Last week, I started wrapping up our Miami Beach Bowl trip, and I meant to blog on Saturday, just so we could move on. But Christmas prep and family time held me up. So, today, I'm wrapping up our final two days in Miami. But, if you want to catch up you can see Day 1 here and day 2 here.
Sunday morning (day 3) was our Wives Day out. Each bowl usually has one day reserved for a kids outing and a wives outing. It gives us a chance to hang out and enjoy each other while exploring local culture, while the husbands (coaches) are prepping for game day, practicing, having meetings, etc.
We met downstairs with all of the kids and sent them off to the Miami Children's Museum.
They were super pumped and excited for their day out!
They explored the museum, saw a show, ate lunch, and made a football craft.
While they were at the museum, the wives were doing this:
We set sail on a catamaran for an afternoon of sun and relaxing.
After a quick spiel from the captain, we made our way to the front of the boat so for optimal sun and views.
We were sailing, and out of no where were these little boats. As we got closer, you could still only see the sails and people sticking up. I'm not sure about you, but I was happy to be in the larger catamaran.
We saw parasailing.
And I had decided by this time that Miami was my favorite place in the world.
We had lunch on the boat, and sailed for 3 hours, and then made our way back to the hotel to meet the kids.
Sunday afternoon called for nap time. We had let Adalyn skip naps most of the trip, but I knew she was worn out by that afternoon. While Nana kept the big girls in their room, Adalyn and I cuddled up in my room.
After naps, we ventured out on a walk. We were debating more pool/beach time but it was close to 5 and would be getting dark soon. And, I really wasn't up for more sand and wet clothes knowing that we'd be leaving the next day.
We walked on the boardwalk behind the hotel, and made our way out on to the sand.
About a half mile from our hotel was a little playground right on the beach.
The girls had so much fun playing and we stayed until way past dark.
One of the bowl reps had told me that there was a house on Miami beach that Versace had owned and was actually murdered in. She asked if we had seen the house, and we hadn't, so we decided that we would try to find it. And just FYI, you can only see it if you have a reservation.
We decided to stop for ice cream since the girls were tired of walking.
And, we were trying to waste time while DJ was in meetings.
Gretchen chose a chocolate with peppermint and it was so good!
DJ finally got out of meetings around 9, and we hadn't had a family meal, so went to eat at Grillfish
See that building with the rotunda on top? That was our hotel.
Nothing like walking Miami Beach at night.
Grillfish was amazing. We had calamari and shrimp scampi. The wait staff was so nice to the girls, and it was late, so they were all tired, but they took them back to the kitchen area, so we could watch the chef fire up the grill and cook fish. The girls weren't impressed that he was cooking real fish with scales and eyes.
Once we got back to the hotel, we let Nana open her Christmas present.
And then we packed and went to sleep because the next day was GAME DAY!
DJ was out the door early. We finished packing, got ready, and dropped our bags on the bus. We headed to breakfast, and the girls saw Coach O. Coach O is a volunteer coach with our team, he has coached college ball years ago, and he works out of DJ's office. The girls are obsessed with Coach O, so we asked if he would mind taking a picture with them.
After breakfast, we had some time to spend, so I tried to get some pre-game day photos.
A friend of mine made each of the girls their shirts to wear on game day.
After our bus ride to the game, we enjoyed pre-game festivities at the alumni tailgate and the girls found Captain Cane!
We watched the band and cheerleaders perform and the girls wanted a picture with their favorite cheerleader!
We loaded up on game gear- leis, pom poms, and flags and headed inside to Marlins Stadium.
We were able to see DJ before the game and get a family picture.
But the girls weren't cooperating, so we opted for a parent picture!
The pre-game festivities included parachuters from the Navy seals. We actually ran in to them after kick off and they gave the girls a bracelet.
And, not to brag, but Tulsa dominated the game. and at the end, we were on the field celebrating the big win!
Our team won 10 games this year and ended up Miami Beach Bowl Champions!
And look, cheerleaders!
The girls were all smile for a picture with the cheerleaders!
A family picture after the win!
DJ and his video students with the trophy ater the game! These students work so hard all season! They've been a joy to get to know this year!
And one with the kids too!
This season was so exciting! Usually at the end of the season, I'm ready for it to be over. Not this year, I'm already ready for August and next season!
