Steph came into town on Sunday the 24th. Here she is looking all sophisticated, walking up the lane from the airport terminal.


Brad grew up with an Advent Wreath at Christmas time. I think we did, too, except I don't remember the wreath part. I think we just had candles on a mirror on the table. Is that right, Mom? Anyway, we were at Michaels a few weeks back as I needed to pick up a wreath form for the shell wreath I have yet to make. While we were there, Brad asked if we could buy an Advent Wreath. Well, they don't sell pre-made kits, so we made our own. We bought a fake evergreen wreath, candles, and a bunch of "floral picks", or fake berries and pinecones on sticks. When it was assembled, this is what it looks like. We are quite proud.


One fun thing about Florida is the abundance of fruit this time of year. The oranges are delish. At the orange place we go to there were ruby red oranges-- not just ruby red grapefruit! They're red and sweeeet!


And Mom sent us a care package a little while ago with some Christmasy paper plates and napkins, and a Grow-Your-Own-Snowman kit. Here he is before he got the magic crystal liquid poured in.


And before Steph left for cold Chicago, we spent an afternoon on Sanibel Island. We also went on a sunset cruise where we saw dolphins! It was really relaxing.