A Trip to Sunny Florida!

Being coy with the giant dog that Grampa & Gramma bought me. I am not spoiled am I?
Playing Jingle Bells at the mall after meeting Santa

I also got a bike from Grampa & Gramma... here's Grampa trying to help me ride...

And they had a wagon for me... I liked pulling as much as riding...
Swinging at the park with Aunt Kay -- my favorite!

As you can tell -- I LOVE swinging!

Swimming is a close follow up to swinging!

Swimmin'! I was so glad I got to go swimmin'!

Last week, Tati and I got a quick respite from the freezing cold temperatures of Michigan during a trip to see Grampa and Gramma in Florida! This was the first plane ride for T since being home from Russia - and guess what - NO FEARS! T was a champ! Our flight on the way down was delayed, and other than being bored in the airport, she handled the delay well. We even got lucky enough to have our own row and she managed to fall asleep on the plane for an hour or so. For a kid that typically needs no distractions to fall asleep - this was a big deal!

We had a great time and great weather in Florida! As expected, Tati was spoiled by Grampa & Gramma! They had a bike, a wagon and a stroller ready for her use. And oh yeah! A pool! We saw an alligator, visited Great Gramma Helen, visited Aunt Kay, Uncle Dick & Kara and -- saw SANTA CLAUS! Silly mama left the Santa picture at the mall after lunch, but thankfully some kind soul had found it and turned it into the concierge desk! WHEW!

T was highly impressed with the warm weather and the fact that she was able to wear capris, shorts and go swimming again. While mama wouldn't trade a white Christmas for anything, I think Tati would give away any toy for the ability to swing and swim everyday. The girl is a fish. Grampa & Gramma (and their friends The Steve's) were amazed by T's lack of fear of the water.

Mama had a great time taking a break from work (my first real vacation days since Russia!) and just hanging out with T and Dad and Sharon. It's wonderful to see the holidays through a new set of eyes!

I have noticed as I get older, I have huge expectations for what I think Christmas SHOULD be, and most years, I am disappointed. All build up, and then it goes by so quick, I forget to enjoy it. It's hard to not enjoy it with Tatiana around. Years back I was living in the Detroit metro area. I'll guess it was 1994-95ish. My gramma was still alive and I was wrapping up some last minute errands before heading home for the holidays. The song "Sleigh Bells" came on the radio, it was lightly snowing and I was done with work for the year. I had a sense of joy and happiness wash over me with excitement and contentment that I'll never forget.

I felt that feeling with Tati this past weekend, and it's the first time since then that I can remember it! Merry Christmas everyone!