The Everglades

Believe me when I tell you that there really is no other place in the world like the Everglades in Florida! My friend Diana and I took our children on a day trip down to see the alligators and other wildlife there. Did you know that Florida has panthers? True. We didn't see any this time, but we saw a sign for Panther crossings. Also as a side note...off the freeway on the way to Church we saw a sign: Caution-Manatee. What wildlife we have here!

Just checking out the visitors center...

Don't get too close to the water, or you may end up as a snack!

The only kind of panther I want to see...a statue.

Can you see the alligators?

At one point, we were 3 feet away from a teenage size alligator. There was nothing to stop him from coming closer. That was just when I decided that I wanted to be in the safety of the van.

In addition to the alligators, there were also tons of buzzards. Scary, demonic looking birds. They just sat waiting for something to get attacked so they could get in on the action. I am happy to report that Luke and Miriam and Kairi successfully avoided being eaten!

What can you do with a box?

After watching Toy Story last night, Luke really wanted a Buzz Lightyear costume. He brought me a box out of his closet and told me exactly what to do. Very simple design but the kids loved them. Once again, why do I spend money on real toys and costumes?

Even Molly got to dress up. The kids love to chase each other through the apartment wearing their costumes. Miriam once got her box turned around and couldn't see out. She then ran into the counter top corner and fell down. Did it stop her? No way. You've got to love that!

Please note the studying Dad in the background. Mid-term on Monday!

Luke's Crazy Hair

Luke definitely inherited Morgan's thick, wavy hair. Before we left Dominica, Morgan gave Luke a haircut. This is how crazy his hair gets after nearly two months of growing...

All ready for a haircut! Luke used to be very afraid of haircuts. However Morgan took a lot of time (and patience) with him. Now he's not the most excited to get them, but at least I don't have to restrain him while Morgan cuts his hair. Luke even said "I like it" while Morgan was cutting it this last time. Glad that battle is over. Now on to the healthy eating battle...

P.S. We would wet and comb his hair down when it was this long. We never let him in public like this! :)

Happy Birthday Miriam

Miriam is now 2 years old!

Friday afternoon the UPS man made Miriam the happiest girl in the world when he delivered her gift from Grandma and Grandpa Fife a day early. She seemed so surprised to get a package in the mail. Miriam and Luke loved pretending to make a birthday cake and throwing a pretend party. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Serving up the food very carefully...

I am the best chef!

Sharing the kitchen space with Luke

Almost ready for the party...

Blowing out the candle...

On Saturday morning, Miriam opened her gifts from us. She loves shoes!

Luke was a great helper! Helping open presents is a job that he doesn't mind assisting in.

This gift is probably just wishful thinking at least for a few more months. I am hoping to start potty training soon. Wish us luck!

I think that we have started a new tradition for our children's birthdays. Each time we are in the grocery store they beg to have one of the large balloons. I always say "no." However as a way to make her birthday even more special this year, I took her to Publix and let her choose a balloon. Tinkerbell won Miriam's heart. Now Luke knows for his birthday that he can pick one out too. Hopefully this will curb some of the whining for balloons.

When I was a little girl, my mom made a cake for me with a doll inside. I loved that cake and wanted to do something similar for Miriam. This is the finished product of her princess cake.

We had a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

Miriam was too occupied with wanting the Barbie to eat the cake. Morgan re-attached the legs and Miriam has been carrying the Barbie around ever since.

Luke loved the cake so much that he wanted to get as much of the frosting off the plate as possible.

A very satisfied Luke.

Here's a clip of us singing to Miriam. She even sang along. Pretty cute stuff.

Things that I LOVE about Miriam:

1. She has spunk.
2. She is brave and will try just about anything.
3. She has a sweet little voice.
4. She likes to sing and dance and draw.
5. She loves to say prayers.
6. When she wakes up in the middle of the night, she likes me to hold her on the couch. Then after 20 minutes she wants to go back into her bed for the rest of the night. I actually don't mind these moments because she lets me just hold her close. She likes to have her own space when sleeping but loves to snuggle until she is ready for sleep.
7. She has always called me "Mommy." For the longest time, Luke used to call both of us "Daddy." I like that she always knew my name.
8. She was an easy newborn. She slept well at night and was a peaceful baby during the day. It really helped me when I was still working as an apartment manager and trying to get things ready to move to the Caribbean.
9. She is very feminine. She loves to dress-up and look nice. She likes to put chap stick on the same way I put lipstick on. She imitates my make-up ritual in the morning.
10. She plays well alone. She creates little scenarios for her princesses and dolls. She is very imaginative.

Miriam we love you very much and are so blessed to have you in our family. We can't wait to see how you grow this upcoming year!

Dinner with Tim and Kathy

Tonight we drove up to Hollywood, FL and met Tim and Kathy for dinner at Red Lobster. They had just got back from a cruise to Nassau and since they knew we were in Miami, they wanted to take us out for dinner. Being the poor med school family that we are, we never turn down free meals! Morgan grew up with their children and so they had lots of catching up to do. Thanks for a great meal and all the fun stories!

Miami Metrozoo

We love the Miami Zoo! This is our new place to go and just play. Take a look at some of the things that the kids have enjoyed so far at the zoo...

Miriam likes to feed the flamingos.

Morgan likes the art. ;)
Miriam and I like the monkeys (you can't see them in this shot but that is what's behind us).

Luke loves all the things to climb on...

and so does Miriam.

Alligator Play Area

Morgan scared the children when he pretended to pat the bats and acted like they attacked him. Here he is trying to show them that they weren't real in the first place. As you can see, Miriam believed him more than Luke and touched the bats.

The water table was lots of fun too. The cool water feels great to play in on the warm days here in Miami. (Have I mentioned how great it is to have a warm winter? We LOVE the weather here!)

Luke enjoyed turning the water wheels and levers around and watching the results. He especially liked when he got splashed!

Magic Kingdom- Day 2

Our last day at Disney World was by far the best. It took us a little while to get going, but it paid off in the end.

Luke rode next to Grandma on "The Pirates of the Caribbean." Afterwards the kids had fun playing in the gift shop.

Miriam showed us what a trooper she could be by taking her nap on the go. Thank goodness for lines!

I don't have a picture of this, but in the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor show, Morgan was actually chosen to answer a question and he appeared on screen. Pretty cool!

Luke and Morgan were "Galactic Heroes" in the Buzz Lightyear ride. Morgan's video game skills really paid off!

Grandma's favorite ride was Thunder Mountain Railroad. While Grandma and Morgan were taking in the Railroad and Splash Mountain, the kids and I went to "It's a Small World." Miriam loved the seeing the dolls sing and move.

Next...the carousel.

Luke and Miriam getting ready for the SpectroMagic Parade.

This was an awesome parade! My kids were so entertained and in awe at the floats and street performers as well as....

seeing their favorite pal, Mickey Mouse!

After the Fireworks show, we headed back to Miami. It took us a lot longer to get home because Luke vomited 3 times. Poor Luke. I was so relieved to finally get home at 2:00 a.m. While it was a tough vacation due to the sickness, there were some great times too. Those moments made the trip worth it. I don't think we will ever forget this trip!