A quick Sidney update: She's sitting well, rolling lots from front to back, is perpetually moving her hands and feet, and watching Ben. They are officially roommates now. He finds new ways every day to make her laugh and she eats it up. Here, she eats a biter biscuit.
Now for the good stuff: Auntie Manders came for a superfun visit. After she assisted in a medical emergency on her flight down (!!) she eased right into the relaxed and playful swing of the Keys. Ben relished the Playdough playset she brought. Amanda taught him how to make green and yellow hot dogs and say "Portillos."
As soon as Steve had a day off, he treated us to a family boating adventure.
And after lunch at the OV, a trip to the local sandbar. In six months this place will be lined with boats. It's nice to be out there almost alone. 
Sidney was invigorated on the bow: temporarily free of the life jacket, wearing her brother's hat, favorite rattle in hand. Life is good, baby!
Now for the good stuff: Auntie Manders came for a superfun visit. After she assisted in a medical emergency on her flight down (!!) she eased right into the relaxed and playful swing of the Keys. Ben relished the Playdough playset she brought. Amanda taught him how to make green and yellow hot dogs and say "Portillos."As soon as Steve had a day off, he treated us to a family boating adventure.And after lunch at the OV, a trip to the local sandbar. In six months this place will be lined with boats. It's nice to be out there almost alone. Sidney was invigorated on the bow: temporarily free of the life jacket, wearing her brother's hat, favorite rattle in hand. Life is good, baby!After a day at sea, Ben spoke a new phrase: "I want to rest." He collapsed into sleep seconds after settling into Amanda's arms -- and slept through the ride home, while getting the boat onto the trailer and upstairs into his bed!
On another excursion, Steve landed his first sailfish while fishing the blue water in his bay boat!
This rare venture offshore, different from his usual shallow-water jaunts, proved to be worth the effort. Greg and friend Jimmy were there to help and high-five when the fish was successfully released.
After too few days, Amanda enjoyed one last island treat
On another excursion, Steve landed his first sailfish while fishing the blue water in his bay boat!This rare venture offshore, different from his usual shallow-water jaunts, proved to be worth the effort. Greg and friend Jimmy were there to help and high-five when the fish was successfully released.
After too few days, Amanda enjoyed one last island treat (yes, that is the current view from our porch)... 
...and headed back home to the frigid north. We see lush and green in all seasons, so this stark white and bare branches are beautiful, though!
To all of you inching through a cold winter, we wish you were here!
...and headed back home to the frigid north. We see lush and green in all seasons, so this stark white and bare branches are beautiful, though! To all of you inching through a cold winter, we wish you were here! 
