Vacation!

Hi everybody! I'm on vacation! We're in Florida where there is no snow at all. It is a little bit chilly today but not nearly as bad as it is at home. Let me tell you about all the fun I've had so far!
We tried to get to Florida last Friday but our airplane broke. Our flight was cancelled and we had to go home and try again on Saturday. We got to fly in the first class seats but we had to run so fast to make our connection. Mommy jogged through the big Detroit airport pushing my stroller. I yelled "Go, go!" Mom was pretty tired when she got to our gate but we made it!
We got to Great Grandpa and Grandma Abma's house and I was a little unsettled and overwhelmed. I fussed and would not go to bed. Finally I gave up and snoozed after Dad took me for a drive. We were all very tired.
On Sunday I woke up and it was bright, sunny and so warm! I wore one of my summer dresses to church. My great grandmas and grandpas had fun showing me off. I took a good nap in the afternoon and was much calmer at night.
On Monday I went to the beach with Grandma and Grandpa Algera. I saw the Atlantic Ocean! I was so excited when I saw the water. You know I love water! I could hardly wait for Mom to get my sunblock on before I dragged Grandma and Grandpa to the shore. I splashed in waves and helped Grandpa and Dad build sandcastles. I tasted some of the water and made a funny face but it didn't bother me too much. It's not fresh water like Lake Michigan. We heard later that there were a lot of sharks migrating just north of our beach. It's good they didn't come by me! When we left I fell asleep before we even got out of the parking lot and took a good nap. When I woke up all my family came over and we had a grilling party for dinner. I had so much fun running from person to person, talking and getting lots of attention. Finally I had to go to bed but I needed a walk to calm me down. Mom and Dad took me around the neighborhood and I fell asleep stretched out over the front of my stroller.
When I woke up on Tuesday I saw Mom's toes sticking out from her bed. My crib was right by the foot of the bed and I could tickle her toes! I woke her up by poking her toes and giggling. We had a good snuggle and then got up for the day. We picked up Grandma and Grandpa and drove all the way to the Miami Zoo. I had so much fun seeing the animals! I saw pelicans, flamingos, bears, tigers, camels, elephants, meerkats and so many other things! I waved and pointed until I was so tired. Mommy got me a stuffed white tiger and Grandpa got me an animal book. I had fun snuggling and reading.
On the way home there was so much traffic! The power went out in Florida and everyone was going home at the same time. There was lots of honking and it took a long time to get to the hotel. I was a little fussed. But I calmed down when Mom and I finally relaxed in our room.
On Wednesday I woke Mom and Dad up early so we could go to Everglades National Park. It was windy and chilly so we didn't get to hike as much as we wanted too. We walked the Anhinga Trail and I saw anhingas and alligators. The alligators swim around with just their noses above the water. I saw an anhinga eat a fish! Mom says she would not like to be a fish in those rivers. After that we walked the Gumbo Limbo Trail. I did not want to be pushed in the stroller, I wanted to walk it myself! So Mom let me out and I explored. I saw lots of leaves and I found a tree snail shell.
We drove all the way to the end of the road to the Flamingo ranger station and Florida Bay. The hurricanes in 2005 damaged all the buildings so it looks a little sad around there. It was getting colder and I was getting tired. So we ate our lunch while watching birds on Florida Bay and then we drove home. I took a good nap and woke up just before we got home. We played for a while before dinner and then ventured out. We went to a Cuban restaurant. The menu was all in Spanish! The food was very very good. I got to taste plantains. They taste a little like bananas. They were "yum, yum, yummy!" I think I'll sleep well.
Tomorrow we are going to visit more parts of the Everglades. I let you know how my day goes!

A snuggle for Mommy

This was me right before my bedtime...all washed, brushed, changed and snuggled. I laid my head down on Mom's shoulder and gave her kisses. I give silly kisses. Daddy got his first one today! He was afraid I only loved Mommy. Silly Dad.
I have had a happy last few days. I run around talking and playing. I get into everything! Today I found the tin foil in the drawer and ran around with it trailing behind me until Mom caught me and rolled it back up. I read my books out loud to Mom. She really likes when I read to her. I say "color" when I want Mom to get the crayons out. I made a red and blue masterpiece yesterday.
We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa this afternoon. Ally and Andrew were there too! We showed off pictures of Baby Sam. Ally and I ran around in our Elmos giggling and eating animal crackers. Andrew sat by Mom until I got a little jealous. He went to the doctor today. He is almost as big as I was when I was 1! He had a very cute outfit on because he got his six month pictures taken today. He was smiling and happy, even shots don't keep him down! He had a new tooth just like I do.
One last thing. Here are some of my new words! Color, bagel and milk. Mom has introduced me to bagels, grown up oatmeal and pancakes and I think they are great! Much better than baby cereal. I turn my nose up at that wallpaper paste now.

See me swimming!

Well, I don't have a picture of me swimming, so you will just have to imagine. I went swimming at the Holland Aquatic Center today. I had so much fun!
It's been a very busy week. It has been so snowy! I haven't been able to go outside much because it was so cold. Mom did get me out on my sled when it got a little warmer. Grandma has been having snow days and Uncle Nate had a very long airplane trip because of all the storming. At least Mom got to be on call Wednesday and we didn't have to go out in the below zero wind chills. I had fun playing inside and learning to say "snow". When it got really white outside I pointed and said "wow".
On Thursday Mom went to the doctor and she got pictures of the baby! I don't say baby when I look at them because they don't really look like a baby to me yet. We are very excited.
Today we had a lazy morning and then went to church to help set stuff up for the kids. Daddy build an air hockey table! I had fun watching and bringing him tools. I made sure he had the screwdrivers he needed, and even some he didn't. When it was all together I watched a game. It made me laugh out loud.
We went home for a big lunch and a big nap. After nap, we went swimming! We met a group of friends from church. When I walked in I ran right to the window by the pool and started pointing. Then Mom got my swimmer diaper and my new red bathing suit on. I was so excited I wiggled and kicked and pointed. I love the water! I splashed in the kid pool and played on the toys. There is a tire swing I rode on and fountains I ran through. I even went all the way under the water. Mom and Dad were afraid I would be scared but I just laughed and kept splashing. When it was time to get out I was sad! I pointed and said "no, no, Mommy!" Mom said we can go back another time.
I was worn out after that! Mom gave me a bath and I didn't even splash that much. I got my pjs on without wiggling and settled in with my blanket and Baby Bear. I can't wait to go swimming again!