Holidays

Our holidays were wonderful and action packed:

Los Angeles---> Cleveland ---> Detroit ---> Nassau ---> Detroit --->Cleveland ---> Los Angeles

Despite all of the travel, we couldn't have had a better time with family and close friends!

We had lots of snow while visiting Poppy and Kiki for Christmas. Willa loved to bundle up and take walks in the woods behind their house. 

Poppy reading "the Night Before Christmas"

A miniature snowman that we found in the woods

Eddie, Daddy and Willa

Our snow bunny

Sledding for the first time. She LOVED it. She kept saying "More!" every time she got the the bottom of the hill...and she actually preferred going down by herself. 

She'd peek her head through the stairs and say "Peek-a-Boo, I see you"

Willa and Poppy at Christmas dinner

We went to the Bahamas with the whole Koss family to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Grandma and Papa. It was definitely a trip to remember! Grandma and Papa even renewed their vows in front of the beautiful house that we stayed in on the beach :)

Snorkeling

Grandma with all 5 of her grandchildren.

Going to the zoo was one of the highlights of the trip. It was so much fun for Willa to get to be with all of her cousins. 

Willa and Kate in the outdoor shower

Our little Bahama Mama

Cousin Ben, Daddy, Willa

Grandma and Papa with all of their grandchildren

The whole clan :)

Cookie Decorating

 

A few nights ago, we had the most fun night with Barbara! She came over to spend time with us before we left LA for the holidays and brought several surprises for Willa...perfect Christmas sugar cookies with a whole kit of sprinkles, icing, etc. for decorating, an adorable matching Christmas apron for Willa, and new toys/cooking utensils for Willa's new kitchen. Willa loved decorating the cookies and spending time with Barbara. :)

 



Good Photos from Daddy's Camera

Thanksgiving in Charleston, Part II

Here are some more photos from Charleston:

Cooking in the kitchen

Holding Ray Ray

Playing with her new ET book with Tom Warner

Giving cousin Gavin the 200th kiss of the trip :)

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting with Opa several times. Willa would always get excited on her way to "Opa's house" (a.k.a. Bishop Gadsden). She loved spending time with Opa, running up and down the hallways, looking at the huge fish tank, eating soup, and playing in the workout room. It was so cool to watch Opa's face light up every time he saw Willa. 

Katie, Willa and Alexis looking at the giant sand castle at the festival of lights. 

Aunt Megan, Ellis, Willa, Katie and Alexis

Passed out in her own seat on the plane ride home. It was a LONG day of travel.

Thanksgiving in Charleston, Part I

We went to Charleston for 2 weeks during Thanksgiving. It was a very memorable year because all of Nana and Grumpy's children (Charlie, me, Matt, Julie) were there with their families...and its the first time we've all been together (except for at weddings) in 13 years! It was also the first time we've stayed at Nana & Grumpy's new house. Thanks to them for being such wonderful hosts to all of us!

There are too many good photos for one blog post, so I will post another one later with more... 

Willa kissing Gavin

Willa and Nana

Katie and Willa

Helping Nana stir stuffing Thanksgiving morning

Poppy pushing Willa on the swing. Poppy and Kiki flew in for a couple of days to surprise Willa on her birthday!

Bath time with Katie and Alexis

Shopping at Home Goods with mommy and Nana

This face cracks me up. We were about to take the golf cart to the play ground. 

Willa and Poppy

Willa with her buddies, Pawley and Ray Ray. She loves those dogs so much and always asked to hold Ray. 

Matching dresses from Kiki :)

Family picture before Thanksgiving dinner

Nana walked into the room, and Willa was laying on top of Pawley. Too cute.