Filling Time in Miami

Our plan was to get to Miami a few days before Talmage was ready to leave the hospital. Eleven days later and Talmage is still in the hospital. With the change of plans, we had to figure out how to juggle two very active boys who think they are on vacation, a little girl who needs a nap every day, Zane whose office is graciously letting him work from Miami, and Talmage's feedings and medical care. It took us a few days, but we finally got a schedule down. I'm at the hospital early for Talmage's first feeding, then I come back to the apartment, do a little school with Dallin, and then take the kids on an adventure. Zane works during the day and feeds Talmage at his mid morning and afternoon feed. We skip the dinner feed because honestly, we both need to be around for dinner and bedtime, and then I head back to the hospital after the kids are in bed and Zane works. It is working pretty well although we are both exhausted. Zane especially has a lot on his shoulders. Usually when he is at the office, he can focus on work and then when he gets home, focuses on being a dad. The boys can't figure out why they are on vacation and dad is always on the phone and isn't coming on adventures with them.

One activity we did do as a family was head to the Fort Lauderdale temple open house. It is a beautiful temple and it made for a great family night to walk through this temple.

 Miami isn't the worse place to have to hang out. :) We have found some beautiful places to explore. I have taken the kids to many parks where they always find "swords" and look for alligators.

I braved the beach by myself which wasn't too crowded. It is hard to take pictures though when I'm by myself.

Lili was the first one in the water until salt got in her eyes and then she was done with the ocean.  It was also pretty windy and a little chilly with the wind.

We went to these beautiful gardens with multiple ponds and streams, a play ground, petting zoo, and a splash pad.

We fed these fish.

Outings by myself can be hard because my kids can get into so much trouble in the blink of an eye. Lili tried to climb over this rock wall to get into the pond below. I caught her just in time. Her climbing skills and love for water are scary!

Dallin charmed everyone around him with these centipedes. They were everywhere and he kept picking them up and letting them climb on his body. Gavin joined him and they showed all the kids around them their pets. People thought this was so cute. We also got a few "dissection lessons" in there and learned all about the inside of a centipede. 

Petting Zoo

Splash Pad

Ironman