Smooth sailing to the Sunshine State

Alex took his first airplane ride to visit his Floridian family last weekend. It was a short trip for a very special occasion.

His parents were terrified. However, we were pleased to find that he traveled like a pro.

For instance, he checked to be sure that all of our bags were packed and ready for the flight.

And he got us extra peanuts by charming the flight attendants.

A very special someone met him at the gate in Tampa.

When we arrived at Grandma Susie's house, he had lots of family ready to play.

He shared his first meal in Florida with his cousin, Daisy.

After weeks of being snowbound in Roanoke, he was glad to get out in the Florida sun.

On Saturday night, we celebrated 90 years of Alex's Great Grandpa Taylor.

Alex got all dressed up for the party.

And he admired the guest of honor's ensemble as well.

Before heading over to the party, he checked out Great Grandpa's new pad and flirted with all the ladies.

Then we headed to the main event, where he had a fabulous time hanging with the Taylor clan.

He may have had a little too much fun ...

Then it was off to sleep to catch an early flight.

Alex blew Tampa - or at least the Southwest ground employees - a goodbye kiss.

Until next time, Florida!

Long time no see!

Greetings from the winter wonderland that is Roanoke, Virginia! One word can adequately sum up the last few weeks: SNOW.

Way too many of our coveted weekends have been spent indoors. Unfortunately, our camera has also fallen victim to the 30+ inches of snow that has blanketed our region this season, when it was "misplaced" in a snowbank. We were, however, able to salvage the pictures, which are pasted below. Not to worry, another camera has been ordered and blog posting should be back on schedule once we figure out how to work it ...

At first, Alex welcomed the snow with open arms.

See, e.g., snowbunny

... and snowbunny on the run ...

Deja vu

Winter weather advisories = lots of family time.

Alex's favorite indoor activity was digging through daddy's briefcase, which is something he did often.

When we got a little stir crazy ...

... we headed outside for some fresh air

and to watch daddy shovel.

By the end, we were wet, cold, and tired of white.

So we decided to head to Florida. More on that to come!