A Wedding to Give Thanks for

Mia got her wings on Tuesday, November 22nd! We headed Monday evening, also Andy's birthday to Detroit to stay at a hotel to catch our 6:30 A.M. flight the next morning. Mia has been talking about flying on a plane for over a month. She always says, "Me fly plane, Stevie's wedding?" The day had finally come and I was quite impressed with how well she did especially the times we flew. After arriving in Miami we picked up our rental car and headed south for the Keys. Of course Mia got her usual car sickness, but other than that, nothing too eventful threw us off course.

We were in Florida for Steve and Heather Lung's Wedding. Andy was the best man and Olivia was the proud flower girl. We wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Olivia, proudly doing her job

This is how Mia acted throughout the wedding, or at least what parts we managed to stay in the sanctuary for. Thankfully the ceremony was short and sweet.

The wedding party, (From L to R: AnnaBelle, Heather, Steve, Andy, Olivia, and Asher)

The beautiful bride and her sweet flower girl

Stevie, with two of his favorite little people. Olivia was excited that Steve's nephew Asher was the ring bearer along side of her.

The wedding party again, plus my cheesy Mia wanting in for a quick photo. I love her silly smile for photos.

After the wedding we had a nice and casual reception at a little restaurant called the White Lion Cafe. It was definitely the tropical feel there. We occupied the outdoor space, which was wonderful, because the kids could run around and play, but still be within an enclosed space. I regretfully did not get my camera out for any of the dancing action at the reception, but a good time was had by all.

We took in some sights in Key Largo while there. Thanksgiving day we headed to Pennekamp State Park to take in views of the ocean. We enjoyed walking down a mangrove trail and dipping our toes into the water.

My girls on the beach

Gorgeous palm trees on Thanksgiving Day. This was definitely not our typical Thanksgiving Day celebration, but we were definitely thankful.

Mia in the water

Another highlight of our trip were the manatees! We stayed at a very nice hotel, while the rest of Steve's family stayed at a house about mile from us. The house was located on a channel which the manatees came to visit daily. You could always lure them in with running hose water into the channel. They'd swim right up for a drink of fresh water. They were mesmerizing to watch, especially in their natural habitat. We got up to nine at the house at one time.

After Pennekamp State Park, the majority of our Thanksgiving Day was at the Lung's rental house. We enjoyed too much food, wonderful company, and relaxing in the pool. It was heavenly.

All the kids taking a break for a Capri Sun

We had to laugh that Mia and Anna had the same swimsuit

Olivia making waves

Mia floating in her inner tube. That was a well spent $3. It gave her so much independence in the water, but we were always nearby to help if she needed it.

This was our home away from home for the few days. We headed home late Friday evening on a Red Eye flight back to Detroit. A unique Thanksgiving it was, but we are so happy we could be a part of Steve and Heather's blessed day! Congratulations to the happy couple!

Halloween 2011

Halloween brought forth a delicious scoop of ice cream and adorable pink flamingo to our home this year. Mia really got into dressing up this year, as Olivia always does. We did our usual routine. Our friends the Moores brought their two little guys over and went trick-or-treating throughout our neighborhood. I then stayed home and had the passing out candy duty. It was also a semi-sweet event this year in our neighborhood. The sidewalks and yards are always flooded with many eager trick-or-treaters, especially at our next door neighbors for their annual balloon launch and entertainment they put on. Well, this was their last year. Wanda the Witch is hanging up her broom and retiring. So we soaked up all the excitement that fills our little block this year and hope that future Halloweens can bring as much fun and fond memories.

Mia strutting her pink feathers

Getting ready to head out for some candy

The last year for the balloons to fill the skies in our neighborhood

Mia hanging out with some of our neighborhood kids