Happy 4th!

We enjoyed 4th of July this past weekend with our friends Chris, Courtney and Dayton at Vero Beach (picture Nags Head-esque with more retirees), which-in theory-is a 3 hour drive north of Miami.

Whatever driving estimate Google Maps provides with its directions, add at least an hour for the Boones to make the same journey. Between South Florida traffic, diaper changes and bathroom breaks (remember, I drink at least 5 L of water a day for my kidneys), we give the old school Oregon Trail dysentery/snake bite/ford a river venture a run for its money. A 3 hour trip took us 4 1/2. Good thing the beer was cold when we arrived!

Dayton making sure that Mackenzie was safely strapped into her beach chair.

Outtakes

I love Mackenzie. Her candor and discernment are both amusing and honest.

Below are 'outtakes' of our professional photography session. We had them taken at a beautiful park on the beach at dusk--sounds intimate and romantic, right? Well, not if you're Mackenzie and are trying to figure out why some strange lady is trying to make you smile.

Seriously, why does this lady insist on following me around?

This is weird, guys.

Is she stalking us?

And, then, this beauty. This picture captures the essence of Mackenzie: curious, confident and on a mission.

U-S-A, U-S-A!

Someone has gotten into the World Cup spirit! And, Mackenzie just likes the snacks served at game watching parties.

Poo = Pool

Last week Josh and I had a conference in Orlando for work, and, as we view our jobs as a way of life and not just a job, we carted Mackenzie with us.

This was both easier and harder than last year when Mackenzie accompanied us. Last year, there were a lot more late night cries and feedings. But, last year, we could simply put Mackenzie in her stroller and attend conference sessions and post-session cocktails. This year, Mackenzie is fully mobile and able to express her confident personality--at times creating a danger for a toddler trying to navigate a busy hotel lobby. But don't tell her that she is short compared to adults.

And, this year, Mackenzie is just a lot more fun. Don't get me wrong--she was fun as an infant--but it's different when you can watch your child fully embrace and experience new things.

Some of Mackenzie's favorite things at the Marriott WorldCenter in Orlando:

The Pool. Hands down. This kid is a water baby. And, in case you need help in deciphering toddler-speak, "poo" means "pool." Let's hope she never has to really poo in the pool. That could get confusing.

Breakfast buffet. Clearly, this is something Mackenzie has been sorely missing at home.

Grandparents.

Helper

Emily Day

The 17th marked the 33rd Annual Emily Day.

I really like birthdays. Really like them. And, I just happen to like mine the best (Mackenzie, yours is a very, very close 2nd).

We had breakfast at our favorite place in Coconut Grove, a trip to the UM baseball game (ACC Champs!) and a trip to South Beach sans Mackenzie for a birthday dinner.

Called Out

I've been called out on my negligent blog postings, so I am breaking my own rule and blogging during the work day. To my credit, I do intend on blogging every evening. Then I fall asleep. I blame Mackenzie for continuing to wake us up early every day for over a year. 

At this rate, Mackenzie will be 16 and I will still have the same pigtail pic up from my previous post. Thank you, Courtney Freet, for giving my blog a re-start.

In keeping with the pigtail theme, I give credit to Josh for being such a good sport (see pigtails) and such a great Dad.

Just an average Tuesday evening.