Little Messal's Unite!

The Little Messals came together for a Little Messal Convention to celebrate the end of 2012.
Cora loves her Florida cousins and still (3 weeks later) is frequently asking, "Where did Reese and Coop go?".

 We started the week off with a meeting at Cosmic Dogs on Folly, then headed to James Island Festival of Lights.

Sharon was with us and took this pic. For all of us southerners, it was freezing! For Sharon living in St. Louis, it was comfortably warm.

I have to pause for a second. James Island Festival of Lights really impressed us. REALLY. Cora thought it was the coolest thing she had ever seen. We pulled both girls out of their seats, and let them sit with us (Cora in my lap; Quinn on Grandma Ms lap in the back). It was so fun to see their reaction. Cora was able to verbalize what Quinn's eyes were saying. Around every bend, Cora would leap forward, pointing, and announce, "Loook! More lights! There are more lights up there!" It was one of the most fun parenting experiences we've had yet.

Second day: Aquarium.

The monkey cage was pretty stinking cool, with a peek-in-point for the kids. Thank goodness Reese was there for this one! Otherwise, Landon or I would have been squirming in to see the monkies with her.

This sight terrified me. The idea of Reese and Cora taking off together in a car is terrifying.

Quinn loved the fish.

Mommy, that is a strange fish...

I don't like it!!!

Reese picking Cora up so she could see the jelly fish. What a great older cousin.

Cora was happy to be a sidekick to Reese.

Face painting. Cora doesn't look it here, but she was delighted to be painted.

This pic is for Mia's benefit...

Reunited and it feels so good!

Do you think we've posed for enough pics with Cora. 

The Messals of Gainesville

Reese was not happy! She asked for a tshirt, and I snuck this on her. It wasn't right.

Someday we might need the blackmail. 

 New Year's Eve. A trip to Sullivan's Island. Some time in the park. Lunch at Taco Mamacita.

When Quinn squeals, she often stretches her arm up in the air. It's precious... something I don't want to forget about this phase.

 What a great big cousin.

 He. Is. All. Boy.

A great celebration of the New Year. So glad to see the Little Messals of Florida.