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Well, I originally thought that I would do a post from Florida, but once I got there I thought it would be better to take the week off and enjoy my family. I didn't want to take any time away from my family. We are back home now and I have a lot of mixed feelings about coming home. I really missed Andrew, Damien, and the pets but I really didn't want to leave the comfort that Florida gives to me. I love everything about Florida, and I mean everything. Not even the extreme summer heat bothers me. A little history of me and Florida. I spent a lot of time during my childhood in Florida. My aunt and cousin live there, and my grandmother and I would go down during summer vacations to spend the summer. I even went to kindergarten and fourth grade in Orlando. I have always had a strong draw that pulls me there. I spend the first couple days repeating to myself, "I can't believe I am in Florida". It had been about four years since I had been there last. Amar'e LOVED it! She got to wear all of her pretty sun dresses and we went to the beach! Yes, we went to the beach in January! In my opinion, there is nothing better than that! We were able to visit a couple of the Disney parks, and best of all Amar'e was introduced to family that she had not met before. We were so lucky to be able to spend time with my grandmother, who is like my mother because she raised me. Sadly, two years ago, her health declined and my aunt moved her to Florida. Now she lives with my Aunt and Uncle and they take care of her. I've never seen such dedications and love in my life. When I first saw her, I will admit, I overwhelmed with emotion that I hid well. I was so happy to be able to see her! It was really special and even more special to have Amar'e meet the women I consider my mother.

Spending time with my cousin  and his wonderful girlfriend Crystel was awesome. I say he is my cousin because that is his true relation to me, but I consider Alex my brother. We were able to sneak away one evening and hit up downtown Orlando with an old friend of ours, Crystel (Alex's girl), and our step-sister Dee-Dee. I haven't been out like that in years, and it was really nice to be able to clear my head and just relax. Amar'e was in good hands hanging out with my aunt and grandmother, and when I returned she was sound asleep in her bed. I was totally impressed!

All in all, our little trip was a great success! I would love to live in Florida and I hope one day soon this will be a reality for my family. For now, I will not see the outdoors again until mid-April or May. It will be boots, hats, gloves, and heavy jackets for the time being. Living in Northern New Hampshire is by no means easy. Ok, I will be honest, I HATE it! :)
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Dear Florida,

Thank you showing us a great time. Thank you for the wonderful weather. Thank you for everything.  We will be back!

Love, 
Desiree
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Dear Auntie Sandra and Uncle Otis,

Thank you for making this trip to Florida for Amar'e and I possible. It's beyond wonderful to be able to spend time with you guys. I really enjoyed our talks, they were truly inspiring. One day I know we will live closer and I look forward to the day we can just drive over to visit and help out. I really love your beautiful house, and had a blast at the family gathering- we enjoyed one anothers company and good food! I can not thank you enough! Muah! We will be back!

Love,
Desiree

P.S- Amar'e is still yelling out Awwnee and looking for you!

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Dear Alex and Crystel,

Thank you for everything! I can't wait to spend more time with you guys! You guys were amazing with Amar'e, and it was really nice to have extra sets of hands around to help out. Crystel, I look forward to meeting your friend you told me about and possibly doing play dates and stuff like that. Alex, I cant wait to cook you a yummy vegan meal you will absolutely love. :)

Love,
Desiree
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 Now for the trip in pictures:

Manchester Airport. Did I mention I was terrified to fly. My heart would race every time there was a slight bit of turbulence.

We were really lucky on the flight down because the plane was only 2/3 full and we had a whole row to ourselves. Much different on the way back. They told me that there were 16 seats open so I thought for sure that we would have a whole row again. At the last minute the planed filled up. I don't know how this happened. So strange. So Amar'e ended up a lap child like she was suppose to be originally. It really wasn't too bad.

 

She loved Alex's fish.

Crystel and Amar'e

My Gram, Uncle Otis, and Mar

 ♥ Family ♥

  ♥The crew♥

 Love old pictures! Alex and I. Yup, we are pretty darn cool.

Beach baby!

 "Mar, what does the bird say?"  Mar: "Eeet eeet"

♥

Yes, it was nice enough out in the middle of January for Amar'e to be wearing just a diaper.

Slightly sweaty on the Safari ride at Animal Kingdom with Alex.

 

Who falls asleep on a Safari ride?

She does!

So many fish!

 Drinking Ginger Ale at Epcot.

 Eating rice with chopsticks at Epcot. Impressive for a not yet two year old to be using chopsticks.

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