Just a few minor events include Parent/Teacher conferences (the kids are doing great), book club for Sheri, book club for me (To Kill A Mockingbird), taking the girls to a local ballet show, ice cream with friends (to say goodbye to my friend Jen Kaufman who moved), and the Relief Society birthday dinner. We really live in a great area and I feel strengthened by all the great women in my ward and community!
We celebrated Matthew's birthday, the big 40, by heading out of town. We had a week off for spring break. We decided to head for warmer weather - Miami!
So off we drove after the kids got out of school. We drove 4 -5 hours and then stayed in a hotel. The kids swam a bit the next day (24th) and then we continued on our way. We stopped in the Smokey Mountains to take a little hike and appreciate the views. We crossed the Appalachian Trail. Then we drove to Georgia to sleep for the night.
Sunday we drove from Georgia to Miami. We had a great gospel discussion on the way. When we reached Miami it was dark and we spent a few moments on the beach as darkness fell. Then we went to check out our accommodations which weren't the greatest, but that is a story for another time. We sure were glad to have a place to sleep!
On Monday morning we hit the beach. It was a perfect day, clear, beautiful, and warm. Just the balm we needed after such a cold, wet, grey spring!
It was so nice to have time with Matt! He has been working so hard that we really enjoyed relaxing together!
On Tuesday we headed to Everglades National Park. It was very cool to see so many animals including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, turtles, and lots of fish and birds!
While we were there we also got to see the Nike Missile Site HM-69 that was used during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This was so interesting to me. It was so cool to learn the history behind this!
On Wednesday we went to the Seaquarium! This was great fun! We got to see so many animals!
We got to watch dolphin and killer whale shows, touch the sting rays, and even got to pet a dolphin.
Christian is being goofy here.
Sometimes you just feel grumpy. Christian wanted to control the spray guns at the park area and didn't want to share or leave.
Proof of sibling love.
This was such a cool day, even if Sheri didn't get to swim with the dolphins. :)
On Thursday we rented a boat to go snorkeling off the Florida Keys. We thought about a glass bottomed boat tour, but that wasn't adventurous enough for Matthew.
Let's just say it was very adventurous because their was plenty of wind and high waves! By the time we made it out to the reef Matt and I were even a bit sea sick, and all of us were wet. I'm just grateful that Matt knew enough about driving a boat to keep us from cap sizing.
Sterling was the first to brave the water, but didn't stay in long. Eve and Matthew got in next and swam around for a bit. They saw some of cool fish, a lobster, and coral.
On Friday we decided to enjoy one more beach day, this time at Lauderdale by the Sea. This beach had more waves and we had a great time playing in them!
The food was pretty tasty and fun to try. We look a little wind blown in this picture. :)
On Saturday we headed back. We enjoyed listening to General Conference in the car along the way. It was an excellent way to pass the driving time. The Solemn Assembly was pretty awesome even in the car! What an historic conference! I loved it and felt the spirit confirming to me that the prophet and new apostles were called and prepared by God! I love the gospel and love the direction we receive!
We loved our time together as well as the time to rest, relax, and renew! We feel so blessed! Now we are really ready for some WARMER spring days!
