Kissimmee and arriving in Destin, FL

 On our drive up north, we stopped in Kissimmee, specifically for this monument.  (It's pronounced Kuh-suh-mee, but I like to say "Kiss-a-me"!)

This is the Monument of States!

 
 
It was built in 1943 and it was created as a symbol of American unity, after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Volunteers built it, with donations of stone that came from around the world.

 
 
Governors of each state received letters from Charles Pettis (who thought of it), asking for rock donations to build the monument.  Many others joined in!

 
 

 
 
Arizona represented! (Petrified Forest! We went there not too long ago).
 
 
Kentucky! Our old home...and Mammoth Caves, we've been there!
 
 
This was a cool one--"Cape Cod--Pilgrim's Landing". We were there this year, too!
 
 
Other countries were represented, too--Bahamas, Norway, Switzerland, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Spain,....just to name some. And of course, all 50 states!
 
 
Jonnie got to take a break and come see it, too!

 
 
It was very cool.
 
 
The other day, the kids had gathered a couple of coconuts. And Sierra and Daxton REALLY wanted to bust it open, so...we did!

 
 
 
 
 

 We are keeping things simple for Christmas, and the kids have been thinking of pictures, notes, simple creations that they can give as gifts.
This was Sierra's idea for me...just a few days early.
Jonnie helped her drill holes in the top of the coconut--

And she put a straw in it... 


And brought it to me in the RV...a coconut drink!
 
 
So tropical. Even though Florida is getting a cold snap coming up.
Everyone tried some of the milk, and it was fun. Made me think of my Hawaii days! 

 

 Telling Sierra how YUMMY it was!

 
 
And thanking her for my Christmas gift! So sweet and thoughtful!
 
 
We made a quick trip back over to Jacksonville, to get the parts installed on the RV, that were ordered when we were there before. So good to get those things taken care of, and while we still have it under warranty! They were pretty quick and did it all in one day!
We spent the time in the Jacksonville library--it was awesome! They had a homeschool art hour and a scavenger hunt around the library--fun activities! They also had this therapy dog come, that apparently likes to be read to....and Sierra was all over that! She is our budding reader and she was so excited to read to Daisy Mae.
 
 
 We then headed to Destin, Florida, where we planned to be for Christmas!
(I have loved all the kids decorations around the RV)--
 
 
 
 
A huge cold blast was hitting all over the country, even in Florida! So, our Christmas on the beach would look a little differently than we anticipated. But, hey, we can roll with it!
We did, however, take advantage of hitting the beach when we first got to Camp Gulf. It was late afternoon....but we were determined to make it, while it was still in the 60's!
Daxton wrapped his towel around his neck and called it his "Beach Scarf"! :)
 
 
And Sierra made a "Beach Sash"--
 
 
So fun to be camping right on the beach!!
 
 
The kids headed straight for the water!
 
 
Sierra was a little more hesitant (knowing that water would be COLD!)--
  
 
She wanted to join them, but couldn't quite bring herself to go for it. So, Jonnie helped her.
 
 
It was beautiful.
 
 
Family picture, Christmas 2022!
 
 
Christmas on the beach!
 
 
Sierra warming up, in Dad's sweatshirt and beanie!
 
 
Jonnie joining the fun!
 
 
Helping Sierra...she was not a fan of the wave getting her (cold!), but I think she's glad she did it.
 
 
Daxton soaking up every minute!
 
 
Christmas decorations at the Beach RV Park!

 
 
After the beach...we went to the heated pool, AND the hot tub! Ooooh....nice!
 
 
The big Christmas gift has already been received (Universal, and also this past year in Hoppo Tabi (RV), as the kids say)....in addition, Jonnie and I have two small gifts for each of the kids. And that's it! BUT, we told the kids they could get creative in thinking of what they wanted to give the family.
It has been awesome watching them write, draw, make all kinds of ideas for gifts for everyone in the family.  They are thoughtful and creative--I'm excited for Christmas morning.
 
They put the wrapped gifts "under" the tree, in a bin so they would stay protected. So sweet!

 
I love the Christmas feel in our little home on wheels...
Kids fast asleep-
 

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