We left Rochester on Saturday, Feb. 21 for the cities. It seemed easier to stay in the cities overnight since we flew out Sunday am at 7! We spent the day on Saturday at the Mall of America. Patrick loves lots of people and action, so he fit in just fine. He luckily wasn't eatin' by the shark!
We had a nice dinner and then back to the hotel to do some swimming. Patrick loved the pool.
We attempted an early bedtime, but it didn't work out too well. Patrick just wanted to find all the cords in our room instead. He finally fell asleep though. After a couple late night wakings the alarm went off at a very early 4:30. Patrick woke briefly and then passed out again.
We finally coaxed him awake in time to get his diaper changed and catch the shuttle to the airport. Once at the airport, we lucked out and got an escort ticket so that Ryan could travel with us to the gate. We also lucked out and got an aisle seat in the bulk head of the plane. We had plenty of room to stretch our legs for the flight. Patrick fell asleep upon take off so all was smooth. Unfortunately he woke up after only about a 1/2 hour. For the rest of the flight he snacked a lot, played with some new toys, got knocked in the head a couple of times with the tray, and did plenty of flirting with the stewardesses. As we were on our decent, the stewardesses remarked that he was the best and happiest baby they had seen in a long time.
We luckily didn't have any checked baggage since Nana and GB drove down with most of it. Uncle Scott met us on time even! After a quick stop off at Uncle Scott's apt the ocean was calling. A quick change into our suits and we were off to the beach. At this point Patrick had only slept a little over a 1/2 hour since 4:30am and it was now approaching 1pm! There was just too much to look at and experience.
Once on the beach it was clear that my boy was very tired. I just popped him in the sling (a lifesaver for the week) and he fell asleep to the ocean waves. He took enough of a nap in his stroller for me to take a nice cool dip in the ocean.
Unfortunately his nap was cut short by a very loud ATV. We spent some more time
By late afternoon we checked into our hotel. It was a very swanky place with techno music, fancy furniture and lots of beautiful people milling around. Not sure it was my style, but I wasn't going to argue with a few days with pools and a beach. After another dip in the pool it was time for a bath and a pizza dinner.
Patrick had a little trouble falling asleep, but slept well the rest of the nights.
The next day we slept in a little (which I really appreciated!) But soon we were off to start our day by the pool. The resort had these great little cabana's that we could lounge on when we weren't swimming. 
Patrick loved the pool. He spent time splashing and laughing at his GB. It was so fun to hear his giggles anytime my dad came near him.
We worked out a good system that when he was tired him and I would head up to our room for the nap and then join back up with Nana and GB at the pool afterward. Once and a while we would head out to the ocean which was just a few feet away. A few times Nana would take over so that I could swim or take a "photo" break. I got a couple of nice beach photos, which I enjoyed.
Monday night we enjoyed a nice dinner out. It was very welcome after the leftover pizza lunch that we had that day. Patrick fell asleep on the way to the restaurant which was great as we had a long wait for a table.
Tuesday we ventured out after a morning swim to find a nice little latin cafe. It was a bit of a walk, but worth it! Good food and the prices weren't bad either.
On the way back I got some nice pictures of Miami beach. That afternoon, Patrick took a much needed long nap and I couldn't help but take some pictures of my sweet, sleeping baby.
That evening we finally enjoyed a nice meal at the resort restaurant. Although it was spendy, it was a nice night out.
Wednesday came to soon. Mom and Dad decided they wanted a night alone, so they booked an extra night. That gave us a full afternoon before having to leave. A few more beach pictures later and we had to admit it was time to go.
An easy drive to the airport with Patrick falling asleep. I was worried, but figured a quick snooze may make these easier at the airport. This kid is always waking up at the drop of a pin, but somehow managed to stay asleep through switching him from carseat to stroller, checking in, stroller to sling and through security! He did wake up before our gate though.
A full plane meant we had one of the last rows next to a family with 4 kids. Just as we reached a cruising altitude, the lady ahead of us decides to put her seat back leaving Patrick and I just enough room to barely take a breath let alone play. Needless to say I didn't try very hard to stop him from kicking her seat. He fell asleep for most of the flight. I was so sore from holding him and not daring to move for fear he would wake. When we first reach the plane I got to witness one of Patrick's first memories. On the flight down we were in the bulk head so our trays came out of the arm rests. Patrick enjoyed playing with them. This wasn't the case on the way home, but as soon as we got to our seat, Patrick started trying to "open" the arm rest. So cool to seem him remember an event that had happened 4 days before!
Ryan was waiting for us at baggage claim. It was such a relief to see him and have an extra hand with Patrick again. Traveling solo wasn't bad, but having a husband there to help is even better!
We had a great trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat. A big thanks to mom and dad for letting us crash their vacation. Also a big thanks to Scott and Marcello for showing us around a bit and hanging out with us.
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