Zoe and I just got back from 6 days in Miami, and boy was it FUN! We
got in late Tuesday night, the weather in PA wasn’t good at all and we
thought our flight might get cancelled. We did have about an hour delay
but we made it. By the time my parents picked us up and we grabbed a
snack, it was pretty late so we chatted for a little while then hit the
sack.
Wednesday:
A few of my childhood friends came by with their kids to visit. Angie
(and her partner Kim), have twins - Emma & Jack. After Angie left,
Kimberly (who lived next door to me my whole life), stopped by and
brought her daughter Brooklyn for a visit. The weather was so nice and
the kids got to play outside and run around. Zoe was so happy to be in
shorts and flip flops. Mommy was happy just to be home and visiting with friends and family.
When
everyone left, we took naps and woke up ready to go to dinner at one of
my all-time favorite restaurants in Miami; La Carreta. I get to enjoy
all of my favorite Cuban food and I eat and eat and eat until my parents
have to roll me to the car. On the way home, we drove through the
neighborhood by one house that is always decked out with lights. You can tune your radio to listen to the music they have synched with the lights. It’s really neat, and whenever we’re in town at the holidays, we always drive by. It’s turned into a tradition and Zoe loves
it.
Thursday:
Beach Day! Zoe spent hours walking the beach looking for shells and
dipping her toes in the water. That is one of Zoe’s most favorite things
to do when she is in Miami, can you blame her? It’s beautiful and let’s
face it, Jersey Shore doesn’t come close to the beaches in Miami. For
lunch we went to a Canadian restaurant where we had some classic
Canadian dishes. Delish! That night my best friend, Christina came over
with my nephew Jack. Uncle Frank even came with Aunt Christina. Zoe was happy to see him and play football with him. We also went to the park with my cousin’s kids, Vivian and Charlotte.
Friday:
Breakfast with Uncle Henry followed by an afternoon at Sky Zone (an
indoor trampoline park) with Zoe’s cousin Jack. The two of them had a
blast. They jumped, played dodge ball, basketball, and even took turns
jumping into a huge foam pit. Aunt Christina and I jumped too. We never
laughed so hard! We sure are not as young as we used to be and were
quite winded but it was so worth the experience. We got home just in
enough time to take showers and get ready for Christmas dinner with my
family.
My
cousin was in town with her family, and everyone came to my parents’
house to enjoy a huge dinner. Zoe & Vivian had on matching outfits. They
decorated cookies, played football, and just had a good time running
around. After dinner, the kids opened gifts and before we knew it, it
was time for bed. There were lot of people, lots of food, lots of noise,
and lots of baby hugs and kisses. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other
way. My dad even wore the ‘fancy’ shirt Shelli sent him for the party.
Before we ate, he explained to everyone that Shelli sent it to him and
how sorry he was that she wasn’t here. Everyone toasted to Shelli and
wished she was here to
celebrate. The good thing is that Shelli was in town the week before
and was able to see most of my family while she was here. She was able
to sneak in a quick dinner with them while she was here working, which
my parents always enjoy.
Saturday
morning, everyone met at the golf course for family pictures. The
weather was perfect and the only person missing was Shelli. The rest of
the day we relaxed at home, playing outside, napping, watching Christmas
movies, and just taking it easy. We did go out for dinner and a little
shopping in the evening. My dad and I also surprised Zoe with a small
birthday cake to start the birthday festivities. Zoe was so happy that
we got her the cake and sang to her. It was just Mamaw, Pop Pop, and Mommy
singing Happy Birthday to our baby who is almost 9! Then Zoe got to open
her birthday gift early which was a huge bonus!
Sunday:
We said our goodbyes and packed up. We had an amazing time and I’m so
glad we were able to come down and see everyone. We all live in
different states so it was all the more special to have everyone all in
one place.
We
met cousins for the first time, got caught up with old friends, had
great meals, and simply enjoyed every second of the entire trip. Zoe is
spoiled and has a huge family that loves her so much, we couldn’t be
more blessed. I'm looking forward to getting home and having some well
needed quality time with Shelli. We will all be together after 3-long
weeks of Mimi traveling. 'Tis the season to be together!
