November in Florida

We decided months ago that since we could only go to Florida once this year, that we would make it a longer trip. So we went for almost 3 weeks. This was Audrey's first flight and Addison first flight that she remembers. They both did really well! Some of these pictures I took, some Addison took.

Addison was Grammy's helper in yoga while Audrey and I hugged palm trees.

Grammy and Poppy set up a nice play area outside on the patio for the girls!

 We spent the first 5 days out on Sanibel beach.

Addison was thrilled about this "tide pool"!

The pool felt a little cool, but that didn't stop these girls!

Colin hit a home run for these girls!

Pre-beach breakfast!

They are here! The girls were so excited to see these familiar faces.

Audrey loves her Aunt!

Grammy has better decorations than we do!

We love this driveway!

My not-so-little girl.

Captain Bradly!

Helping Aunt Tiffany make centerpieces.

 Outside and FREE!

Thanksgiving dinner was jam up!

PIES

 Papa's plate!

Madi!

Thanksgiving group

Nana and Papa

Ritter Family, minus Austin and Benjamin.

Madi sandwich

Tiff and Rob

Girl cousins, plus a blender

Grammy and Poppy

Grandpa

We took a trip to the Shell Factory! The girls loved this crazy place.

Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni.

 Best Santa. Audrey asked for a dragon, Addison asked for a toy hamster, Madi asked for boots!

A really fun day shopping with Grandma and Grandpa!

Addison brought her camera and so most pictures of that day are of the many fountains of Miromar outlets!

Grandpa turned 70 and took us bowling!

Roller coaster simulator

Back at the beach, wearing her new dress from Grandma!

Helping Rob with his sandcastle!

Homesick Audrey. By the second week, she missed home and Daddy so much.

The girls had a blast picking out and decorating the tree for Grammy and Poppy!

We got to visit Madi's house and meet Minnie!

Steve brought down bins and bins of things from the attic for us to go through. Barbies, trolls, sheet music, stuffed animals, pictures, scrapbooks, family videos, millions of things. So we purged and got to share some childhood toys with the girls!

It was a great trip! 

When we got home, all the leaves were gone and it was time to set up our own tree.

Fall Leaves

The fall leaves are magical!

Catching a sea lion show at CP Zoo.

 Our train station, the L at Bedford Ave,

Little Orchestra Society, Vivaldi Four Seasons concert!

Picnic at the Billy Johnson playground in Central Park and then fun on the granite slide! Here is a short video:

Election Day

During this campaign, I have not talked negatively about either candidate with the girls. They are far too young and pure to hear it all. I did share with them that there is a chance for there to be a female president for the very first time. Addison was thrilled by this and each time we would pass by her picture on the sidewalk, she would excitedly tell me about it. This morning she woke up first and asked me who won, and I hugged her and let her know the results. She let me know that one day she could be president.

"And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and to achieve your own dreams."
--Hillary Clinton

I truly believe making America great again starts in the home. Our children hear our every word and watch our every choice. Each day I have the opportunity to show the girls what it means to love people, all people. I have the opportunity to be respectful and kind to my children and to people around me. And honestly, my children show me how to love and respect others. They are already so full of love and concern for all of those around them and those around the world. Daily they see so many different types of people and yet I don't know if they feel the differences. As they get older and start hearing and seeing that hate and evil also exists in the world, I believe it is my job to make sure they don't doubt their value and they possess the confidence to shine.