Only in Miami

Yesterday we explored South Beach.  We took the kids to Lincoln Mall and a walk down Espanola Way.  They were nonplussed.  I did, however, find an evening gown for the hospital gala in November.  That was a goal of mine during our travels.  In Panama City the options for evening gowns are limited to Dillards and the stores where prom dresses are sold.  Prom dresses aren't really my style, and Dillards has 15 of each dress.  No one wants to get all dressed up and see their exact dress at the event.  That happened to me last year because I procrastinated and did not get out of town to buy my dress.  This year it's a fabulous strapless column dress in a delicate floral print.  I just love it.  I have the perfect shoes for it already.  My friend Teresa, queen of antique and estate jewelry, has offered to help bling me out for the event.  I can hardly wait!

After Evan's nap we went to the beach.  The kids had a blast there.  I have to chuckle that we've been over 1600 miles on this trip and Ft. Lauderdale (Wednesday) was the first beach we've seen.  Yesterday we really did the beach thing.  Zachary body surfed for hours and Evan played in the sand and at the water's edge.

Ryan and Zachary (white sun shirt) headed out to the big waves.

Evan and I made sand castles.  I laughed when I uploaded this picture because I didn't realize the entire butt in the background.  It's so commonplace in South Beach!

I have a new swimsuit I bought this year for our Disney Cruise in March.  It's this season, I paid full price for it.  It's a halter top and a shirred bottom with a short skirt attached.  I thought it was so cute and perfect for my age (and ass).  It covers a little, but it's still a 2 piece.  Only the grandmothers had swimsuits on like me, I felt like such a prude.  When I get the chance I'm buying a regular bikini.  I'm not going for the thong bottom - I obviously don't work out as much as that mother of 3 in the background - but I don't need to be quite so conservative.

Today we are changing marinas.  We are in a marina in South Beach and we are headed over to Miami proper.  There is a science museum and a children's museum near the new marina.  Today we'll hit one of those, then the other one tomorrow.  Then we're off to Marathon, then Key West.  We are done with the southbound leg of our trip, now it's west and northwest.  We'll be home soon.