Mia Takes Miami!!!

We had a lovely surprise this past weekend when we found out Uncle Vinnie, Mia's godfather, was going to be in Miami for the first round of the NBA play-offs with his team, the Philadelphia 76ers!  It was Vinnie's first time traveling with the team and how cool that it was to South Florida!  Of course we immediately moved our schedule around so we could make the 1 1/2 hour trip down to visit him on Sunday afternoon after the team's practice.  We arrived at the Four Seasons (not too shabby I must say!) just after 4 pm and the first thing we did was check out the view from Uncle Vinnie's room!

 Mia was simply fascinated with the window seat and looking out the window at the Miami sky line.  She probably would have stayed there all afternoon if we let her, just walking around the little area and pointing out the window, but we had places to go and things to see during our quick little trip!

Next up on the agenda....a cocktail outside on the patio (Cheerios for Mia)

I could get used to lounging on these comfy couches!

Then once Mia saw the pools, it was all over....and the window seat was forgotten!  We stripped her down to her diaper and into the little wading pool she went!

Mama, won't you join me?

Of course I will my little love...and off we roamed all through the pool, walking, crawling, laughing and splashing....she was in heaven to say the least!  Until it was time to get out that is...then someone had a screaming fit and did the whole arched-back, throw the head back and scream thing that I love oh so much!!

After we finally got you calmed down and dressed, we headed out to grab a bite to eat at Brickell Village, down the street from the hotel.  We found a great burger place and although you weren't a fan of your grilled cheese (should have went with the chicken fingers like Daddy said!), you did love the sweet potatoe fries.  After wrapping up dinner, we got you bathed and in your jammies for the car ride home, where you drifted off to dreamland (and so did Mommy!)....a great way to end the weekend!

Mia and her godfather, Uncle Vinnie

Simply Stated....Heavenly

Is what life is like in the FL Keys....and Mia truly enjoyed her first trip there for the annual 7 mile bridge run weekend (although she didn't get to run!).  We have been making this trip since our first year in FL back in 2006 and only missed it once ~ last year ~ since I had just given birth to Mia a month before (although I was honestly convinced that I could indeed run 7 miles after having a baby ~ who was I kidding!?).  This year we stayed on a different key, Islamorada, Long Key to be specific, and it couldn't have been more perfect.  Just under a three hour drive, the almost in our backyard location made us feel like we were millions of miles away...

As always, Mia was a perfect angel the whole time ~ from naps to relaxing at the pool and beach, meals out to early morning drives for coffee and to watch the sunrise.  We couldn't ask for a more well-behaved little traveler and I hope that is always the case...because now I'm spoiled and expect it!

Enjoying our own little private beach for the afternoon....big comfy lawn chairs, blankets sprawled on the sand, watermelon, a pink tutu swimsuit and a little white sun hat made for a perfect day!

Loves watermelon!!!

Love that face!!!

Family photo at sunset on the pier :)

Giggles with Dad-Da!!

Look at that smile!

Watching for birdies over the water at sunrise

 Robbie's at Islamorada....a great local place

Enjoying the view from the bar

Our signed dollar bill which we will look for next year when we return!

Wish we could have stayed forever....but all good things must come to an end, at least that is what they say.  We'll be back again soon, hopefully we a few friends for Mia! :)