and sing in order to get their presents. Flat Stanley came along with Zachary and joined us for candle lighting.
Now that both kids are free of training wheels, GG and Zadie bought the kids bikes to ride while we visited. The kids really enjoyed the freedom of being able to go out and ride anytime. Zachary often took off and rode around the entire 'cove' in his own and Zoe went further each ride. We rode to and from the pool, and Zoe and Mama even took a ride around one of the larger 'coves'. The kids skills improved tremendously while we were in Florida, thanks to riding EVERY day they were there (by choice).
At the pool the torpedoes were the big hit with both kids learning to swim along the bottom to retrieve them. Zoe was already a pretty good underwater swimmer, but she learned to be more adventurous about swimming further out in the pool. Zachary worked very hard to stay under water longer so as to pick up 2 torpedoes in a single try. Also Zachary finally embraced swimming with goggles just as Zoe braved opening her eyes underwater without goggles.
The last night of Hanukkah was extra special with final gifts that were all big hits. During Hanukkah in Florida Zachary got a watch, several building kits (legos, marble run, and some other contraption), and a new zhu zhu pet. Zoe got new Barbies (including a bride and groom), doll accessories galore, a fairy, zhu zhu puppy, and a little pony! It was quite a haul and Mama managed to fit everything in our luggage.
