Some Pics of the Holidays!!!

The Christmas season has come and gone quicker than we could ever imagine. We kep telling ourselves it will fly by, so let's enjoy EVERY minute of it. We did just that. Mimi and Papa were here for the holidays. We feel very fortunate that they're able to spend the Christmas with us and share the excitement that we experience each year, especially now that Avery is getting older and a new baby coming.



Christmas morning - excited to see what Santa brought. Yes, Avery is enjoying a sucker at 7:30 Christmas morning while he realizes there is a John Deere Gator in our living room.

"Wow, this thing is cool.....let me test drive it in the house, shall I?"

The best shot of a "family photo". (The nerve of us to try and pull Avery away from the gifts)

Avery, Mimi and I enjoy lunch at Cha Cha Coconuts while Rico and Papa play ANOTHER round of golf.

New Years Eve. Daddy is working so Mimi and Papa take Avery and Mommy to dinner. Avery makes a great date.

Jadyn and Avery's Gift Exchange!!!

Another Christmas tradition.....BFFs exchange gifts. These 2 are like peas in a pod and watching them together whether it be riding bikes, sharing (or not sharing) bubbles, opening gifts or having lunch is truly hilarious and sweet all at the same time. Right before Christmas we get together with the Bresters for Christmas dinner and to open gifts. In past years, it has been the adults getting together, throwing back several cocktails and opening gag gifts from each other. As times have changed, we get together, have a nice meal, enjoy a cocktail or 2 and watch the kids open gifts. It has only gotten better (and more sober).



Quietly, shyly opening gifts timidly from one another........


"Wow, an easy bake oven. Can we bake NOW?"

"Avery, you are taking too long. Let me help you."

Avery still in awe over his silly bands......

Jadyn shows Avery his new Cars fun pack.

Oh what fun it is. However, it is approximately 2 weeks after Christmas and both kids are still asking for "more presents".

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2010

The Christmas season brings so much excitement to our family. We have already developed so many memories and started many traditions to continue throughout the years as our family expands and the children get older. This year was our first time to experience Disney World at Christmas time, and my oh my, was it something to experience!!! We ventured to the Magic Kingdom with the Bresters to attend "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party". During the day, Magic Kingdom felt just like the Magic Kingdom....lots of rides, lots of characters, good eats, fun treats and lots to explore. At night, the Magic Kingdom seemed like an entire different place. The Christmas decorations, lights, and overall experience was like no other. It was simply MAGICAL. The weather was chilly, but we were well prepared for it and it only added to the experience.





On our way to the park. Avery is bundled up and still isn't quite aware of the excitement that lies ahead.



Jamie and Jaxon waiting on the tram to the Magic Kingdom

A stop at the Grande Floridian Resort for some photos.

A Brester Family photo:

Just arrived to the park. Where to start?

A view down Mainstreet:

Daddy and Avery on the Carousel, DEFINATELY Avery's favorite part of the day.

Now Mommy gets a turn with Avery on his horsey.

Jamie, Jadyn, Jessi and Avery on the carousel for about the 6th time.....one of the joys of NO LINES at the park, you get to ride as many times as you want.

The chitlins in AWE over Tiger and Pooh

Who goes to Magic Kingdom and doesn't ride "It's a Small World"

Getting Avery's attention off the ride and onto the camera was a challenge right here.

Rico and Pat just finished riding go carts with the kids. Or wait, a more true caption would read "All the kids finished riding the go carts."

A bite to eat at the Starlight Cafe would fill our tummies for the rest of the night.

Rico's favorite part of Disney: The Buzz Lightyear ride:

Jaxon is waiting patiently to go on Space Mountain. (kidding, we didn't take a 4 month old on a roller coaster)

The entire gang getting ready to claim our spots for the big parade.

"Shhh, please just wake me when the parade begins."

A view down Mainstreet at night time. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!!!

A view of the castle at Nightime: B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L

The lights and decorations were indescribable!!!!

Rico and I waiting on the parade to begin while Avery snoozes in his stroller and Baby Boy snoozes in my belly.

Jadyn and I snuggle to keep warm in anticipation of seeing Santa Claus. Logan leans in for some snuggles too!!!

Being serenaded while we wait. Had to get a picture of this cheesy quartet.

Pat and Rico hangin out on Mainstreet

The parade begins: THE MOMENT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

Piglet and Winnie the Pooh make an appearance.

Mickey Mouse, you silly bastard, we've looked for you ALL - DAY - LONG!!!

Another awesome float. This parade was FIRST CLASS all the way.

And, at the end of the day, we have two VERY SLEEP CHILDREN. Jadyn snoozes in the front while Avery hides under blankets asleep in the back!!!

The 2010 Sarasota Christmas Parade!!!

Its THAT time of year again. CHRISTMAS TIME!!! Avery is to the point where is starting to understand "Santa Claus"and it makes for tons of fun during the holidays. Saturday was the annual Downtown Sarasota Christmas Parade. As tradition would have it, we loaded up the kids, the lawn chairs and headed downtown with the Bresters for Dinner at Barnacle Bills then outside to watch the parade. The weather was PERFECT, which added to the success of the night.


Jadyn shows Avery what she is going to order off the menu.

Avery shows EVERYONE what he's going to eat.

Making Lionel Richie proud.....Dancing in the street.

Baby Jaxon LOVED every minute of the evening. Snuggled in his warm jammies, kids to entertain him and a full belly. What more could he want?

Rico and Pat enjoy a cocktail and wait for the parade to begin.

An attempt at a family photo: dark, blurry and Avery looking the wrong direction.

Glowsticks, Christmas Carols and the road to play in......... Just what the kids wanted.

Jamie, Jessi and Jaxon say CHEESE!!!

Time to sit still and watch the parade. Santa is bound to make his appearance soon.

"Whoa, look at all the people."

A group shot