As promised

I made a promise to Mikey's Grandma Robin and Babcia Ania this morning that they would see new pictures of their grandson today. I've been absolutely horrible about keeping my blog up to date this year. I could give you a long list of excuses why, but what for. I just have not had the time and the few times when I've had the time it was the last thing I felt like doing... getting on the computer, yuck. Anyhow, I'm back.

We had a wonderful vacation to Southwest Florida to start the year off. The only thing that would have made it better (I feel like I say this all to often) is if my hubby could have been there with us. We did not let that or anything else stop us from having a good time and enjoying some much needed time with Mikey's Grandma Robin, Great-Grandma Connie and Great-Uncle Mike (G.U.M. as he nicknamed himself) too of course. We went to the area parks, out to eat at this great Mexican restaurant that I frequented quite often growing up, to the mall and of course the wonderful Gulf Beaches. We also unexpectedly had the pleasure of getting to see my Grandfather (Mikey's Great-Grandpa) not once but twice. We had such a nice time I feel as though I can't do it justice with words. Take a look at some of our pictures that we will always have to remember our Mommy and son vacation.

Ingrid, Mommy, Mikey and Great-Grandpa Goff

Great Grandpa it was so very nice to see you... it has been far too long.

Blow kisses Mikey (he was being a little shy at this point)

We had such a fantastic meal the Ingrid so kindly made for us. Ingrid... you must share your recipe with me. Thanks again for your hospitality.

The Park (Can you believe this was January? Jackets not required!)

Mikey had a little fall from the rocking motorcycle

All he needed was a little hug and off he went.

Motorcycles are cool, until you fall...

Big purple dinosaurs are way more fun!

I sure hope Mikey enjoyed the spinney-thing because Mommy sure didn't.

My little climber... he LOVES to climb anything he can.

This place is fun!!!

G.U.M and Mikey in their Detroit Tigers hats.

Mikey, Mr. Fox, Mommy and Great-Grandma Connie

These pictures are the best! Everyone all smooshed and snugly.

The Port Charlotte Mall Play Area

Time for a play break... say cheese!

There that's better... we were missing Grandma Robin in the last one.

Choo-choo trains are so much fun!!!

Choo-choo!!!

The Venice Beach
(These pictures are so beautiful I don't need to say a thing)

Mikey was so cute and considerate. We found this great little sand castle. Mikey borrowed one of the shells from it and when he was done he went right over and put it back where he got it from.

Ohh! That's a little chilly Mommy.

Mommy agrees... a little chilly. The best way to express this is by making the :-O face.

What's that? You want me to pose for you... no problem!

Who knew kicking sand could be so much fun.

Great-Grandma Connie

You might ask yourself... what is Mikey doing in this picture? Let me tell you then... he was obsessed with chasing seagulls. Mikey was bound and determined to catch one.

He had a great time trying...

Who knew seagull chasing was such a great time.

Despite his best efforts (over 30 minutes of running and chasing) Mikey was not able to catch a seagull. I guess that means we will have to go back so he can keep trying.

The Holidays

Its been a crazy, busy holiday this year! I'm just going to fill you in with pictures. We hope the rest of you had a terrific Holiday and we wish you a very Happy 2009! (These pictures are not in any sort of order so just bare with me).







Mikey and beautiful Olivia... say cheese guys!














Mikey and me... I can't resist the candid camera moments.
















We were so lucky to have Aunt Yvonne come visit us for a few days. Thank you so much for visiting... please come back soon. It's lonely here without you.













Christina and me.
Do you think if I rub her belly it will help get me pregnant? I wish it was that easy. Oh, well.. Mike and I will just keep trying. At least the trying part is fun!! ;-)

The girls at Tommy and Christina's place

Olivia, Mike and Calvin.

(Tommy's beautiful kids)

The boys.

Christmas Eve Party

The whole family

Look Mikey! It's Santa Claus!

OK... so Mikey does NOT like Santa. Do you see that grip he's got on Daddy?

Babcia Anna and Pra-Babcia Stasia wearing the hats and scarves my Mom knit for them. Good job Mom... they were without a doubt a hit!

Cousin Daniel and Natalia getting their gifts from Santa.

Daddy is still trying to show Mikey that Santa isn't so bad. Maybe next year he'll change his mind. If not, that's ok too.

I love this picture. The only thing that would make it better is if Daddy was in it.

Oh, that's where Daddy is. In the kitchen making silly faces. I should have known.

Babcia Anna preparing the Christmas Eve feast. In the Polish tradition there are 13 dishes that are served. Needless to say she was a very busy lady.

So, to get to Toronto Mike and I decided to drive through the night this time (while Mikey slept). The weather was an absolute nightmare... we seriously drove in the middle of a snow storm. Luckily we made it, however, the drive that should have taken us 11 hours took 15! Anyhow, this is Mikey calling Grandma Robin and Grandpa Mike to let them know we made it alive.

Mikey getting some energy out at a rest area. He was such a fantastic kid, we could not have imagined how good he would be on such a long drive. Thank you for being such a good boy Lovey!

We took Mikey to see the choo-choo train here in Madison. He thought it was really cool.

I promise that I will not make you sit in Santa's lap next year if you don't want to . You have my word.