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?

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

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

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

GO NOAH!

The 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. My 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?

I 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?

My son and me. Yes, I look like Flavor Flav with that medallion around my neck – I KNOW

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

The crowd at the ceremony

After 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.