Just say "UH-OHS!"

Merry Christmas to everyone. We enjoyed Riley's second Christmas on Anna Maria Island. Christmas Eve Granny Bird made a wonderful supper and then we walked along the beach and took some family pictures. Christmas morning we ate at the Beach cafe and Santa came to the beach. Riley's new word is "Uh-ohs!" He says it after he throws his food off his plate, his bath toys out of the bath, or if he is really scared. Riley's second encounter with Santa was the same result as the first one. He wants nothing to do with Santa! He kicks, screams, scratches to get away from him! Oh well:( Riley seemed to love his santa presents. We capped off the Holidays last night by eating at the Chart House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. We are all thankful to be well and happy and together this holiday season.
Baby number 2 is showing off his personality more everyday. Riley gives my stomach a "night night" kiss every night and seems to be aware of the my growing belly. It is hard to believe we will have two little boys in 10 weeks!

Manta Rays!

We went on a family outing to the fishing pier to check out the fish and get a cold beverage. As we were walking on the pier, Matt noticed a leopard ray swimming next to us in the water. The Manta Ray was about 4 feet wide by 3 feet long. After watching the Manta Ray swim for awhile we noticed two dolphins splashing and playing about 10 yards from shore. They were playing with the birds and chasing each other around. It was really neat to see their true personalities in a natural habitat. After spending time at the beach, we walked across the street to Two Scoops ice cream and candy shop. Riley got a special light up sucker which he ended up getting in his hair, ears, and nose! It was another beautiful day here on the island.

Reflections

Yesterday, Matt left to go back to MN. leaving Riley and I alone in Florida. We have been blessed by the opportunity to live on the Gulf of Mexico and we all really enjoy the opportunity. Riley and I headed to the North end of Anna Maria Island to a playground on the beach. Riley played on the playground and then noticed the beach and ocean and sprinted ahead. I slowly walked behind him, as I am trying to let him become more independent. He ran all the way into the water. I was so surprised, I just naturally thought he would stop at the waters edge! So I brought him back to shore and he sat down on the beach. He played in the sand, looked out at the ocean, and then started rolling in the sand. It was a beautiful day, 72 degrees and sunny, with a light breeze. I sat behind Riley by about 10 feet and watched in amazement as he took in our beautiful surroundings. He sat, played, rolled, and talked to himself on the beach for over an hour. I just let him be and enjoyed my downtime as well.