Christmas Florida Style

Drew and I headed to Florida for Christmas with the Lowerys and the weather was absolutely gorgeous this year. Highs in the 80s with lows in the 60s. God really had his hand on us this trip with the weather. We left Tyler early Christmas Eve morning and had probably one of the most turbulent plan rides I have ever been on. Imagine, little puddle jumper with 5 passengers bouncing and dropping all over the sky. I have made serious progress in my fear of flying, but the Lord must have felt it necessary to keep my ego in check. We did arrive in Florida safe and sound. The first thing on our list, enjoy the sunny weather with our nieces.

We headed to Belleair CC for Papa's birthday gift and grab some yummy lemonade.

We attended Episcopal church Christmas Eve and really enjoyed the time with the family. Gay had shoulder replacement surgery a few days earlier, so we were very sad that we could not share the mass with Gay and Roger.

I thought this was a great snap of the family in our Christmas best.

After church we headed out in Clearwater Bay for a quick boat ride and some Santa watching. Caroline and Claire found him in the sky! It was really a great time.

Where are you Santa? We are looking for you.

This is a great pic of Allison and I. Crazy Claire decided to hop in at the last minute.

Our nieces truly have a love for animals. Here is Rosey, their pet hedgehog. Rosey was actually really neat, but I had different thoughts on Cinderella. Caroline's class has a pet rat and guess who is taking care of her over the break. Oh yeah, Cinderella really made my skin crawl.

This pic reminded me of my childhood. One of my greatest joys as a kid was licking the remains of icing mix from my Mom's cooking. We made homemade whip cream for a pie and Claire and Byron just could not get enough.

Bedtime for the girls on Christmas Eve. They were so excited about Santa coming.

Caroline with her stocking. Lots of goodies.

We could not forget Windsor too.

The most popular gift this year, Guitar Hero. Caroline did really well with this game. Drew and I are big fans because it gets you up off the couch and really gives you a mental workout.

Drew is rocking out on his pink Aly and AJ guitar.

I got in on the action too (this is one of my favorite stress relievers at home).

Guitar Hero had a beginner option and Claire rocked it like a champ.

Another fan favorite this year, a basketball goal.

Uncle Drew playing a little one on one with Caroline.

Drew was teaching Claire how to bribble between her legs.

Shoot and score for Caroline.

Windsor fetching his buey.

Master and commander.

Gay came home from the hospital later in the day on Christmas so we waited to open the rest of the gifts with her and Roger. Here is Byron opening Claire's gift.

Lots of goodies. Aunt June and Uncle Tom sent the girls really cute dresses.

Roger gave Guitar Hero a shot too.

Drew working on his ski jump on Wii fit.

The girls are really into arts and crafts. Santa brought them neat bottlecaps that you could decorate.

The day after Christmas we went for another cruise, this time into the Gulf. It was really a beautiful day!

Say cheese Lowerys.

We had a great time visiting the Allison, Byron and the girls over Christmas. Allison and Byron thank you for the great food, fun and family time. We really appreciate all the hospitality. We are really excited about the upcoming move to Alabama because we will be able to share more time together in the sun. Christmas was so lovely this year. Stay tuned for the Lovoi Christmas pics. . .