Building a Snow House with our neighbors
Joe and Amy really enjoyed building the snow house outside, while Caleb and Emma really enjoyed decorating it. Meanwhile Mike and Erin really were enjoying the thoughts of heading inside and warming up! :) Ok, ok even though it was freezing, I'll admit- it was fun!

Emma Ice Skating
After a few teary eyed rounds with Mama, lamenting about how hard ice skating was- Mama decided to take a break and let Emma have a go on her own. Emma who had been clingy and whiny with me out on the ice, became strong and determined once out on the ice alone. She even tried a few times without the skate learner. Though it was hard for me to step away, I was glad I did. I think we both learned a lot out on the ice that day!

Busch Gardens
Emma's fever finally broke the full last day we were in FL, so we headed to Busch Gardens for a little fun. Emma still loved the Wild Surge ride. Grandma looked a little less excited to ride, but was a great sport and even rode twice! Emma also got to be the navigator on the Rhino Rally ride which was a lot of fun for her (and for us to watch!). We also had a blast watching the baby gorilla play with her papa and nurse with her mama. So cute!!

Valentine's Day at the beach!
Yes, we had the beach to ourselves. It was a little chilly but it was fun and beautiful just the same. Love the winter jacket and barefoot look Emma is sporting. :)

The Love Boat; A Valentine's day ride on the ferry
What a fun day to celebrate all types of love!

A few of the Valentine's day yummys!
Pancakes with strawberries and cream (and syrup!) made by Grandpa and Emma for breakfast; heart shaped mini egg dishes for lunch made by grandma (forgot to get the picture!); and heart shaped pizza for dinner. Yum, yum!!

Sharing a little Valentine's Day Love!

A very wet (but fun!) day at the MOTE Aquarium

A fun day at the Jungle Gardens
A few of the highlights for Emma (besides the playground with swings!) were the chance to hold a baby alligator and a de-scented skunk, and to feed the flamingos!

Yes, we are Michiganders
So what if it was only 59 degrees outside- the pool was in the mid 80s! Of course, a few of the Michiganders were a little wimpier than others (read Mama and Grandma MA) and had to wait until the pool was at least 90 to get in! :) Emma loved her time in the pool with Grandpa Byron!

Emma and Grandma Mary Ann posing in front of the artwork Emma painted for Grandma and Grandpa's Florida house.
Emma worked quite hard on this masterpiece and was thrilled when Grandma and Grandpa hung it up immediately!

Emma's New Glasses
After a recent tumble which ended up breaking her glasses, Emma and I went shopping for a new pair. She loves them!! She wanted to have a photo shoot before school today, so I happily obliged. Last night she let on why she loves them so much- "My glasses look just like yours Mama!" Of course mine are black and hers are red, but they do look a lot alike. I am thoroughly enjoying these moments that she still wants to look like me! ♥

Fairy Princess Tea Party with Grandma Sandy
Grandma invited Emmie to a tea party over the weekend. Emma did a great job of pouring the tea and truly enjoyed all the fancy little dishes Grandma had prepared. Everything was beautiful! She had so much fun she even asked if she could stay the night!! :)