And we're off!

We were having our tile done while we were gone, looks like Dexter was coming. We were up way too late doing this, having to get up way too early to leave, but I'm so happy it was being done while we were gone. This would not have been fun while I'm home with two kids. 

Three carry ons, two checked, one of which had clothes to return to Brandi she lent us for Clara, I'm an over packer, but not that bad. Oh, and don't forget two car seats. We were a sight to see, to say the least. 

Attempt at a selfie. 

Tried again.

We only had one tantrum, about 14 long minutes, but thankfully that was it. To defend her, we sat waiting to take off, not moving, no AC, it was miserable and she looked like she was going to get sick. 

This sweet boy. He was so good. I could tell his ears bothered him on the way down, but we made it without a peep other than happy chat. 

Her hand on me makes me happy.

Fi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally! This little sweetie is the cutest thing I've seen this side of the Mississip, I could snuggle her all day, all night. I'm pretty sure she is the size of Clara at one month of age when Clara was a day old. 

My happy place. 

These pictures make me feel so at home, this is Christmas day to me, I wouldn't rather be anywhere else in the world.

Proud grandparents! 

She is seriously the cutest little pumpkin, just look at that face.

What a cheeser.

Silly girls.

One happy, beautiful mama here!

Bedtime stories. A lil bit of excitement! 

Happy Birthday America!

We try so hard for family photos, they just don't work.

Look at this cutie! 

Someone has been having a great time! 

So happy to spend time with these two, Everett is too! 

I love this sweetness, both of them! 

My pumpkin Elsarooski and I.

Oh Keebs, you're the best! 

I love this picture.

So much fun. 

Back home :(

I think we were all still half asleep at gymnastics on Saturday. She is looking at daddy while stretching. Aint Krissim got Clara her leotard, she loves it! 

Awe, daddy's helper, with a wedgie! 

Every morning...

In case you wondered what every morning looks like in our house. It's this. Clara sitting on her potty and Everett wanting to play. 96 percent of the time, she is goofy with him and says, "He's saying get your paws off me sissy" and she giggles and he giggles. The other four percent she'll whine, "Mama, move Bubba, he's in the way." I make her compromise and help me find a toy or something to distract him, hoping she learns how to get some personal time when she needs it, without my help. 

I love these two. Their faces, their grins when they interact, make me complete. 

The rest of the trip...too short :(

We celebrated Harry's bday with him! So fun! Kristin made sloppy joe sammys and Kylie whipped up some sausage for the two year old requests! ;) It was nice to be in Dode and Gramp's again, with a happy vibe. I know both would be so happy it's being used. 

This girl is so silly, and sooooo sweet! 

I love these two so much! 

Oh Cuba Lake, how I miss spending summers with you! 

Of course this is when I got the shot, but I'm still adding it. Clarie loves to see her aunt Pinny!

Brandi and Nick's cottage, amazing. 

There are so many little things I miss about NY, this is one of them. 

Nap time for everyone, even the duck. 

We love you aunt Becky! Miss you so much Miss Rebecca! XO

Tea time anyone? Evan is adorable, sad we didn't get to play more with him. Next time! There's only so much you can cram into five days. 

What?! Tylie in NY AND FL?! This girl is everywhere! Now, get back down to FL! 

Aint Krissum meets Fi!

Spagarri dinner, thanks uncle Nicker for your special sauce ;) 

Gift exchange! 

"Hmmmm, aunt Barbie, let me think about that...okay, you can take me home with you!"

Everett was beat, and SO glad to be in grandpa's arms! 

Love this couple! Happy birthday Harry! 

Seepy babies. 

Crazy girls!

"something was on my head!" Got them to look, but not smile. I don't know how photographers take pics of toddlers, it's the worst! 

I hope this is all you hoped and dreamed of for your big 2-0 Harry! ;) 

This is one tuckered out little girl! 

Sistas

Aunt Pinny and Uncle Zimmer. I'm so sorry we didn't make it to you. :(((((((( So so sorry! We love you so much! Thank you for coming to see us! 

Xmas pj shirt, heals, But, no pants...I recall brushing my teeth in this fashion too, and I'm pretty sure your daddy had to help me too! ;) Pahahhahaggagaga, those days are over! 

Quick boat ride before we had to go! Thanks dad and Al.

This life vest didn't last the whole way, poor baby. 

No, I didn't cut any sweet bangs, my hair is finally growing back after losing it, again, after having Everett. 

A bit colder than the gulf. 

I wish I would have taken this the other way, with the lake in the background. :/

Stopped to see grandma Sue. I know she'd give anything to be here with these two nuggets. Gosh I miss her.

Close up of her board on the new Cuba sign. 

I loved the old sign, but I like this one too. It is a great place to call home. 

Clara loved seeing the Amish. I felt bad taking a picture, but it is pretty amazing to have grown up in such a neat "small town USA" scenario. 

Valley View Drive! This beauty is what Nick and Brandi drive home to daily. What a view! I appreciate this beauty so much. My motion sick self will never miss the hills, but you can't beat this...especially in the fall! 

The Porcello home. So beautiful! If they only had a little rain this summer! 

Passed out. ALMOST transferred this time, so close. She woke when he laid her down. I'm so envious of parents with kids that stay asleep from the car to the house. 

Someone else is dead alseep.

Clara was a rock star on the way home. She was so happy and behaved, even when her ears bothered her. Everett slept like this pretty much the entire way. She was up until we got home at 12 and was up past any of us. I laid with her in her bed and remember falling asleep to her jibber jabber. Whoever says to keep them up and "they'll crash, or sleep in" was not referring to my children. Our motto is: The less they sleep, the less they sleep. The more they sleep, the more they sleep. Holds true for both my babies. 

Someone loves her shows. 

I'm so lucky, he wakes and is happy. This is 11:45 when Andre and Clara took the shuttle to get the car. We had glow sticks to keep the rave going. A mama was walking in circles around me with her screaming baby. I'm so lucky to have this guy, he makes life so easy on me! Thanks Bubs-a-dubs.

What a pumpkin.

Great trip home. Thank you Nick and Brandi for hosting our stay. They go above and beyond to make us comfortable and have everyone over so we don't have to be out late and can get the kids to bed. Their home is literally one of the most comfortable places on this planet. Thank you Barb, Kylie and Kristin for the gatherings with food. Thank you to my entire family for putting on everything, grandma's memorial/celebration, never sure what to call it, was perfect. We just showed up, everywhere, spun in circles trying to hold conversations, entertain kids and rush out to get the kids in bed. Thank you, for an amazing trip home! It was perfect.