South Beach and Tortola

To celebrate Mark's graduation (and to sneak in a little R & R before our big move), we went to South Beach and Tortola. 

 Parissa and her boyfriend, Kevin, joined us in South Beach.  Although the weather was less than perfect in Miami we enjoyed some amazing food and a lot of laughs together.  We miss you P and Kevin!

The four of us, right before stuffing ourselves at The Bazaar by Jose Andres.  An amazing meal!

Mark waiting for his caipirinha to be made.

And then it was off to Tortola for some sun, snorkeling, food, and sleep.  

Dinner at the Sugar Mill Restaurant

The view from our room.

Our one and only morning of attempted exercise.  The plan was to walk to Long Bay but, someone took pity on us along the way and drove us most of the way there.  Thank goodness because it was hot and hilly!

On the ferry going to Virgin Gorda.

Hiking down to The Baths and Devil's Bay.

Mark catching up on Steve Jobs at Little Dix Bay.

Relaxing at Cane Garden Bay. 

Congratulations Mark!

Boy time sure does fly when your husband and Daddy is busy in a post-graduate residency program for two years!  We can not believe how quickly our time flew in FL (although it didn't always seem that way).  The girls and I couldn't be more proud of Mark for successfully completing the program and becoming an endodontist.  Not an easy feat on any count and especially daunting when you have a pregnant wife and two little girls at home.  What an amazing role model Mark is for our children in showing them that it is never too late or too difficult to follow your dreams.  

To add icing on the cake, Mark was chosen to receive a very special award for being a consummate professional during his time at NOVA.  He was chosen for this award by the instructors in his program and it was the first year that this award was given out.  The director of his program told us that they created this award because of Mark and it will now be an annual award given to one member of each class at graduation.  Hurray for our Daddy!

Mark and his fellow residents.  They decided to dress the same for the graduation ceremony.  Everyone got a big kick out of this!

Mark receiving his certificate from the director of his program, Dr. Flax, and the Chairman of the program, Dr. Namerow.

Later that night at the graduation dinner...

Mark and the namesake of his award, Dr. Seymour Oliet, a very well-known and respected doctor in the endodontic community.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day a little late! 

Mark really enjoyed his time with the girls this year.  We started out by going out to breakfast...chocolate chip pancakes complete with whipped cream for the girls, of course!

Then we headed off on our last trip to Flamingo Gardens. They were having a special reptile and amphibian show which I knew Bianca would love.  When we arrived she was a little hesitant about the front row seats that Mark choose for us. But, once things got started she became more comfortable and was sure to pet all of the animals on display (except the scorpion).  Ellia, our little princess, was also loving being up close and personal with all of the creatures there.  Maybe she has a little tomboy in her yet!

Petting the blue-tongued skink!

I can't remember what type of snake this was, possibly a boa constrictor, but, it was large.

Bianca's favorite - the salamander.  She was very excited to learn that it was an amphibian.  She had thought it was a reptile.

This was Bianca's other favorite  - the black throated monitor.

Cautious with the scorpion.

Neither of the girls have shown any interest in face painting but, they do like to have their arm painted.  Ellia chose a heart with wings.

Bianca chose a blue shark!

Happy Father's Day!

The shark in full view.

Petting the tortoise named Cheeseburger.