Enjoying Some Quality Family Time

Lately we've had a lot of "quality" family time.  Christmas vacation is just behind us, this past week we had 2 snow days and our weekends have been very quiet - a lot of playing outside, watching movies and quiet dinners at home.  This is what I LOVE about the winter months.  Don't get me wrong, with an abundance of family time comes a lot of sibling rivalry and upheaval of our toys... both drive me crazy.  As soon as springtime comes, it gets very busy around here on our farm and spending time together as a family is at a premium. 
Our annual family vacation to Florida is coming up very soon and we are really looking forward to the sun, sand and pools.  We will visit Ian's parents, who spend a few months in Florida, and then we will go to St. Pete's Beach to a small family-friendly resort.  This will be our fourth year renting a spot there and our good friends and their twin babies will be meeting us there.  Last year was the first time anything about going to Disney was mentioned.  Grace wondered if we would go there as some of her friends have been.  Unfortunately for her, we are waiting until all of our children can appreciate it ie. waiting until Jean is at least 4 years old.  Grace will have to be patient for a little longer.  We have found in the past though that the kids LOVE to swim and play in the playground and on the beach and that anytime we venture away from the resort, they just want to get back there.  I'm sure they will have fun this year without a Disney experience. 
We have made so many good memories in the past with our vacations to Florida - we have been going every year since Alex we a small baby (we have driven twice with a small, nursing baby).  We have always driven to Florida, taking 3 days to get there and we try to make it a fun adventure.  This year we have decided to fly - we found some very affordable flights and will have some fun taking a plane with the kids for the first time.  We are feeling a little nostalgic about not driving because that has certainly been a good part of our vacation - seeing new things, staying in hotels, swimming in the evenings, etc.  Flying has it's perks though - less packing for mommy and daddy and avoiding the many moments in the van that are challenging.
I love quality family time... I now why my mom cherished it so much and still does.  I can imagine it becomes fleeting as the kids get older.  These are such good times. 
Stay tuned for more on our Family Vacation to Florida.