Florida and a Giveaway!

Where to begin?! Our vacation was amazing.  It was relaxing and we spent most of our days wandering the beach.  We had a few chilly days, but the others were beautiful - warm and sunny. Natalie thoroughly enjoyed the beach, although she was a little cautious of the water.  While I know my family often gets irritated that the camera is constantly in front of my face, these photos transport me back to every little moment we shared together.  Natalie's first time on the beach, just soaking up the sun and everyone having a good time.  Everyday was filled with so much happiness!

As I mentioned earlier, I am having my first giveaway as a thank you for all of my followers and readers.  As I enter into my next 100 posts, I don't know where I would be without all of your kind and supportive comments.  You have all helped me so much through the difficult months following Oliver's death, now these months of a pregnancy after loss and of course always so kind with comments about Natalie and my photography.  It always surprises me how kind people can be when they don't know me or my family in real life.  But there is a unique connection that you can make through blogging and I am forever grateful.  

I will be giving away a $50 gift certificate to be used for a piece from the amazing jeweler, Lisa Hopkins, who created my beautiful necklace that I wear in memory of Oliver.  You may remember this post.

Anyone can enter! Leave a comment and tell me what you are thankful for this new year.  You can enter until Friday, January 14 and I'll randomly chose a winner and announce it this weekend. 

Thank you again to everyone. I have so much to be thankful for as we start this new year. My family, our good health, all the love in my life and the very real possibility that we will get to meet our healthy son this May.

Enjoy the photos below of our beautiful end of the year trip.

 Leaving bright and early!

Our beautiful beach house and the view of the intercoastal waterway from our balcony

 

 Natalie wandering the beach across from our house

 

 A chilly day, but that didn't stop Natalie from enjoying the sand 

  

Enjoying the sand on her feet for the first time

  

Sand is so much fun for a 1.5 year old

 

'Christmas' morning with our whole family 

Thanks to Nana and Grandpa, Natalie has her first camera. Now she can be just like Mommy

Checking out her loot from Santa

Opening presents. Crayons and her own personalized wooden puzzle

Obvious that she loves her Daddy

A fun family day at Busch Gardens

The roller coaster enthusiasts of the family

Natalie was a trooper at the park as we were there for 8 hours.  She even took a quick snooze in her stroller.

Looking at all of the animals

More amazing animals. Love watching her look of wonder.

Hanging out with Daddy and Nana

Love the one of Natalie looking over his shoulder

The best part was the Sesame Street section of Busch Gardens.  Natalie went right up and happily had her photo taken with Grover and Cookie Monster.  She adoringly says 'cook-kie'

Watching the live performance with her favorite characters 

Elmo hugging Natalie was just about the cutest thing ever!  She even gave an adorable smile.

 Walking out to the jetty to watch the last sunset of 2010

 Natalie giving me a kiss. Love the silhouette photo my sister took of me and my little belly.

Our little family watching the sun dip below the ocean. A perfect way to end the year.

Starting out 2011 with a beautiful day on the beach

It was such an amazing day and Natalie had so much fun playing in the sand

 Enjoying scooping sand in the bucket and watching Daddy build sandcastles

Loving the dog that was roaming the beach. Luckily he was friendly.

I'll always remember the warmth of the sun, watching Natalie play in the sand and laugh and the love of my family and happiness in being 5 months pregnant.

She sought the comfort of Daddy when she was a little unsure of the water

And held on tight while they watched the waves

She loved all of the shells and the sand on her feet

Just our little family

Nothing but happiness and love

More love

Sandcastles and feet in the sand

My sweet little girl

Enjoying a story with her Aunt

In the arms of her Daddy

Another day of digging, scooping, collecting shells and running on the beach

One of the cooler days, but that didn't stop us from soaking up every ounce of the beach

Natalie was enamored with the beautiful flower

As always, can't get enough of her sweet smile

 More sweetness

The whole family. Thanks to the self timer and beach chair.

 

Saying goodbye to 'nana' and 'gaga'