A Quick Getaway ...

We went on a quick trip to MIAMI, just an overnight stay. The girls were pumped and ready to go ... they love watching movies in the car. However, movies in the car sometimes lead to drama ... such as car sickness. We had to make only one stop on the side of the road, for Reagan to get some fresh air. 

When we got to Miami, we CHECKED INTO OUR HOTEL. Using Scott's Marriott points (which he racked up while staying in DC for 2 months) and his Platinum Status, we got an AMAZING ROOM! We were on the 17th floor, corner suite, that faced the water. There were floor to ceiling windows on three of the walls, so the view was AWESOME!

Here is a video clip of the room (unfortunately, I was not smart enough to open ALL the curtains before doing the video). You can see what an awesome room it is though!

Not that you can see us, but this is us on one of the balconies overlooking the Port of Miami.

A view of the Port, with some of the cruise ships. We saw a couple ships depart and then a couple more arrive the next morning. 

Another view from our balcony. 

Good thing we used Marriott points, because there is NO WAY we would ever pay $2500 for one night in a hotel!!!

Next we went to BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE to walk around and eat dinner. It is a shopping center on the water, with lots of cool little shops. We saw one shop that was a Taxidermy shop, that had stuffed Grizzly Bears, Zebra heads, snakes, gators, etc. It was pretty cool, however the girls had some questions about it though!

Dad and his girls, at dinner, waiting for our food. 

The girls being sweet to each other. 

Reagan took a picture of Mom and Dad!

While we were eating, a charter boat came back in and was feeding the pelican and fish. We went down there to watch. 

The tarpons in the water right there were at least 4 -5 feet long. The people next to us kept screaming ... "There is a SHARK!" ... we kept thinking ... "Tourists!"

The girls, posing for another picture. 

Next, the girls got to HOLD SOME MACAWS. It was a fun experience for them.

Riley holding her "baby" as the Macaw was eating her shirt. Mom was a bit nervous that he was going to bite her skin or even her face!

Reagan was a bit nervous with the one on her shoulder. She said it hurt her arm and it kept eating her hair. 

Still holding her "baby".

Then, Mom and Dad got in on the fun. Mom does not really care for birds, so lets just say, I was a trooper to do this for the kids. The guy told me to keep my head still, so all I was thinking "WHAT! Are you kidding me? My kids are not going to keep their heads still and you are putting the birds on them too?!" We survived and got some pictures for the memories!

Can't go to Florida without seeing some cool Banyan trees. I find is so sad that you see such beautiful trees that are so old, and have peoples names carved into the trunks. Do people not have any respect!

BACK TO THE HOTEL ... view at night.

And then off to sleep, where it took the girls FOREVER to calm down enough to fall asleep. However, upon waking up ... this is what we saw ...

View from our bed in the morning.

View from our bed, looking over to the kids bed (pull out couch) and the view behind them. 

Sunrise view

Another sunrise view

The girls sat and watched the cruise ships arriving. What a relaxing way to wake up!

Looking down from our balcony, there was a fishing boat about to depart. You can see the tarpons around his boat, it was so cool to see how clear the water was. There were 5 tarpons, about 4-5 feet long hanging out right there. This pictures is from the 17th floor, but you can still see them!

TIME TO GO HOME!

We decided since we had all day to get home, we would take our time. Our first stop was at Alligator Alley to see if we could see some alligators up close. Not that you can see him, but there is one in the picture behind them (way in the distance).

Here is one! Sunning himself on the other side of the water. It was neat to see them. As we drove through Alligator Alley, we probably saw at least 50 on the side of the road. I am sure there were tons more, but it is hard to keep track when you are going 80 mph down the road!

Then we stopped at the PREMIUM OUTLET MALL, for some shopping. While there, the girls got to do the Hamster Bubble. 

Reagan in her bubble, waiting for it to be blown up! Once again, mom was a bit nervous that these ladies told her to get into this plastic bubble, close her eyes and ears, and wait. All I could think of is ... you just zipped my kid up inside a plastic bubble without any air. Luckily, they were right there with the leaf blower, to fill her up!

Inside her bubble, ready to go.

Riley, inside her bubble waiting for it to be blown up. 

Reagan testing it out.

Riley inside her bubble.

Reagan figured out how to stand up, but could only stay up for about 2-3 steps before falling again. 

The girls getting their exercise.

Riley would stand up and then jump backwards. 

Reagan trying to get me!

Riley is a bit exhausted.

I think Reagan is tired too.

There she goes ... she figured it out ... in the end! 

NOTE TO SELF: If you suspect that your child is not feeling well, a Hamster Bubble probably is NOT a good idea. Reagan was already under the weather, and then getting inside this hot, plastic bubble and exerting herself, pushed her over the edge. She was overheated and nauseous after her fun!

They were both wiped out and ready to get home.

Poor Reagan, not feeling well and the start of her "virus". As she got home, we discovered she had a 102 fever and is now home from school until she gets better. 

Riley insisted on keeping her pillow behind her head, which when she fell asleep, she could not keep her head still. These pictures are taken in about 10 seconds of each other.