Stoker Family Reunion Day 3&4- Miami

After our first 2 amazing days in Florida we took a 4 hour drive down to Miami. We spent the day driving around the area and visiting some of the places that Justin (Brianna's husband) served his mission. I expected Miami to be very high class and similar to Arizona, however most of the area is run down and more like Washington that Arizona. Very green with many of the houses in a jungle like paradise. I guess I should have expected that from the humidity.

 Getting in touch with my inner Forest outside Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

 Crazy trees throughout Miami.

We ate at a Nicaraguan restaurant for lunch and an Argentine cafe for breakfast. The pastries were amazing. Savory and sweet and very authentic.

 

We also spent Saturday night on the beach front watching all the people. It is a very vibrant place at night with restaurants all along the beach, loud music, and lots of lights. We left just before it became really dark which I think was the perfect timing because I don't think it is a place I would like to be at night (possibly dangerous).

 

 

 

 There is tremendous diversity in Miami and the ward we visited did not disappoint. Not only was English and Spanish spoken but there was also a Creole translator. Most of the wards in Miami have this option for the members. The spirit was so strong in the ward. There were 5 confirmations that day alone from 5 different individuals (not a family). It was a fantastic experience especially for our soon to be missionaries in the family.

Then we all piled into our 15 passenger van and headed for the BOAT!

Stoker Family Reunion Day 2- Epcot

Day 2 of our adults only vacation we visited Disney's Epcot. I've never been there and was really excited to enjoy a sunny day in the Disney resort. There is just something about Disney resorts, they are so clean and friendly, everyone will have a good time no matter how young or old you are. Epcot is different from other Disney resorts in that it is more learning centered. I really missed the kids that day because I think they would have enjoyed all the attractions and themes in the park. It is a great place to take kids, especially if you are looking for an informative adventure.

 Brandon and I in front of Phineas and Ferb

We traveled to all the countries learning about each. I especially enjoyed the 360 camera videos. We also tried Moroccan food for lunch. (YUM)

My favorite part was the space attractions. One specifically has you load a space shuttle simulator and withstand G-force training. I can only imagine it had a similar feeling to a real space shuttle but much less intense.

No rain that day which was awesome but by the end of the day we were all really hot and ready to go back to the hotel. Unfortunately we had to drive 4 hours to Miami. However along the way we did see a road kill alligator. A BIG ONE!

Stoker Family Reunion Cruise Day 1-Univeral Studios Orlando

We have been back for over a week now and I realized I haven't posted about our wonderful trip. We went on a Caribbean cruise with all the Stoker family (ADULTS ONLY). My mom and sister came to watch over the kiddos while the rest of us took off for Florida and the Allure cruise ship.

We started in Florida at Universal studios Island Adventure and Harry Potter World. It was amazing!! I loved all the lands in Universal. It was raining almost the entire time but that didn't stop us from having fun.

The first thing we did was go on THE HULK rollercoaster. It was an incredible rush and the best way I can think of to start off the trip.

Then it was on to Harry Potter world. It was brillant. Everything was so authentic I can't believe how wonderfully imaginative the creaters at Universal were. Just like the books. My favorite part was the Harry Potter ride in the castle, I really felt like I was flying over Hogwarts. And the wait was super short, I was disappointed I didn't need to stand in line longer becauase there was so much to look at. The riders travel through the entire castle complete with a green house, a wall with moving pictures all the way up to the ceiling, the headmasters office, the dark arts room, and the dorms.  We also visited Hogsmade and ate lunch at the 3 broomsticks.

I kept thinking it would have been fun to have the kids with us especially in Olivander's wand shop where a wand presentation takes place just like the first time Harry visits Hogsmade. The frozen butterbeer was especially good too.

Even after Harry Potter world there was tons more to see. The rest of the day was spent fighting off dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, meeting super heroes including an especially flirty Captain America, and watching the battle of Sinbad.

 

 

It was a fantastic day and a great way to start off our 10 day vacation.

Christian 6 Months

I can't believe Christian has been in our lives for over 6 months now. Time is flying by. I feel like a blinked and he is already changing from my sweet little new born to a fully functioning baby with a lot of personality.

Here is what is new in his life:

-he started solid foods: not a big fan but will eat it. He likes squash and oatmeal not a fan of rice cereal. Also has tried: banana (yum), graham crackers (yum), veggie straws (double yum), carrots (ok), avacado (yum).
-he has been sitting up since he was about 5 1/2 months.
-rolls all over the house to get to whatever he wants. This has lead to some unusual hiding places including getting stuck under the couch and hiding behind the curtains.
-more baby talk, especially screeching just to hear his own voice. And he especially loves to talk loud during the music in church.
-he has 2 teeth on the bottom
-he loves his walker. By far his favorite toy and he knows how to manuer it. Think about that commercial of the baby in the walker running through the house.
-loves the remote to the TV
-hates being left by himself. He wants to be held all the time lately and he will throw a tantrum if he doesn't get his way. As soon as he is picked up the water works turn off and he is happy.
-sleeps through the night 9pm-7am and takes about 2 naps/day.
-loves the bathtub and the pool. I see lots of swimming in this little guy's future
-likes sitting in the sink while I get ready in the morning. He loves looking at himself and smiling his big open mouth smile.
-his skin looks better. Still some eczema but he seems to be growing out of it.
-he loves playing with Elizabeth and Jackson. Any time they pay attention to him, especially in the mornings he laughs and loves on them.
-He has a very smiley personality but doesn't laugh a lot unless he is being tickled or about to be tickled. Even then it is more of a machine gun laugh in short bursts then the belly splitting laugh.
-everything goes in his mouth. I am constantly on lego watch.

 

 

 

 

At his 6 month appointment he was 28" long (75%) and 18lbs (65%). I can't believe how much he has grown. My favorite parts are his chunky thighs and big brown eyes. And he still has a bald head, just like the other two.

Christian 6 months

Elizabeth 6 months

 Jackson 6 months

I have been blessed with the most beautiful babies and it seems like every baby gets more beautiful than the last. But that is just mom talking.