Thanksmas 2011

Over the last few years it has become the Dice family tradition to celebrate Thanksmas. With us not wanting to travel for both holidays, and be able to spend some time with the kids at home too, this has become a great solution, and celebration.   It's perfect, 5-7pm Thanksgiving time, 7-9pm Christmas time. All is said and done in day's time, with football on tv to top it off.   Grandma made a delicious thanksgiving dinner, with all the tastes of home, and Granpda did his best being silly for the kids.  Above is a picture of the cousins, Hannah, Drew, Jacob and Lucas.   Hannah and Lucas became little buddies playing together and having so much fun. Drew did his best to not bite anyone, he came close.. we left the trip with only a few assaults to his cousins.

Drew loved opening his presents, and is starting to figure out what all this Christmas stuff is about. One of his favorites was his "home depot" leaf blower with goggles. He wouldn't put it down all night, it was a huge hit.

Hannah loved playing with her new ride on toy from Jeff and Nikki, she has loved scooting all around the drive way. We are excited to be able to play all year round now.. even though it is calling for flurries in Atlanta this week... brr. 

And finally, Hannah and Drew with Grandma and Grandpa.   They had such a great time and always end up being so sad when we leave. Hannah and Drew are already asking when we will see them again.

Thanks so much to everyone for a great Thanksgiving weekend, We enjoyed seeing everyone and we loved spending time together. Happy Thanksmas!

Sandestin Weekend Getaway - Day 3

Our last day on the beach was in the mid 70's, sunny and really really windy. The perfect temperature, just needed that wind to slow down a bit. The kids played on the beach in the morning, then finally went inside for a little movie time and craft time with the girls while Drew napped, and once again the boys watched some football.

And Drew, always smiling, having fun. In the evening, we all went out to the village and had some seafood and let the kids play on the playground. They had fun and loved every minute of it.

We had a wonderful getaway, and wonderful time with the Renick family.  We are so lucky to have friends close by, and friends that enjoy the beach as much as we do!   Until next time guys!!  Thanks for a great weekend!  

Sandestin Weekend Getaway - Day 2

Day 2 was more and more fun in the sun, Hannah, Drew, Lauren and Gracie played on the beach all day. Some other kids did the hard work of digging a big hole in the sand and the kids enjoyed filling it up, and digging it out throughout the day.  Todd and Scott stayed inside to watch the Gator game while Drew napped later in the day, and in turn Amanda and I spent a little time at the outlet mall near by and picked up pizza for everyone.

I think they spent all day in this hole :)

Amanda and I put Todd and Scott in charge of sunset pictures before we left. They got some great shots of all 4 kids. They were all smiles. They must had been pretty silly to get them all smiling at the same time!

Out little miss Hannah

And not surprising, out little Drew. Still in the hole in the pm :)

Sandestin Weekend Getaway! Day 1

This weekend we went to Sandestin, Florida for our rescheduled Labor Day weekend vacation with the Renicks. As it turns it out, this was the perfect weekend after all. No one was sick, weather was good, and the perfect ending the summer and time to get away as the weather is getting cooler.   Hannah and Drew loved their trip. They were so giddy and excited the whole car ride there, yet very good passengers to our relief.  The beach was beautiful, white sands, and crystal blue/ green water, hence the name the Emerald Coast.

Drew and Hannah wasted no time at all playing in the sand. Loving every minute of building sand castles, mermaid tales, and burying feet in the sand. 

Later in the day, finally the Renick's arrived. Hannah was once again, back with her buddies Gracie and Lauren.  She was so excited to see them, and it is so fun having them so close by  ( 6 hrs close vs 20 hrs away :)   We have been lucky enough to see them more in the last 6 months than we have in the last 10 years!

Everyone who checks the blog here and there probably knows how much I love sunsets on the gulf.  It is my favorite time of the day to spend time on the beach and watch the kids run around and play.  I love to capture the colors,  and to listen to the kids say "nigh night sun" :) 

Drew watching sunset,  saying "night night, see you tomorrow"

I love the colors here... even more beautiful in person :)