Happy New Year!

Holly Jolly Trolley Ride

This Christmas Greg's Mom and Dad drove from Ohio to celebrate with us. We had a merry good time! On their last evening with us, we took them to downtown St. Augustine. We went on the Holly Jolly Trolley Ride that takes you around St. Augustine at night to see all the beautiful lights that make up the Nights of Lights. We all received 3D glasses to see the lights in a more elaborate and festive way. We sang songs and enjoyed a cool evening (figuratively and literally) on our tour.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace..."

Romans 15:13a

*Photos by Lauren E. Sykes

Last Weekend

Gabby and Matthew participated in their first piano recital. The party was for the students only. Their piano teacher said they did wonderful. Here they are all dressed up after the fun time at the party.

Winter Wonderland
Gabby and Greg Ice Skating

Gabby, Matthew, Greg and I all had a turn on the Ice Slide

All aboard!

Reindeer Run & Christmas Parade

This year Matthew wanted to participate in the Reindeer Run. The Reindeer Run starts 5 minutes before the annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade. Participants run the Parade route which is approximately 1.5 miles long. Last year Matthew sat in the stroller with Alex while Mommy, Daddy and Gabby ran. He was excited about running it this year. We almost did not go when we woke to rain. We decided at the last minute to chance it and I am glad we did. The rain stopped and we were able to participate as a family in a fun race. The parade route was lined with people who clapped and cheered on all the runners as we went by. Matthew ran the whole race with the exception of one short 20 second, I'm-tired-can-we-slow-down-walk and then was back at it again. I think some of the cheering spurred him on.

Gabby took off and Greg stayed with her. The girl is like a gazelle. It looks effortless when she runs. Unfortunately, they were so far ahead of us that I did not get any pics of her running this year.

Matthew approaching the finish line, while Daddy and Gabby cheer him on.

Congrats Matthew on your first Reindeer Run! Great job Gabby, who shaved 2 minutes off her time this year!