Sunny Southwest Florida

Oh how nice it is to enjoy Christmas vacation in sunny 80 degree weather.  We had a wonderful two week vacation to Atlanta, Orlando, and Bonita Springs.  In addition to the Aquarium, Universal Studios, and Christmas, some of our best days were spent playing at the pool, deep sea fishing, collecting sand dollars at the beach, and taking naps in the sunshine.  The kids loved swimming in the pool the most because they have become better swimmers over this past year.  Most of all, we just loved having the time to not rush through our daily lives but rather enjoy a lot of time together with our family.   Happy holidays from Bonita Springs.

Sophie at the Fish House

Enjoying a fruity drink after fishing

Sisters at the beach

...acting silly

Mom and VV selfie on the beach (we didn't have our selfie stick!!)

Concentrating on her sand castles...

Love her "I just woke up from a great nap" expression

Lucy's gift

Lucy didn't know what to make of her present from the Binkowski kids.

Christmas morning

Santa did not disappoint these kids on Christmas morning.  He remembered that they were going to be in Florida and delivered lots and lots of presents for all of them to enjoy.  The Binkowski kids each got an iPad mini and the Guebert girls got Leap TV, among many other things.  The kids were really good opening their gifts and taking turns from youngest to oldest.  Grandma must have been really good this year because her pile was quite large with a new iPad and set of golf clubs.  We are so grateful for the gifts we have, but mostly we are grateful for our family and the love we have for each other.

The reason for the season

Rodger and I try to do our best to teach the girls the true meaning of Christmas.  Sophie and Abby love watching their Christmas Veggie Tales, and their favorite show this season was the Little Drummer Boy.  When the priest presented the baby Jesus in the manger, the girls were so excited that they asked to take their picture with Him after mass.  Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Guebert photo

Sophie's creation of our family at Christmas time

Hooray for Disney

We can't go to Orlando without a quick trip to see Mickey.  Well, we just went to Downtown Disney but it was here that we decided that it's time to book another trip to the happiest place on Earth.  We will be going to Disney World over spring break and then on the Disney cruise for Christmas next year.  What can we say... the Gueberts love their Disney!!

Minions at Universal Studios

Well, if day 1 was all about Harry Potter, then day 2 was all about those Minions! Here's my favorite photo from the Minion Mayheim ride at Universal Studios.

Thanks for the vacation Grandma and Papa

Anyone want a ride?

Grandma hanging out at the Portofino Hotel

Our weak attempt to get all of the kids to smile and wear their minion shirts together.

Ba-na-nas!!!

Early morning shuttle at the Portofino

Abby's just hangin' out

Sophie said this was the best day this year!!

Abby and Sophie climbing the ropes at Jurassic Park

Harry Potter at Universal Studios

The Binkowski family was really excited to be invited by Professor McGonagal to attend Hogwarts.  Each of the six kids were dressed with their capes and wands.  Ava was lucky enough to her her wand pick her.  The highight of our day was going on the new ride four times (and not waiting in line for it thanks to child-swap and fast passes).  We loved the new train ride as well.  Ava was the most excited for the experience and she introduced Sophie to the Harry Potter movies.  Sophie only had nightmares one night of our trip!  In addition, both girls are planning to be Hermoine for Halloween next year!

Mae and Ava in Diagon Alley

Ava showing off her magic

It's "lev-i-ohhh- sa" not "lev-i-oh-saaaa"

Cousin love

At the Station

Grandma and the girls on the "Flight of the Hippogriff"

The Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium

I hope to post video of the whale shark on here, because they really were amazing.  For now, here are some other pictures of our visit to Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium.  

Sophie's holiday dance

Abby's holiday dance

Abby... the funniest three year old I know

Ready for Hogwarts

Performing in ballet class

Her Christmas gift to Mom and Dad

December Daily Artwork

Both of our girls love to draw and color.  They come home from school daily ready to show off their proud accomplishments.  I have chosen to take pictures of the best ones and keep the files to see how they improve through the years.  Here are just a few from December.

Sophie loves to put our initials on her work "VRLSA"

Sophie made this one at church.  Notice the details of the candle wicks.  She even showed it to the priest.

This is one of Abby's masterpieces.  Notice the well drawn star!

Winter Wonderfest 2014

Hooray for Chicago's Winter Wonderfest for giving us yet another fantastic day this holiday season.  This year, we met up with Kate, Jack, and Raina for fun with friends.  Here's a few of our favorite pictures from the day.

The Gueberts and Ahlfelds waiting for the train

Lots of fun being had here!!

Selfie with Miss Susan

Abby is so adorable

Sophie and Raina being silly on the Santa chair

Kate and Susan having fun

Jack is one of Abby's besties.  He is her first love (and first boy to have a sleepover with)