More vacation photos

I uncovered these photos hidden on my mom's camera from our trip to Siesta Key. I thought they were blog-worthy...

Yes, those are margaritas in our hands...yum!

The whole gang, with Gavin pulling my hair.

How uncomfortable does that look! While we watched the dolphins (does it have an "s" if it is plural?) playing just off the shore, Gavin napped with his head at a 90 degree angle.

I like the cheesy smile in this one.

And here's a not-feeling-so-great toddler pre-roseola. So cuddly!

Evel Knievel

Gavin, 2010

Gavin, 2030 (age progressed)

Illness Recovery

While on vacation last week, Gavin began to just not be quite himself a couple of days before we came home. He woke up from his nap on Thursday and felt extremely hot. We checked his temp and it was normal. He was irritable, tired, not eating well, more tipsy when walking -- just not our normal happy, active one year old. Concerned, we took him to Express Care at his doctor's office last week Sunday. The physician he saw examined him, didn't find anything obvious wrong, and thought that maybe teething was the culprit. Then, Monday evening, Gavin developed a rash on his belly and back. I did some research and (not that I'm qualified to do so), self-diagnosed him with roseola. Back to doctor on Tuesday -- roseola and an ear infection (though I don't think the ear infection was the main source of Gavin's symptoms). So, our poor little guy is in the midst of his first antibiotic experience.

By Wednesday, he was back to his old-self...with a vengeance! He is eating like a champ, toddling all around, giggling, being silly, just like nothing ever happened. It's very reassuring to have him back! Here he is enjoying BBQ pulled chicken that Brad made...his hair especially liked the yummy dinner.

Gavin's beginning to enjoy the opportunity to run around outside with the fantastic weather we've been having. I think he likes the texture of the grass under his feet. It takes a little adjusting to get used to it.

Vacation Catch-Up

We just returned from a glorious week of vacation in Siesta Key, Florida. The weather was beautiful as it always is. And it was just splendid spending a whole week as a family. I haven't had a week off since my maternity leave, so it was well-deserved.

Gavin had a great time and did very well with the travel. Here he is exploring the airport at Midway, Chicago. He is such a happy little guy and loved flashing smiles at strangers in the airport and on the airplane. It is neat to see how accepting infants and toddlers are of people who they don't even know. And how a toddler smiling can bring a smile to virtually anyone's face. He was quite entertaining to the people sitting behind us on the way down to Florida, playing peek-a-boo over the seat.


My brother Tim was able to join us this year for a few days. Here we all are (minus me and my Dad) just after a beautiful sunset.

Lots of photos like the one below from our expansive balcony overlooking Crescent Beach, the most beautiful sand in the world. We have been going to Siesta Key for the past six years for spring break. Every year is fantastic.

This year, we stayed at a different condo complex -- switched from two studio condos to one two bedroom, two bath condo that we shared with my parents. It was lovely. The condo was as large (if not larger) than the main floor of our house. It had two large bedrooms, walk-in closets and two huge bathrooms. The walk-in closet was large enough to serve as Gavin's room. Overall, much larger than the "old" condos from our visits past. And sharing a condo is much easier when you have a little one. Brad and I were able to get out in the evenings on a "date" while Grammy and Grampy watched Gavin.

Gavin enjoyed walking the beach and dipping his feet in the ocean. The water was colder this year due to the unseasonably cool winter and spring in the south.






And the pool was a hit as well. Gavin had a great time kicking his feet and going 'round and 'round in the "motor boat".

Thanks for the ride Dadda...


The sunglasses were a hit, for about a minute. Maybe later this summer they will actually stay on Gavin's face.

We spent Easter Sunday on vacation. The condo complex hosted an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos staying there. Gavin didn't quite get it, but did collect some eggs with a little coaxing.

And the Easter Bunny visited us in Florida as well. He just hopped right up to the third floor to deliver some candy (for mom and dad) and some sand toys and bubbles for Gavin.

Half-naked breakfast in Florida is just the best!

Sayonara until next year Siesta Beach...