We were so lucky to have Audrey, Amir, Maya, and Sara join us in the States, all the way of Israel!
Since it was so nice out, we did lots of outdoors activities and fun. First up, Butterfly World!
Excited to see the Lorikeets!
The boys point out all the flying butterflies.
Maya has one land on her shoulder!
Benji & Grandma find a few friends.
Staying still, so one may land on us.
Success!
Josh shows them how it's done.
Not as successful with this kid.
A chocolate tree! "Where's the chocolate?," Josh wonders.
Strange looking butterfly.
Check out this slow-motion flying.
Not only could you see the lorikeets, but you could feed them, too!
First up, Maya!
Brave, Derek!
Derek feeds the Lorikeets
Uncle Keith's turn --- but, it looks like Benji wants a turn!
Mommy helps Benji feed the Lorikeets
Benji gets caught mimicking the birds.
(Most of the) Group Shot!
These goofballs.
Uncle Keith helps Derek identify butterflies.
Fun with family!
Oh look, he caught another (very expensive) one!
After feeding the birds, we decided it was time to feed ourselves. So we piled into the cars and headed out to lunch!
Some of us feel asleep along the way, but made a quick (and sticky) recovery!
Another great visit (with not as many pictures) was our visit to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. This facility not only teaches you about local aquatic life, how to maintain its ecosystem, and proper ways to safely live alongside our aquatic friends, but it also is a sea turtle rescue center.
Checking out the marine life.
The girls wanted a manicure from Lori before they headed home.
It was so sweet to see the Barams and we hope they'll come and visit again, soon!
Grandma flew solo to Grandparents' Day this year, since Bubby was out-of-town. Josh and Derek had a wonderful time showing Grandma all the great things they do in school.
Lunch together.
Book fair at the same time? How convenient!
Derek being silly.
Brother bedtime snuggles as Mommy and Daddy head out!
Mommy and Daddy had a great night out with floor seats to the Pearl Jam Concert at the BB&T center!!! Daddy even went the next night down in Miami!
Standing on the Ice!
Awesome, incredible show!
SO close to the stage -- it really was an amazing night.
The next night, Mommy had her other PSTA auction to bring a few kids to the Panther's game. Hard to believe the night before she was standing on the ice, and now an NHL game is being played!
Let's go Panthaaaaaaaars!
Great seats!
Last game of the regular season -- now on to the playoffs!!!
Bubby's back and she's better than ever....
Josh shows Bubby Derek's Grandparent's day project.
And Benji shows off his adorable new hat -- Thanks Aaron and Eric!
Each year Mommy and her co-worker auction off items for the PSTA's online auction. Usually they accompany students to a Marlin's Game or join them for some fun at Boomers. Well, this year, Mommy's BC Calculus Class requested they auction off a day at Zoo Miami --- and requested that they bring their families, too. So, Zoo Miami it is!!!
Meeting up at the entrance to the zoo.
Fast friends - Derek remembers Diego and Luke from the Rube Goldberg project the day before!
Derek, with map in hand, leads the way!
Part of the group!
Oh no! Poor Simona!
Child swap.
A unique looking frog.
Who is this masked cheetah?
Lunchtime entertainment.
Too much fun...
....for everyone! Of course, Josh fell asleep right after we bought him his dipping dots!
Derek joined Mommy at school for a community mitzvah called Feeding Children Everywhere. With music booming, lentils flying, and a sea of hairnets, we were able to come together a package healthy meals for over 50,000 people in just a few hours!
Derek made sure the packages were sealed tight.
He also personally decorated a few of the shipping boxes.
After making the meals, we headed over to the fabrications lab, where many students, parents, and teachers were working together to create a Rube Goldberg Machine.
Derek joins some of Mommy's students to help out!
Derek helps with the dominoes part of the machine.
I am a robot.
After packaging 50,000 meals, this kid comes up with a donut for a snack.
Ready to let it fly!
Back to the house to get Josh ready for his first sleepover at Aunt Susie and Roberto's house!
One shoe on and one shoe off, deedle deedle Benji.
Excited...
....ready to go!
It was a great time. Dinner, dessert, and dessert for breakfast! A truly unique experience!
