Ballerina Miriam

Miriam loves to dress up and dance!

I took this clip in January on my cell phone. She insists on watching herself dance any time that she sees my phone out. Take a look and you will see why...

She's a cutie!

Miami Science Center

Morgan had his mid-term on Monday morning. Afterwards, we had the rest of the day together as a family. We decided to check out the Miami Science Center. We were able to get in for free since Morgan's parents got a membership to the Pacific Science Center last August. Yes! One of the highlights was the Wildlife Discovery. The children were able to pat the tortoises shells and heads. They were hesitant at first but warmed up once they realized that the tortoises were incredibly slow. We just had to watch out for their feet, since the largest tortoise weighed 400 pounds!

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!