Poinsettia's at U of F

 Eliza and I went to visit Papa and to see the poinsettia sale at University of Florida.

We picked a beautiful pink poinsettia, hopefully it will grow in our yard.

 We then visited some other greenhouses, most importantly the taxonimist' s succulent collection.

I took some small cuttings to add to my collection.

We also visited Papa's day lilies.

The beginning of December

 To begin December the kids made gingerbread cookies.  

Adam looks particularly thrilled about this.

Excellent kid decorating.

Merry concentrating.

 Eliza supervised while watching kids youtube.

Of course she is the boss.

Only Merry actually liked the gingerbread.

Jacob didn't participate as he had just finished a soccer game and doesn't enjoy crafty schmafty stuff.

On December 2 we went to the parade to see Jacob march in the band playing the baritone. 

The kids collected a ton beads.

 Eliza fell asleep in a bead cage Grace had made for her.

On December 3 Brian and I went to  his work party.

Luckily Grandma Stott was here to hang out with the chitlins.

 Oh yes, and there was more soccer, both Jacob and Grace played.

Grace had a goal and an assist.  Jacob was a mighty defender.

On December 4, Brian worked on his Christmas cards.   Good job Brian. 

Thanksgiving

 We spent Thanksgiving at David and Leslie's house.  Grandma Stott and Papa were also in attendance.  This is the rowdy crew, minus Addison who was taking a nap.

 The crazy cousins, Adam and Mason seem like they are having a great time.

 

 Adam showing off his - elbows?  Really I have no idea what he is doing but he looked pretty cute.

 Eliza showing the proper way to eat pie, only the whip cream.

 Grace posing by the oak tree.

 Merry taking off her boots because they were way too warm for a Floridian Thanksgiving.

Jacob playing soccer with his cousins.

A great time was had by all.

Family Pictures

 

Our annual torture session, family photos.

Do you know how hard it is to get Adam to look at the camera. 

We barely fit into this window.

Merry had a large road rash on her knee to lend some authenticity to the picture.

Typical.

More of the kiddios.

Happy Hallloween

If are wondering where the last kid is, he is at soccer practice and didn't make the Halloween pictures.

He did dress up by wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a giant mustache.

 Merry loves Greek mythology and was a goddess this year.

A very pretty one too.

Grace was a skeleton again only this year we found the pink skeleton in her size which she was very excited about.

I think she just likes her face painted as a sugar skull.

Adam was Captain America, which is my favorite super hero.

Looking fierce Adam.

Eliza was determined to be a mermaid for Halloween.

So we sprayed her hair pink and did her makeup for a mermaid, but when we went find the mermaid costume it had magically vanish so instead she ended up being a slightly deranged looking princess.

The full wicked step sister effect.

Fishing at Crystal River

Jacob, Papa and I took a trip to Crystal River to fish in King's Bay.

 I was the boat driver so I didn't make the picture.  After a minor incident driving into the shore of exiting the canal we safely navigated around the bay.  

In my defense it was my first time driving a john boat, next time I will stick to a pontoon.

The only thing biting were mangrove snappers and catfish.  They were plentiful so the fishing was fun.  Jacob has an aversion to slimy things so this is an impressive picture.

Carving the pumpkins

 Adam drawing the face.

 Disgustamus.

 Merry the pumpkin master.

Eliza digging out the guts.

Unfortunately the picture taking stopped prior to the finished products.

Taunie, Brent, Bryce and Tanner were here at sometime too.

We went to ride the Halloween train with them and visited the beach.