FLORIDA

Zach on the plane (no fun for anyone!!). We couldn't afford to pay for 4 tickets to Florida, so unfortunately Kimball and Brandon had to stay with family in Pocatello, Rexburg, and Utah. They had a blast back here, but we still feel guilty that they couldn't go. Zach was free and he is also still nursing, so along he came with Mom and Dad. It was a LONG trip to Florida, lets not repeat that ever again... PLEASE oh please! We arrived at Chris and Steve's place at 1:30 in the morning, just thinking about still makes me cringe! Chris and Steve were so gracious to offer a place for us to stay. We have spent only a handful of hours with them since our marriage, and to stay with them for almost a week was much needed "bonding" time for all of us. 

Mike and Zach at Blue Springs

Testing the temperature of the water, brrrrrr

Zach's first swing adventure, all smiles

Going on an evening stroll at the park. Being able to spend time with Kevin, whom we never get to see, was indeed a very bright highlight to our trip. He is a very smart and polite young man, and fun to hang out with. I can't believe that he is 7, he was only 4 months old when Mike and I got engaged and I met him for the first time, sheesh where have those seven years gone?

Sand fun with Zach, Mia, Kevin, and Mike. How can you go to Florida and not go the Beach? That would be like going out to a restaurant and not eating anything:) What a great day, playing and lounging at the beach, being mistaken for an Italian, Mike spending about 45 minutes talking to a group of Italians after I cleared up that I am not Italian. The only things that I can say in Italian are a few phrases that I have picked up from Mike. They were a great group of people. The beach was packed, but we hardly noticed, we were too busy enjoying ourselves.

Beach baby! Zach loved it! He added a new item to his diet for one day, he tried to eat the sand.

The happy couple before Mia took out her endowments and they were sealed. I love the temple in the early morning light, it paralleled the day perfectly, the dawn of a new life for Nate and Mia. What a blessed day! I was able to go with them early and be Mia's escort through the temple. That was a beautiful experience to be with her. I had to leave before the sealing to be with Zach. Mike was with Zach during the endowment session and then we rendezvoused to switch the baby and he joined Nate and Mia to be a part of their sealing.

It was a day that we will never forget, the Temple affords us so many precious experiences in this life.

We were able to go see the house that Chris and Steve are trying to purchase, and it was raining pretty good. I snapped this pic of Nate carrying an armload of umbrellas to our car, too funny! We weren't planning on getting out of the car, but since he was putting so much effort into getting umbrellas, how could we not? I hope they get the house, it has a lot of charm and character, perfect for those two.

In 2007 when Mike and I visited FL together for the first time, we were introduced to Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, FL. I dream of the food that we eat there at least once a week... the corn fritters, the AMAZING rock shrimp, juicy lobster, sweet crab, scallops... wow, the best food ever I swear! We went there again in 2009 when we visited for Steve and Christian's wedding, 2 years was too long to not go to Dixie's. Well if 2 years is too long, 3 is unbearable! We had to go, no matter what on this trip, and lucky for us, everyone wanted to join us. . . Kevin surprised us all, he ate a whole Dixie special and then started picking off everyone's plate for more seafood. Great times. We ended our trip on a high note, General Conference, a trip to Gemini Springs, a soccer game with the Matusek brothers and Kevin, and eating out all together again. We sat in the restaurant long after the meal was over and just talked, laughed, and enjoyed the evening. We left early the next morning... barely made it to the airport on time. I have never almost missed a flight, and it was a stressful experience, one I hope never to repeat. I am surprise I didn't develop an ulcer after that, I was so worried that we would miss the flight while we were sitting in traffic and then again when we were in line at security. We made it home safe and sound, got out boys back, and settled back into our life and routine. We have our next FL trip planned though, and we are thrilled!