Ready to dance!

I took dance for 15 years ... from 3-18 years old. I love, love, loved it! Ballet, tap, jazz and even some clogging and hip hop. It was one of my favorite activities. I never wanted to quit, and there were several years where I took classes at two different studios.

I always knew if I had a daughter, I'd encourage her to consider dance as one of her activities. If Sydney's excitement during open house at her new studio is any indication, she's going to have so much fun with it. And the new shoes were a hit when they arrived this week!

Her ballet/tap combo class starts next Wednesday, and I always took classes on Wednesdays. It's a sign of good things to come! ;-)

Miami favorites

We had the most wonderful vacation in Miami Beach this summer! We went with my mom and step-dad, and it was the perfect set-up. We were in the same building with condos right near each other, so it was very convenient, but it also allowed for some separation when needed (nap time, etc.). It was great. And the kids loved going back and forth between the two places. We walked out of our building and there was the pool. A few feet beyond the pool was the ocean. You can't beat that with a stick, people!

The weather was perfect, and it was actually cooler in Miami than in N.C. and V.A. We were so lucky. There was a delightful breeze every day. It rained the day we started the drive home. Speaking of the drive, it was about an 11-hour trip, and we stopped in Jacksonville, FL overnight each way to break it up. The kids were rock stars. I guess we've always been an on-the-go family, so they do great with travel. Having the DVD player didn't hurt, either. :-)

While in Miami, we spent most of the time at the beach and pool, but we also spent one day at the Seaquarium (where it was really, really hot) and we drove the few miles further into South Beach for a couple of nice dinners out as well. It was just the right balance. Randall and I even fit in a date night which was my favorite thing - a walking culinary tour in South Beach. We stopped at 6 or 7 different restaurants. Mmmmmm So delicious; I could do that every weekend!

Here are a few favorites from the trip.