Saturday, April 30, 2011

Florida with Friends

We finally took another "friends trip" with the Agemas and Thomsons down to Naples but this time with our 6 kids in tow....it was a bit different experience from our non-kid days down in FL. We went for 5 days of crazy, non-stop swimming fun.

The first day we arrived was a long day -- our flight was at 6 am and the Harris household in particular was going on no sleep due to Sydney's flu episode flu the night before (see previous post). However, it didn't take long for everyone to settle right in and jump in the pool.

The week was a crazy kid fest. Days were spent soaking up sun, splashing in the water, swimming until your skin was wrinkly, catching fish, chatting and eating....the nights were spent relaxing watching Bulls/Blackhawks playoff games, eating sweets, enjoying wine and more often than not going to bed exhausted! I will admit, there was a feeling of impending doom all week as we waited for the next person to get the flu but surprisingly the only ones to fall victim were Gavin (super mild case) and Dave (pretty rough case).

We all loved hanging out and watching out kids have the absolute time of their lives together. As I always say: I love their love. And I do. So fun to watch how much they love to be together and hear their little voices each morning saying "where my friends, mom?" I hope this tradition continues for many years to come....with a few non-kid trips thrown in there for the parents from time to time too. :)

We celebrated Easter morning with an egg hunt of over 80 eggs! The kids loved it!

Even sick Sydney was getting in on the action.

Lauris collecting her bag full.

Jackson is reaching up high.The Easter Bunny must be a little taller than Gavin. Sydney on the hunt.All the kids with their bags full.


Ready to break them open and check out the loot.

The Agemas wasted no time getting to the good stuff.
80 eggs can get messy fast.

Another Easter surprise-- the Easter Bunny (aka Grandma Judy) sent SPECIAL Easter baskets for each kid...individually marked and packaged. The kids were in HEAVEN!
Gavin's new book and other goodies.
Sydney checks out her new big girl cup.
Poor Syd after being on a food strike for 24 hours FINALLY found something that looked good to her....and proceeded to eat the whole can.
Lisa & Dex with a new toy from the Easter bunny. Pool time with the girls.Sweet Dex cat napping in the warm outdoors.
Uncle Zak and Syd testing out the water. Easter dinner out ....no smiles but no tears which is a success. Harris Family....and Jackson (I couldn't bring myself to crop the little cutie out!) :) The ladies and their thighs. Every inch is kissable. Our handsome boys. Seriously, look out ladies. Adorable Agemas. Best buds....that won't sit still.


The Thomson Four. Huge Toss. Amanda, Ella & Jack turning on the charm.
Sydney's "cheese" face. Jumping in....a little blurry but the grin on her face says it all. Daddy's girl. Syd & Mommy Sydney loves Auntie Lisa's attention....and Auntie Lisa is only too happy to oblige her.
Hot tub time with the girls.
Jack and Syd....their relationship continues. For some reason, they always gravitate to each other. An attempt to get the moms and kids together.
Ladies only...Syd, Amanda, Jen, Ella, Lisa, Lauris. Practically an even weight distribution in my arms....haha.Lizard hunting!
Dave shows off his catch....while Zak reels one in. Nap Time!! Even the rain didn't keep us out of the pool. Syd and Ella hanging with the dog.

Girls best friend.

Nose to Nose kisses.

Bedtime rides.

Daddy swim time.

Getting so big!1-2-3 JUMP!! Blowing Bubbles. Agema ladies.Lo & her Daddy.Most Kissable Lips.

Her face is all sweetness.

Handsome.

"Dad-WHAT are you doing to me!?!?"Love.
We're just checking our phones and stuff.Wonder where they learned it from. These two--most unlikely to look you in the camera and give a good smile.Strong arm.Jackson's getting air.Lauris definitely does it with the most flair.
Synchronized Hang Time!Learning to float....all 20 something pounds of her.
Cannot get enough of this image. The guys.Best friends.
Oh, Sydney.
Mommy and Gavin.
The girls.