JUMP!

*notice, ladies and gentlemen, the toesies have lift-off.

I didn't think it could possibly get more beautiful than this. The mornings here are absolutely glorious. Each morning, this is what I see when I look out my bedroom patio. It's incredible, really- and I absolutely don't take it for granted. I am always in awe when I watch the sun rise over the ocean. A new day.



However, a few nights ago, I was amazed when I looked out the window to the biggest, brightest moon I had ever seen. It was so bright, it honestly looked like the sun.... but in black and white. As a matter of fact, the photo I took below was actually taken in full color- though I realize it appears as though it were shot in black and white. It was a curious thing to see the moon blazing so bright above the ocean. And I was glad to be able to (sort of) capture it with my camera. The shot isn't perfect, but it was the best I could do to capture it in it's stunning natural beauty without using flash....

Visit from my mom...

I realize it's been a week since I posted! My mom came last Thursday and stayed until Tuesday. We had such a fun time. A few days were chilly, but for the most part the weather was nice and we got to hang out on the beach.



The girls making tracks in the sand...



Gracie hanging with grandma...



I love this picture because Alex's pose is so true to form. He's my BOY all right!

Miami

Mike had a presentation to give down at the University of Miami so the kids and I decided to hop in the car and join him.


We got there late afternoon and walked around and found a place to eat outdoors. We laughed because we chose to eat at Chili's. I mean, who does that? Goes down to Miami and then eats at typical ole Chili's? Answer- people with little kids. Mike reminded me, with little kids, our choices are limited. Turned out to be a good choice and I must say, we really had a fun time!



Back at the hotel, I had to find a way to make sure that I did not get interrupted during the "exciting presentation of The Bachelor." So, the kids lucked out and got to watch a movie on my laptop... and they thought they were in heaven.



The next morning while Mike had to work, the kids and I headed off to a fabulous outdoor place called Pinecrest Gardens. It was absolutely fabulous. It was like walking through a trail through the tropical rainforest, with Koi fish ponds and iguana's running around and lush vegetation. It was beautiful!





Not only were there marvelous walking paths and fish ponds, but there was a super fun splash pad that the kids had a blast playing in for an hour and half. The best part about it was that we had the entire place to ourselves.

After the splash park, we walked around and found a fun park for the to kids play at

The grounds were just beautiful and we were able to see so many exotic birds and wildlife along the way.