FLORIDA!

Our plane was delayed one day (b/c of American Airlines!!!) but we finally made it to the hot Florida weather only to be met a few days later by a Florida coldsnap - everyone was running around in sweaters complaining of the cold 60 degree weather! Crazy, I know...

Even though I had seen Dad and Fran a few weeks earlier in NZ, it was great to spend more time with them and I had a new expierence while I was in Tampa - Indoor Professional Football. It was fast moving and exciting (similar to rugby 7's) but the best part was the opening ceremony with over-the-top introductions of all the players, indoor fireworks, cheerleaders, and the most patriotic National Anthem - which is something I really like about the States - the patriotism (unless of course we're mentioning the War in Iraq....I threw that in there for you James).
Oh, yeah and the Hotdogs....not a big hotdog fan, but eating one at a baseball/football game....YUM! - you can't get these in NZ.

Luca's first swimming expierence in Dad and Fran's hot tub. He likes it without the bubbles turned on and seemed to be a natural swimmer kicking his arms and legs around. When Luca turns 6 months we will enroll him in swim 'lessons.' I could probably save some money and teach him myself (I taught swim lessons in HS and college) but it will be something fun for us to do and also meet some more parents.

Luca meets his Aunt Erin for the first time! We drove over to Orlando to visit Erin and spent the day trying on wedding dresses, and browsing a few shops. I know Erin wants to have kids some day and I'm hoping meeting Luca didn't put her off the idea! He was a bit of a handful that day - ha ha....see Erin....it is hard work!

Driving in the car with Erin in the back seat

Erin: Ewww, yuck give me a napkin

Me: What's wrong

Erin: He threw up in my face!

Me: Yeah, he just does that sometimes

Erin: He smells

Me: Like what? Poo?

Erin: No....he smells like you! (welcome to my world...smelling like breastmilk or spitup 24/7)

Luca: (nonstop gurgling and squaking)

We enjoyed visiting Erin and taking photos - and she helped me narrow down some wedding dress ideas! James and Erin really enjoyed the format of Erin's wedding last Aug so we decieded we wanted to base our wedding the same way....ceremony and reception all at the same venue on a Friday evening. We are so so excited about our wedding - it still seems like ages away though (May 22nd 2009).