December 25: Brrr!

Merry Christmas! Sarah’s favorite present is a shirt that says “off to the zoo” and has many zoo animals printed on the front. Amy’s favorite item is a stuffed animal black-footed cat. She was also excited to give Carl her creation of a book of pictures of Star Wars characters. On our Christmas Eve, she told me what she was most excited about was giving that gift. We all enjoyed a game that Carl found involving planting bamboo and having a panda eat it. Sarah has been especially into pandas lately so it is perfect. 

We had our present-opening morning on December 23 before heading to Florida. It isn’t quite the balmy warm atmosphere we were dreaming of, but we are appreciating that it is warmer than Pittsburgh. But, it is 30 here once you factor in the wind. We wear our winter coats and have adjusted our plans to include more indoor activities. So far we haven’t actually done much of anything, which is also great for a vacation. Tomorrow we plan to go to the Tampa zoo. You know what shirt Sarah will wear! 

Yesterday we put on our swimsuits, winter coats, and flip flops to get down to the outdoor hot tub. Carl, Sarah, and Amy did get their feet wet in the ocean. Carl and Amy braved the heated outdoor swimming pool, and all of us enjoyed the hot tub. At least for a little while. I had decided to stay in the water until one child wanted to go back to our condo but after many minutes with the cold spray blowing from the top of the water into my face, Carl suggested I could go inside if I wanted. My face was clearly not having a good time. I’m not sure if I will go in the water today, though my counterparts may. 

Sarah likes to go on short expeditions from our rental to the exit sign down the hall. The hall is outside so her ventures are quick. 

Today will be full of watching tv shows and movies, snuggling, reading, playing the panda board game, eating, and doing crosswords. 

I hope you are all snug and warm.