The Carroll's BIG Adventure!: A Tale of Two Christmas-s

Our first Christmas involved a trip to Florida to spend some quality time with Kevin's family. Leo was a champ on the flights. I strapped him in the Moby carrier and we cruised through the airport. Leo took his morning nap on Mom on our way to Denver and then played and napped on the way to Tampa. Kevin's Mom (Grandma JoAnn, or RaRa, & Grandpa Jo, or Papa Jo) were waiting for us with smiles. The most difficult part of the travel for Leo was sitting in his car seat on the way to Venice Florida. But he worked through it, as we all did, and we enjoyed our first sushi dinner of the trip.

Here is a photo of Leo and RaRa in a cute Christmas outfit.

and Papa Joe... who totally had the secret bounce rythmn that would put Leo into a peaceful sleep when needed.

Leo and I took a walk one day to help him take a nap... Kevin snapped this photo on our way back to the house.

Oddly the weather in Florida was nearly as cold as Boise when we landed but warmed nicely into the low 70's. We ate sushi everyday - much to Kevin's delight - enjoyed some delicious Italian food - much to my delight - and played "Hand & Foot" with Kevin's grandma Irene, then later with Ryan and Melanie (Kevin's brother and wife). This is a card game, it involves risk, strategy, and the ability to add (which under pressure I learned requires me to peel off my socks and use my toes.... pathetic, I must invest in flash cards!)

This was the first time Ryan and Mel got to see Leo. We've been showing Leo pictures and telling him all about them... so I think he recognized them both. Smart kid :) Here's a pic of Melanie holding Leo after he's been swaddled, she wasn't so sure he liked it... thought it seemed a bit confining - I agree but Leo still seems to find it soothing.

Melanie also introduce Leo to Pooh... not sure if he is whispering to Pooh about how pretty his Aunt is, or giving him a slobbery kiss, or both! I think both.