Florida

Alex and I had the awesome opportunity to go to Florida in the middle of January. This was my Christmas present from our parents this year. We were able to go stay with my Best Buddy Toshi, her husband Justin, and their daughter Taija who turned 1 in October. This was also the purpose of our trip. Toshi's birthday is January 11 and we thought that would be a great time to go see her. Justin is attending medical school at NOVA University so they are out there on their own for a few years. We had such a good time.

Our view from Alex's first plane ride (my 3rd). Alex loved the ride most of the time and did really well on the trip there. It was pretty squishy with him on my lap and my belly starting to push out. Those seats are tiny and there is NO leg room. He had a little fit on the return trip but overall it turned out WAY better than I had expected.

Cute little Taija there to meet us

Toshi and Alex

Our "hotel" room (better room and board than you can find anywhere!)

Alex in the Explorer. He loved the view.

Taija in the car

Hanging out and taking some photos

"Say Cheese"

One of the many fun things we did while we were there was go to the Miami Children's Museum. They have a ton of stuff that looks like the real adult stuff that kids can play with and not be told "NO!". Alex was in heaven. He loved getting to drive stuff and experience stuff hands on.

Another fun thing we did was go to the Miami Zoo! Alex especially loved taking pictures of the animals and feeding the giraffes.

We just had to go to the beach while we were there. I had never been on the east coast and Alex had never been to the ocean. He loved the water rushing up on him. I loved collecting shells and watching Alex.

We went for lots of walks and just let the kids play most of the time. Alex liked being outside. He was always saying "I smell trees!" We got to go to the park one day. I feel like a terrible mother when I admit that this was probably Alex's first time swinging. He loved it!

Thanks again to the Robisons for the amazing vacation! We will definitely have to do it again when we can. We had sooooo much fun. Also, thanks to my wonderful husband for making it possible and giving me the confidence to go. Shawn helps so much in raising Alex and I was doubting my ability to care for him on my own. It was tough, but I am proud of myself and feel like I really accomplished something.