Hanukkah Bears 2024

Hanukkah came late this year and as a result the bears ended up traveling with us to Florida to enjoy our winter vacation.

The First Night
The first night of Hanukkah was December 25th, and the bears started the day sunning themselves in the pool and playing with water guns.

The Second Night
On December 26th, the bears snuck out to the garage to drive my mother’s (Winnie’s) car.

The Third Night
On December 27th, the bears partied with all of Winnie’s other dolls.

The Fourth Night
On December 28th, the bears set up a hammock and swung on the patio.

The Fifth Night
On December 29th, the bears stole our pickleball rackets and played a game of their own. The day before, Ben fell over on the pickleball court and one of these bears is mocking him.

The Sixth Night
On December 30th, the bears were very excited for Adam, who closed three deals in one day! They “cheekily” helped him celebrate by dressing up like the girls in the poster in Winnie’s office.

The Seventh Night
On December 31st, the bears rung in the new year by banging Winnie’s gong.

The Eighth Night
On January 1st, the bears were super excited about traveling to Disney with us that evening.

Til next year, bears!

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Winter Break 2024/2025 in Florida

We spend this year’s holiday in Florida where I once again spent most of my time kicking myself and wondering why I ever decided to leave this paradise.

Sometimes I wonder if I had all the activities and responsibilities I have in Chicago in Florida, would I still love it as much?

I don’t know. What I do know is that many of the friends and family I have here in Florida are not in Chicago. This to me is the best part of spending time in Florida.

I was lucky to spend so much time with friends and family!

On Christmas night, which was also the first night of Hanukkah, we had a bunch of Devenskys over for a Hanukkah celebration. My cousin Alexa called it “Jewmas”. And so it was christened, if Hanukkah and Christmas ever coincide again….

Me and my Cousin Alexa, the Namer of “Jewmas”
Grandpa Devensky and Ben making Rugalug for the Jewmas Celebration

We had a feast that night! A Latke bar, deviled eggs from my Uncle David, Brisket, Chicken, Kugel from Nancy, a huge salad, Matzo Ball Soup, Challah and for dessert, my father’s famous Rugalug.

The Jewmas Crew
After our Feast, it’s time for the Dreidel Game

Not only was a lucky to see this family, but I also got to spend a wonderful afternoon with my Auntie Doris.

Ben making Auntie Doris and I Look Small

Dad let us crash his friend’s party and we had a blast there together!

In addition to family, I got plenty of quality time with my girlfriends.

Afternoon Walk then Dinner with Some of my Besties from High School

My girlfriend Laura made the 3 hour trek from Orlando to come see me for a night.

More Fun with My High School Friends

One day Laura and I went to the mall, the huge mall FILLED with clothes and bought the same exact dress. She went there looking for Vuori clothing but didn’t get any but I did! it was a weird shopping trip! But fun, always fun to spend time with Laura!

All the clothes in the mall and we pick THE SAME THING

Even Ben got to see his friends from Chicago who also spend time in South Florida for the winter!

Ben Celebrating NYE with his Friends

We also managed to spend lots of time together as a family.

One day we went to Wakodahatchee to see all the different wildlife. We even spotted 2 alligators!

Adam took the boys golfing twice at two different locations.

Do you Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart?

Also lots more sports! Basketball, Pickleball, Volleyball and many family runs.

I Spent Every Run Watching These Backs Receding from my View

These runs were in preparation for a family 5K run we did in Fort Lauderdale on New Year’s Day.

Ben finished 10th in this Race with a PR of 23:30

The boys also decided to use some of their Hanukkah money for to buy water guns. They revealed them in Florida and had a massive water gun fight. Many massive water gun fights….

But that’s not all! I know it’s hard to believe we did more, but we did! My friend Laura’s husband works for Disney and gave us Friends and Family tickets so we also GOT TO GO TO DISNEY over this holiday!!!!!!

The Pool at the Waldorf Astoria

We managed to do 10 different rides (all without fast passes), park hop to 3 different theme parks, and eat a sit down dinner at Epcot all in one day. Our step counters all read 30,000 steps.

In line for the Haunted House
Waiting for Tron

All this activity was accompanied by copious amounts of food too! We ate our way through Florida. Dandee Donuts for breakfast, Havana 1957 for Cuban Sandwiches, Golden Krust for Jamaican food, Max’s Grill for Pop Rock Sushi, Luff’s Fish House for all things seafood, Alaskan King Crab from Pop’s, Acai bowls and Charcuterie at the Waldorf Astoria, and lots of ice cream!

Ice Cream from Sloane’s

Another great Florida visit. We will miss you, Florida! From our family to yours, wishing everyone reading this a Happy New Year!

But wait, what about the Hanukkah Bears? Don’t worry, they came to Florida too. Stay tuned for the next blog to hear all about the bears adventures this year.

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