I know I promised I would blog about this right when I got home, but life sometimes gets in the way of my good intentions.

As most of you know, Noah went and won  himself a bronze medal. I had to lug that big boy across the country to Miami, Florida to collect it, and it was a lot of fun.

First, and most importantly, I had almost everyone I love in that room with me: my husband, my son, my parents and my college room from . . . I can’t even do the math from how many years ago. That’s why I write. I like letters, not numbers. Anyway, it was awesome to be surrounded by the people who make up the very foundation of my life.

The first thing I have to say is that the weather in Miami is just awful for someone who is used to the dry weather of Arizona. It was eighty degrees with 100% humidity. I felt like my jeans were made of cement, and my hair took on a whole new level of frizziness that I’d never seen before.

It wasn’t pretty.

So let’s get on with it, shall we?

Noah suitcaase

I shoved Noah in my suitcase. He wasn’t happy.

Noah bed

When we arrived in Miami, I put Noah to bed. He’s a cranky traveler.

Noah RFThe next day we went to the Miami book fair. Noah was prostituting himself in the Readers’ Favorite booth.

GO NOAH!

IMG_0041The next day we went to the Miami Aquarium with Anna and Papa (my parents). I always love watching my son interact with his grandparents. It makes me smile. sonwhales tailMy son also learned that if he ever comes face-to-face with a whale tail, he doesn’t stand a chance! How’s that for education while traveling?

me local flavorI also got my picture taken with some of the local flavor at Catch of the Day Restaurant

When awards night came, I tried to wipe the sweat from my body and make myself presentable. Did I mention the humidity there?

IMG_0072My son and me. Yes, I look like Flavor Flav with that medallion around my neck – I KNOWmeand hubs

My hubs, who was instrumental in the development of the Six Saviors

crowdThe crowd at the ceremony

IMG_0073After the ceremony, we hung out at the bar. This is my college room mate from <ahem> years ago

So in the end, Noah minded his manners, and a good time was had by all. Abby would have been proud.