I was awakened last Tuesday morning to my phone ringing. When I answered, it was Nic. He simply said he called to ask me if I wanted to go to Florida today. You see, his parents were headed down along with his aunt and uncle to meet up with his cousin and niece who were already there. They all had been trying to talk us into going, but I did not think we could or should. Nic quickly twisted my arm and talked me into packing up the girls and heading south. I bought the ticket at 8:30 AM, dropped Jac off at preschool, came home to pack and clean, picked Jac up from preschool, drove to airport, and was on the plane on my way to Florida by 4 PM. Needless to say I was spent, but super excited about the chance to get away. The flight down was fine and both girls were gems. It was an awesome trip! The girls spent lots of time at swimming and jumping into the pool.
Here is Shan (Nic's cousin) with her daughter Sophie next to Jac and I.
Jac is still a little unsure of the sand, but definitely getting more used to it. Izy on the other hand crawls around and consumes as much sand as possible in a matter of 30 seconds. I love this picture of her precious backside!
Aunt Cara came over to hang out and the girls thought she was pretty cool.
I packed a backpack of toys for Jac to take with us. Note to self: never bring this backpack anywhere again...ever! Anytime it was in sight she insisted by way of tantrum on walking while rolling the backpack behind her. She is definitely a touch on the independent side, but I really do love it.
Sophie was so into the fish that one of the fishermen on the pier had caught.
One of my favorite things about going to Florida is waking up, sitting on the porch, and just enjoying the waves. Jac and Izy seemed to enjoy this as well.
We had to collect a few shells to bring home.
Izy...
Jac...
The girls played really well together in the pool. Seriously it was such an awesome and surprisingly relaxing trip. Thank you so much to my in-laws for all their help as well as Aunt Debbie, Uncle Duane, and Aunt Shan Shan!
I had some matching dresses for the girls that I was more than excited to dress them up in for a small photo shoot.
The last night, Friday, we headed out to dinner. The girls were so cute sitting in these "big girl" chairs.
I am not quite sure what Jac is up to here, but boy does she love her some ice cream!
This vacation was much needed for many reasons. One, I needed some sunshine in my life! It just makes me happier all around. Two, I needed to destress a bit. My phone and computer was not working while I was there so destressing I definitely did! And Three, and maybe the most important reason, I needed to know that I could go on vacation with 2 kids and actually enjoy myself. The past few trips we have taken with the girls have been not quite as relaxing for an assortment of reasons, but this time I actually took deep breaths, everyone seemed happy, and we had fun together! We missed daddy a lot, but am so thankful he sent us to Florida. I pretty much have the greatest husband ever!
Jac's preschool had a special Thanksgiving lunch that my mom and I attended. She was dressed as an Indian, but not wholeheartedly involved in the song she was supposed to be singing!
We headed up to my grandparent's house for a few days. Steph thought it would be a good idea to try a new recipe for cracker-chocolate covered strawberry-hot tamale turkeys. They actually were not to bad.
Jac and I made some table decorations for Thanksgiving dinner.
The morning of we ran the 5K in Detroit...the Stuffing Strut to be exact. It was a fun, new tradition. And hilarious because about 1/4 of the 10ooo runners were dressed up in some interesting costumes. Hence the guy behind Jenni with a Christmas tree on his head...
After the run, we had Christmas with my grandparents, played a game of football, and then feasted. The girls were champs and enjoyed the day thoroughly (in their matching outfits made by my grandma for them)!
The day after Thanksgiving, we hit up a Christmas tree farm to see Santa arrive. Izy could not care less who was holding her at this point. Jac on the other hand was not so sure...
The HCS boy's football team made it to the state championship on Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. We made the trip...with the girls...and they won! 
Jac loved it! She was jumping up and down, clapping, and cheering. Precious! Izy somewhat enjoyed it as far as enjoying football games goes for 7 month olds.
Fun with Aunt Jenni...
And Aunt Steph...
The last day my family was here we celebrated Christmas with them because we don't get to see them on the actual holiday. 
The girls were so into the presents!
I love family time! And hate the days they leave. I know that they are living exactly where God wants them, but sometimes I pray that God would change His mind. Until then, we will keep making amazing memories and spending as much time together as we can. I love and miss you all ALWAYS!
