Journey to Florida/Playdate with FJ

One great thing (among many!) about Michael still being in school is that he gets a whole week off for Thanksgiving, which we did not get as undergrads at Florida.  He had class and then worked in the clinic on the Friday before, but Saturday morning the car was packed and we made the long trip to Pensacola.  (A drive I will not miss.) We had just turned Paul's carseat forward-facing and I made lots of little toys to keep him entertained.  I was hoping for an easy trip!  And while it wasn't bad, I don't think an 8-hour ride in the car can be easy for a family of five, including an energetic toddler and two cats.  We stopped 3-hours down the road just north of Jackson, Miss., to deliver bow ties to Michael's cousin Harper and his wife Gini.  It was a wonderful excuse for a fun visit!  Paul had so much fun playing with Eli and we got to meet Abe.  I can't even describe how hard it was to get back into the car afterward.  Not to mention Paul did not want to leave!  But within minutes, he was sound asleep, and slept for two hours, which was a blessing since he does not sleep well in the car.

Paul giving Eli a hug.

OK guys, I know what this looks like, but they are really just high-fiving!

Sweet sleep!

We made it to Pensacola at a decent time, and pretty much crashed.  Sunday, after mass, we went to Carolyn and Austin's house for a fun playdate with Felicity!  Paul and FJ get along so well.  They had a lot of fun playing together throughout the week!

Paul ALWAYS wants to play football/basketball/soccer.  He points out every ball and hoop he sees, gets upset at the store when we pass balls I won't let him play with, and shoots hoops throughout the day.

We told him to give her a hug.

This dog (in the foreground) sang Christmas songs.  Paul was equally enthralled and scared.

Actually going down the slide!  Yay!

Won't let go of that football, though.

I love this one!

She is such a cutie!  She kept demanding that I take her picture.