Miami Vacation

We traveled to Miami a couple of weeks ago to celebrate Brian's brother's graduation for Urology residency.  He has lived there for 5 years and unfortunately we have never been able to make it down there.  We were going to have an adults only 3 night trip, but with everything going on with my grandfather, we had to do some rearranging and Audrey girl got to come with us.  Luke was one lucky little dude, and got to have tons of sleepover fun with Aunt Ali, Uncle Will and Benjamin.  While the trip was a little different than we had imagined, we still had a great time!  Now for the pictures!



Audrey's first time in the ocean.

She loved it!

While we missed Luke, it was a special time for Audrey to get undivided attention, something that doesn't happen often!

Toes in the sand with Nonnie.

Lunch on South Beach. Very interesting people watching to be had!

On day 2 of our trip, we had an Everglades tour, as well as an ocean boat tour planned.  Sweet Nonnie decided to skip out on the tour and take care of Audrey, so Brian and I could go.  What a great grandma!  There was another unexpected issue this trip, the weather.  Unfortunately a tropical storm was surfacing and it rained the entire time.  We were a little disappointed, but still enjoyed ourselves, and decided we must go back when it is sunny!  

This huge guy was camped out right by the entrance of the airboat tour.  He was massive and apparently hangs out in this spot often.

The everglades

The airboat ride was so smooth, and quite an experience.

Due to the rain, the gators were hard to spot, but we did get lucky.

After the ride, we got to experience an alligator show, followed by...

....pictures with a 4 year old gator.

 

The boat cruise was next, and it was pretty rainy, but we still were able to see everything.

Here is the arena where the Miami Heat play.  We were actually in town the night the won the championship, and there were definitely some crazy fans around the city.

Part of the cruise included viewing homes on Star Island.  This is a very exclusive area of Miami with amazing houses owned by Elizabeth Taylor, Usher, P. Diddy, J.Lo, Shaq, the CEO of Viagra (interesting...), Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estafan, and many more.

I think this was previously Usher's home.

The next day we were lucky and got a break from the rain and enjoyed a little beach time.

South Beach

South Beach with my girl.

Key Biscayne

The lighthouse at Key Biscayne.

Brian and Tracy braved the water at Key Biscayne.

Key Biscayne.

On our last night we went to an amazing restaurant on the water.  The food was great, and the view to die for!

The Rusty Pelican Restaurant.

 

The view from our table.

The entire Gahan family minus Luke, and with the addition of Jeff's college roommate, Josh.

Thanks Nonnie and Grandpa, we had a great time!

While we were away, Luke was busy getting spoiled by his Aunt and Uncle.  Luke had a blast hanging with his best buddy, and we are so thankful for Ali and Will!

Popsicle time!

Luke helped make yummy apple chips.

I love these two!

During his stay, Luke became quite obsessed with Uncle Will.  He wanted to do everything Uncle Will was doing, and they even went swimming together.  Thanks Uncle Will, we love you!

The 4th

We had a VERY lowkey 4th.  We had big plans to go to the lake, but with all the unexpected travel after my grandfather passed away, everyone decided to just take it easy at home.  We had a super relaxing morning of hanging out, coffee, and playing.  We then headed over to Isabelle's house for a family get together.  Luke had so much fun playing in sprinklers, a baby pool, and eating yummy hamburgers.  They even had a craft! Here are our cuties before heading to the Barto's house.

"Whoa, whoa....that is enough, Mom!"

Audrey loved watching the big kids do the pizza craft.

After naps, we put this man to work!  He wanted his sunglasses to mow "like Daddy", but couldn't find them anywhere.  I see him running all over the house saying, "Where are they, where are they, I mean...this is just ridiculous!"  Haha, cracked me up!

Our hard worker had plenty of rest time as well.

Our kids have been super exhausted with all the travel, so they ended up in bed at the normal hour.  This left time for mommy and daddy to climb up on the roof and see several firwork shows in action.  It was so much fun, and the night was gorgeous!  Happy 4th everyone!  

10 Months

Audrey is 10 months old!  She has had quite a few firsts this month; first plane ride, first time at the beach, first time with mom and dad all to herself.  She is still so sweet but now has personality for days!  She likes to have everyones approval, and gets VERY upset if you tell her "no", or show her you are disappointed with anything she is doing.  She is a wiggle worm and just loves her brother to death.  She has also developed quite the grin. If she is excited she will close her eyes, tilt her head up and give you the biggest smile.  Coincendently she pretty much gives the same look when she is mad.  Here's what is new:

• Still cruising like a champ, and has tried to take a step in between objects, but really just falls forward
• Walks behind a walker, much more sturdy
• Can stand for a few seconds at a time after pulling up on something
• No new teeth
• Eating more solid table foods, doesn't seem to like cheese!  What the heck is she thinking!
• Still 4 six ounce bottles per day
• Down to 2 naps a day
• Size 4 diapers, but has worn some of Luke's old size 5s

She unexpectedly joined us on our trip to Miami, and was quite the wiggle worm on the plane.

Daddy time on the plane.

First time at the beach!  What a lucky lady!

Recently started doing this pose.  I guess she might be a yogi, as she already has downward dog mastered. =)

Best attempt at capturing her grin/mad face.

I have gotten tons of comments on her leg and arm rolls, but the neck roll is usually hidden.  I just had to give it the attention it deserves!  This girl may be slimming up, but those rolls don't seem to be going anywhere!

LOVES doing anything her brother is doing.

"Ummm...Audrey, I don't think Luke is eating sand.  No, No."

I told you she gets very upset if you tell her "no".  What a mean daddy she has. ;)

"So Big"...Yes, Luke, we know you can do it too.

McKinney Square fun.  Audrey felt very safe with Super Luke protecting the city!

Super Audrey

Luke is the sweetest big brother and shares most everything with her.

Best Buds.

We love you Audrey girl!  I can't believe you will be one year old in 2 months!