First things first --- Bubby's back in town! She spent the last few weeks up in Chicago helping the Many Margoli and she was sorely missed down here. Zaide decided to pick her up and surprise the boys with her arrival!!!
Bubby Surprise
Now, it's winter break, and you know what that means....FAMILY TIME!!! First visitors - The Glicks!
Josh finds Bubby's old cereal necklace as Mommy organizes the pantry (yay 1st day of vacay) -- At least Uncle David would appreciate me as I Address The Mess!
Matt and his fam had us over at his folk's house for some Fins (wish it were) Fun!
Derek and Allie sorting through the toys.
The boys are still enjoying their Chanukah gifts --- here's Derek putting on some finishing touches to his car-mover!
In BIG news....Uncle Alex proposed to Amanda and she accepted!!! Mazel Tov to you both!!!
Sneak preview of what's to come!
Josh is on Winter Break mode --- napping any time, any place!
The boys are glad to have Bubby back!
She spent weeks up north helping the Many Margoli!
Next up --- Safta and the Sorensens!!!
Reunited and it feels so good!
Benji and Safta.
Next Alex and Amanda arrive:
Twinsies.
Josh and Uncle Alex share in the holiday spirit.
Soon to be AUNT Amanda!
Wishing you all nothing less than a lifetime of happiness together!
Sous Chef Josh helps in the kitchen.
Grandma and Safta --- you're supposed to decorate the cake --- not Joshie!
Although he sure does look delicious!
Josh keeps a look out to make sure nothing gets overcooked.
Amanda helps with the cake decorating.
Top ingredient -- sprinkles!
Tad-ah! The finished product!
The boys get bathed and ready for bed.
These goofballs are SO cute together!
Morten and Joshua.
Benji makes his rounds to keep up with everyone.
We just got a new trundle bed for Benji's room (for when he gets a bit older), thanks to Miss Debbie and Miss Michelle Fried!
Josh gives it a go to make sure Mommy put it together well.
Uncle Keith drove down and is back for a few months --- which means more skateboard fun!!!
Skateboarding Brothers
No man left behind!
Meanwhile, Benji is entertained by his fave Zaid -- watching the football game, too!
As the rest of the crew, checks out Hollywood Beach (after waiting an hour, unsuccessfully, to canoe/kayak --- something to look forward to for next trip)!
Burying Morten.
Back at the ranch and the two inseparables continue to cuddle and watch the futbol game.
Josh can't contain his excitement when he hears he will have an ice cream party at Aunt Susie's!!!
Ice Cream with Aunt Susie
All this running around is sure catching up with the boys.
Another pair that can't stay away from one another!
The goofiness is contagious!
Mommy and Daddy celebrated their 8th Wedding Anniversary and received the best video birthday card from Grandma!
Happy Anniversary, Love Grandma.
Sad the Sorensens have reached their last day of vacation with us,
but playing where they spent their time sleeping!
Only boys would change the lyrics of a song to "toilet plunger"
Wrestle-monsters!
Art time at Grandma and Papa's.
Last stop at Patch Reef Park --- David hits off of the ball machine and the boys become pirates at the water play park!
Captain and First Mate
Taking Aim.
Protecting his brother.
This was the best because everyone was
trying to hit Josh, but the pole to the
water soaker was actually protecting him!
Trying out the balance portion of the park.
Brothers teaming up on the big kids!
Splashing Brothers
Getting Their Feet Wet
This really is an incredible FREE park.
Benji is SO sad to see Safta go! He gave her a big wet kiss on the lips on the way out and Safta said, "Ohhhh, that made the entire trip worth it!" We can't wait for your next visit, Safta!!!
Enjoying one last cuddle.
As our guests head home, we begin to plan for our next event --- New Years Eve!!!
Since these PJs were a bit big on Josh, Derek decided to give them a go! (Check out the photo-bomber in the background)!
Three goofs, ready to help Mama shop!
The boys were great as we ran A LOT of errands. Josh fell asleep on the way to our 2nd trip to Target. Derek thought he'd get out of going, but, nope --- we just made Josh comfortable:
In the New Year we will certainly have a new walker in our house. For today, Benji became a "Wall Walker"
Benji the Wall Walker
He also became pretty savvy with his walker toy --- he's even mastered turning the walker!
Benji walks with a walker
With each New Year we always wish Uncle David and Cousin Naomi a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
This year, when Uncle David left us a return message, Josh wanted to send him back this:
Happy to you, too!
We had a few friends, some kiddies, and a sleepover for New Years Eve --- it was GREAT!
Some appetizers to start the night out right -- Little bite-size dough stuffed with humus and topped with tomato and cucumber, Stuffed mushrooms (stuffed with garlic, spinach, and various cheeses), and bite sized baked potatoes with Cheese, Sour Cream, and Chives --- then we had Chinese Food for dinner, and various sweets/fruit for dessert! Combined with various beers and champagne -- it was one delicious night!
Benji quickly heads for some play time while the other kids are eating.
Dinner time!
Shlomit braves the kids' table!
Derek and the Shemesh twins have a ball!
Ella helps Derek with his crown.
Zac and Josh work on their barrel-o-monkeys.
These jokers made it to at least 10:00. Now it's time for a story with Imma!
Passed out!
Joshie stayed up pretty late, too -- but looks so sweet sleeping.
The next morning we headed over to the Schank's for their annual New Year's Celebration!
Good thing Benji called us to "report" his brother to us!
The hostest with the mostest!
The Schanks have serious security -- this duck chased us to the car (and then chased Mommy, again,
as she had to go back for a forgotten bottle).
This duck was ferocious and not intimidated at all!
Back to our house for dinner with Grandma, Papa, Uncle Alex,
Amanda, and Uncle Keith. Yay for bath-time in the sink!
Benji tries to play from the game night his
folks and Uncles had the night before.
We headed down to Hollywood to have a special dinner to visit with Cousin Maya (her first road trip to South Florida)!!!
Nobody made it there awake --- somebody can't handle their New Year's!
Opening her belated Chanukah present.
Mommy made her a tuffet with the patterns and materials used in Maya's room.
We think she likes it!
Benji is not sure about sharing his Bubby, though.
Zaide and his man, Benji!
Benji gets to know Harley a little better.
Aunt Shana loves to deal with meltdowns.
Cuddle time with Uncle Brian!
Ready to eat?!
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers....
...and ALL the toppings!
Josh attempts to work-off his dinner (and so does Aunt Shana).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Barbags
Maya is such a sweetie!!!
Harley tickles Josh with kisses.
Hugs back at ya, dude!
From both of the boys!
Benji Sit-n-Spin
Playing "Instruments"
Josh SO wanted to sleep at Bubby and Zaide's house, but we said it would be too busy with the company. Then, two seconds later, they called to see if Derek and Josh wanted to sleepover! Now THAT made their year!!! (Benji is sad he couldn't stay, too).
It was a great visit and we love when the cousins can get together to play!
Wishing you a WONDERFUL 2016 filled with peace, love, and happiness!
That tuffet is amazing!!
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