On the sixth day of Christmas…

The Russes gave to me…

A few warm days on a Florida vacation.

Our frequent readers know that I use our time in Florida to try and compensate for all the experiences that urban life deprives my children of. Abby seemed to have received a little more southern blood than Zack (Walmart wildlife).

“Abby, do you want to hold the star fish?”

“Zack, do you want to hold the star fish?”

“Abby, do you want to hold the snake?”

“Zack, do you want to hold the snake?”

Ironically Abby was terrified of my brothers dog, Mojo. I quote, “Mojo getting me, Daddy, Mojo getting me!” Zack, on the other hand, was a big fan of Mojo.

I am not sure why, but neither of them was interested in picking up these guys.

I knew Lila’s previous visits (gettin’ uncitified) had paid off when she begged to get buried in the backyard.

One afternoon Emily heard Lila’s terrified scream from the backyard. She ran out to find Lila stranded half way up the trunk of the big oak tree. Luckily Lila was happy to provide a reenactment for the camera.

After some time at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house we headed for the beach. See "Hat's Off To Zack" for an explanation of the Zack's apparel.

For the first few days Lila wouldn't do anything without her mask and floaties.

But with a little help from her uncles she was swimming like a fish in no time.

“Zack, do you want to swim in the ocean?” “Abby, do you want to swim in the ocean?”

There is at least one good thing about your kids waking up before the sun while you are on vacation.

This is my entry for the annual Russtache party.

Family picture? Well at least we tried.

As much fun as the sand and sun is, that isn’t why we visit Florida. Getting to have fun with the whole Russ family is what keeps us coming back. This is all 17 of the grandkids. And the rest of the Russ clan.