The Summer So Far!

I know it's been a long time since I've blogged. We've just been so busy lately. With a intense course load, church callings, and taking on a teenager for the summer, (I'll explain later) we've just been busy, busy, busy!
With our hectic schedule, we were still able to take a vacation this summer. We went to Miami, Florida. My parents have a time share in Florida, so we were able to take advantage of that, and go to Florida for some fun fun fun! Shane and I flew in at Midnight, and had to rent a car, and find the condo on our own. We survived the ordeal and were able to get there in safety. We hit the hay and then the next day were awake and refreshed to party!

The first day we started our journey by going to see the Alligators. They had an air boat ride and they took you out and tried to show you were the alligators were.
Shane was very anxious to get on the boat. Here he is with the boats in the background. He looked like a kid at Disneyland. He was so excited.
Here you see the only Alligator we were able to see. He was just a little guy, but he's still very much real. They got us as close as was possible. The kids loved it, and it was everyone's first time seeing an alligator up close and personal.
After the boat ride, they let us go and see a show where they have an actual Alligator Wrestler, who knew those careers actually existed. He was a nice guy who after the show let people hold a baby alligator. Of course, Shane was the first inline for this one. I was quite a few yards back, and taking pictures.
It's not a kitten sweetheart! However, Shane was not thinking clearly, and snuggled the poor baby alligator! What a silly guy!
Maile was the next one in line. She was very anxious to be able to hold it too. She is our biggest animal lover in the family.
Olivia was next. She was a little nervous about holding it, but she warmed up pretty quickly. It's just a good thing that it's mouth is taped shut. That is what actually convinced her that it was okay to hold him.
I know the picture is sideways, but the stinking thing wouldn't flip for me. that's the only one that is sideways. Tyson really enjoyed holding the alligator. He was so sad that he had to give it back.
The next day we were able to meet up with my dad's siblings. His two sisters and my cousin drove down from Birmingham, Alabama. We were so excited to see them. On Monday we went on a dinner cruise. They take you to a private island and serve you dinner, and provide a show as well. On the way to the island they showed us some mansions that were along the water front. It was pretty cool. Here are some pictures that we took while we were waiting for the boat to go.
In the middle is my cousin, Lillie, some of us haven't met here before. I know, it's SHOCKING!!!! she lives in Tennessee, and this was the first time I was actually able to meet her, and spend some time with her.
Shane and I posing for a picture. My hair looks pretty scary. It was very humid in Florida. My hair just looks pathetic. There was nothing I could do about it. :o)
The over 50 club as they liked to be referred to. They had their own bench and everything. They were so cute. Thank Aunt Cathy, for being a sport, and showing us your tongue.

The next day we decided to head to the beach. Alisha researched and found a beach that was supposed to be the best in south Florida. It was pretty overcast that day. However, the water was very warm. The warmest ocean I have ever been to.
We were having a nice lovely talk in the water. It was pretty nice. Tyson was showing us his snorkeling skills. :o)
Shane is so fired for taking pictures. Who let him near the camera?
Shane finally got in the water, and I was able to snap a picture of him. :o)

Well, as they say all good things must come to an end. We left Florida a few days later. The rest of our days were just spent relaxing by the pool, and doing some shopping. We of course found some good restaurants, that we took advantage of, and it was all in all a fun, relaxing trip.

When we got home. We were immediately thrown into watching our teenager. We have a couple in our ward who works for an environmental company. They were called up to clean up the oil spill down by the Gulf of Mexico. They have a daughter who is 14 who they needed help looking after. Her name is Shalayna. She is very much the typical teenager. She has been a challenge, but we are enjoying our time with her. We've run into a few snags along the way, but we are learning from them, and hoping to show her how important the gospel and being good is important.
Shane and I just finished up another term of school. We both did very well, and we are glad that the term is over. I took a Spanish class, and I learned quite a bit. I learned that I will never take Spanish again! Just kidding, I enjoyed it, and hope to continue onward and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to use what I've learned in my degree. Shane changed his major. He wants to major in Psychology. He wants to get his Masters degree, and become an addictions councilor for the V.A. Hospital in Salt Lake, Utah. He's enjoying taking his classes, and we know we have a long road a head of us, but are equal to the task!
Well, I guess that sums up our summer thus far. We are looking forward to more fun with family and friends. We will try to keep up on the blogging, and hope all of you are doing well.