Our Trip to Florida

We spent two weeks with our dear friend Rita in Florida. She has a lovely home in North Fort Myers and we really made ourselves at home there. Rita's brother and sister live there also, so we got to spend some time with them too. The weather was absolutely beautiful everyday with blue skies and bright orange sunsets. It felt wonderful to wake up to sunshine everyday. Our dog Tia felt like she was on another planet. We'd take a walk every morning around 7:00 and she'd run and chase rabbits and squirrels and smell every piece of grass along the way. Of course, she mostly enjoyed all the attention she got from Rita and Rita's sister-in-law Sue. I'm sure she misses being in Florida. She did quite well flying back and forth under the seat in front of me. We too miss our friends and the Florida sunshine. Here are a few pictures we took while there.

Rita, Omer, Sue and Ray at Omer and Sue's house.

Tia lounging after playing with her little stuffed
toy, a "squirrel" or "fox" that Sue gave her.

Rita, taking in some sunshine at the pool while playing
a challenging game of Scrabble.

Joan, working on a tan.

Ray, lounging and trying not to burn.

Friends of ours, John and Jeanne Frigon who
also live in Florida, visited with us at Rita's house.
Here we have Ray and Jeanne and Tia by Ray's side.

John, looking very handsome.

Lovely Rita, our gracious host.

Rita's brother Omer, took us on a drive to visit a
new Bass Outlet called Outdoor World. They have
everything you can imagine if you happen to be into
outdoor sports - from fishing, hunting, boating, golf etc.
It's a very interesting place. I took pictures inside but
they are a little dark. I'll post a few here to give you
an idea of the place.

This life-sized allegator greets you outside the door
before entering the building.

Looking down on the main floor.

Armadillo

Raccoon

Fox

Golf anyone?

Omer, Rita, Joan and Ray inside a man-made cave.

Mallard ducks permanently suspended in flight.

Ray pulling in a big"Jaws" shark.

Colorful gigantic tropical aquarium. This place
has two aquariums.

Rita relaxing in an Aderondack chair.

"Mother's Day" at the Tagues

We celebrated Mother's Day on April 27th because we were going to be in Florida on the actual Mother's Day in May. Since it was Melissa's and Alicia's first Mother's Day we wanted to do something special. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Family picture.

Cousins enjoying some playtime together.

It says on his shirt, "Yes, I"ve always been this cute".

Madeleine and her Daddy.

Enjoying some quiet time with Thijs

A Newburyport kind of day

On Tuesday I went to Newburyport to spend some time with Alicia and Thijs. Melissa and Madeleine joined us as well. We had such a lovely day. The temperature was up in the 80's so we all went for a stroll in downtown Newburyport, Ma. We also walked along the boardwalk and did some shopping. We ate outside in a pretty little area with tables and chairs. There were lots of people out that day. Maybe some of them played hooky from work since it was such a nice day. The grandkids were such a delight. I enjoyed them thoroughly. Here are a few of the pictures I took.

Madeleine and Thijs playing and getting to know each other.


Let's see who can really puff out their cheeks.
I think you win Thijs.


I've got a tooth coming out right over here.


Now what shall we do.


I think I can pull this quarter right out of your ear Thijs.


Oh Happy Day!


You caught me smiling Mémère.


Do I look stylish in this hat or what.


How long do you want me to stay this way?


Do you want a piece of me?


I think I won the staring contest.


Very well attentive listeners.


Oh Thijs, I think you are so handsome.


Awwww! Shucks!


Okay, enough pictures already!

Too Busy To Blog

I've been busy babysitting, doing yard work, playing with Tia, getting ready for our trip to Florida etc. It's been hectic but I've been taking loads of pictures of Madeleine and Thijs. Madeleine spent 5 days with us while her parents were in Scotland on a business trip. She did fine with us but missed her mommy and daddy very much. Last Wednesday was my last visit with Thijs until I get back from Florida on May 14th. I won't babysit him for a whole month. Luckily I'll see him soon. I've invited Melissa, Matt and Madeleine along with Matt, Alicia and Thijs to come for dinner on April 27 just before we leave for Florida. We'll celebrate Mother's Day a little early since we won't be here for that day. So the following are a bunch of pictures of the grandkids. Thijs will be 6 mos. on the 28th of April and Madeleine turned 8 mos. old on the 3rd. They're growing up fast.

The many faces of Madeleine
























The many faces of Thijs
















Out for a stroll on the Newburyport boardwalk.





Tia watches Thijs.


Thijs and I went to a music class.