Recently I was digging around online for educational things to do with my monsters. I think we have all been suffering from a bit of cabin fever since Remy was born.  My internet search led me to the Navy Seal Museum website. This place has been on my radar for about a year. As I was perusing their site, I noticed that on the Saturday coming up (at the time, not now) there was going to be a question and answer special event with the war dogs. I knew my kids would find that incredibly interesting. 

This event was incredible. It FAR exceeded my expectations. My husband and kids LOVED it. I'm not sure how often this is available, but it is absolutely worth it. You must arrive early, it fills up quickly. 

We got to the museum at opening (10am). I had to turn in my backpack diaper bag, so do NOT bring a backpack. They will make you take it back to your car. I think they only kept mine inside for me because it was full of diapers and wipes. Do yourself a favor, repack only the baby essentials in an over the shoulder bag for your museum time. 

Unfortunately that is the kind of world we live in. 

At first the monsters were a little apprehensive about touching anything. And I can't blame them. I was too honestly. But they got into it. 

No, that is not a real gun. It is a training weapon though. It weighs the same as the real thing. Riley was shocked by the weight of it. But, as you can see, he thought it was cool. His real favorite was the one his Daddy used when he was in the Army. 

Yes, that is a real Black Hawk. Yes, it was really used in military matters. There is a plaque that explains the history of this beast. It was awesome (as in, I was in awe) to stand next to it, in front of it, in it, under those props. 

These two need to work on their upper body strength. 

That's as far as we got in the museum... maybe a 1/4th of the whole place. 

The question and answer part of the dog show was cool. That part took place indoors, and it lasted for around 45 minutes (I think). When it was time to head outside to watch the dogs run the obstacle course, the baby woke up. So I spent that portion of the event in the lounge feeding the little guy. But Stu snapped pics and Reagan videoed for me. 

Thanks for reading! 

Do you have any suggestions of things for us to check out? I'm always on the hunt for local(ish) activities. 

I am outrageously obsessed with this eatery. 

It is located in Tradition Square (right across the street from Kilwins). Since we moved here last April, we have eaten at least a dozen meals here. Whenever anyone comes to visit us, we make them go with us. 

I am personally in love with the beef nachos, hold the lettuce. 

Oh man, just posting that photo made my mouth water... Look at all that melty white cheese! 

The image below will take you to their website. There you can check out the menu, scout out a location, drool over the delicious pics. 

A few months ago, we went on a school field trip to the Orlando Science Center. For the end of the year trip, the kids' school opted for Sea World! We were so excited! 

When we arrived, we signed in and met up with both of their teachers. My kids are incredibly lucky to have two amazing teachers. And meeting them in person is priceless. 

As we were getting ready to walk into the Park, Riley said, "Ok Mom, let's go see some mammals and fish!" 
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After the sign in, we were told to go to Shamu Stadium for an educational presentation. A few other schools were hosting field trips at Sea World that day as well, so we were asked to sit in Section C or D. Riley wanted to sit in the splash zone. He was really hoping to get soaked. 

This was originally posted in July 2016 in the BLOG section. This is its new home. 

Once we nailed down our anniversary trip destination to Tampa, I went on the hunt for the perfect place to dine and celebrate 10 years. 

I probably asked a dozen friends for a restaurant recommendation in Tampa. Every single one enthusiastically shouted Bern's! Every. Single. One. 

So, I looked into it. I talked it over with Stu. He and I LOVE A good steak joint. He called and made a reservation for the night of our actual 10th wedding anniversary. The only hitch was that the reservation was for 10:30pm. That's about an hour after our usual bedtime (I know, we are wicked cool.). 

As you know by now, Stu and I celebrated our anniversary without the kids. But we definitely behaved like children. It's hard to be a serious grown up when you are riding roller coasters all weekend. 

In case you are thinking of following in our footsteps, I've laid out some basic descriptions of the roller coasters we rode. Here, you'll find my opinion and experiences also. Of course, I saved the best for last. I hope this helps. 

As you know, Rea is homeschooled. She is a part-time student at Florida Virtual School. And I supplement the rest of her life with educational goodness... At least I try. 

Buddy still attends the brick and mortar elementary school down the road. But that will change soon enough. We have plans to pull him out (more on that in a much later post). 

Anyway, Rea's school planned a state-wide field trip. These field trips took place in six different cities across the state. We opted for the Orlando one, since Rea's teacher would be there. So, the kids and I got up early on Friday morning and drove to the Orlando Science Center. 

As promised, here is the second installment of our trip to Zoo Miami. 

I cannot say enough good things about this zoo. The animal enclosures are designed to give the viewing public fairly close access to the animals. This was definitely a unique expeirence. 

Rea's birthday is right after Christmas. We like to do something special for her, to celebrate her big days. This year, we went to the Zoo Miami with great friends. It was INCREDIBLE! What a place! 

Let me start by saying, if you can, plan two days for this zoo. We walked the nearly the whole park (there were a few spots we skipped) in only one day. Stu checked his phone as we were leaving, it said we walked 8 miles. It was exhausting, and it felt rushed sometimes. 

I'd also suggest renting the family bikes. We sprang for the monorail tickets ($4/day/person, for all-day use)... it was a waste. I'd have been happier on the bikes, I think. The monorail was air conditioned, so that was nice. 

Rea and I met a friend for lunch the other day. She suggested Newks Eatery in Legacy Place. It's a relatively new joint in Palm Beach Gardens. 

I've been a client at Salon LaBrea for several years. I adore it. The hairdressers are all amazing. The place itself is so nice. It's on the first floor of a 3-storey townhouse in Abacoa. I actually found them and became a client when I lived right around the corner... my frame shop used to be in Abacoa, and one day I made an appointment for a Keratin treatment and walked over. 

I decided to change things up. In a big way. Call it identity crisis or mid-life crisis (am I too young for that?). Anyway, I emailed my amazing stylist (Christina) and told her I was coming in, and I wanted her to color my hair. I was thinking something crazy, like dark reds or purple. 

She probably thought I was crazy, but she humored me. We planned it out ahead of time. And I walked in ready for anything on Saturday morning. 

Is it just me, or does it look like I've been carrying around Cousin It on my head?

I had no style in mind... I just knew the hair had to go. But not go so much that I could not put it up. I cannot live without a ponytail or crazy bun in my life. 

At the salon, I chose the final color. Christina insisted on a semi-gloss. Since I have never colored my hair before, she said a temporary color would be best. Plus, we could play with the color until we get something I love. Then I can go permanent. 

Also, there was the mild fear that Stu would not be quite as ok with it as he told me ahead of time. 

Right before this photo, when the color was setting, I was in a chair with no mirror. I could not see what my head looked like. When a girl walked by and said, "Whoa, purple!" I started to panic. 

I remained calm by reassuring myself that it is only hair. It's only temporary dye. I can change it. 

The panicked nut in me was nail-biting and chanting "Please God, don't let me look like a Troll doll." 

I'm so relieved and happy to tell you that I love my color. I don't think it looks Troll-esque. And I love the cut! 

Thanks Christina! You rock! I'll see you soon!