Tidbits of Life in Miami

Small things that happen when we're in Miami and food that we ate! 

Being showered with gifts on days like Mother's Day and Father's Day when I'm obviously not a dad or a mom!

 Mami's arroz con pollo

Ivan helped Blaine wash his car. He was so eager to help!

Pastelitos, senoritas, capuchinos for breakfast.

Just hanging out with Uli.

Lunch with Mami at one of the 100s of Cuban cafeterias. Lechon, arroz morro, platanitos maduros con Iron Beer!

Chica's Bakery by my house. Cuban pastry heaven. 

 We were fed by Georgina, Ulises' mom, all the time. She's an amazing cook! She always makes yuca for Blaine.

 Playing Candy Land on Sunday is a must for Ivan.

Tio Colo ice cream sandwiches. You'll only find these in two places - Miami or Cuba.

Nicaraguan food - fritanga, churrasco, and queso frito.

Playing with these two.

Polo Norte Cuban pizza. Lots of cheese, thick crust, very little sauce. 

Puerto Rican food - Mofongo de pollo.

Sarussi dates with Abuelo. He loves this place. They make the best Cuban sandwiches!

Dates with the sister. We got our hair done at this new blow dry bar. It was fun!

We also went to Village of Merrick Park together for shopping and dessert.

Mami's arroz con leche. The best ever.

Getting hugs and kisses from this kid.

Pollo Tropical. Chicken on the grill! It's a chain, fast food Cuban place. A staple in Miami.

More pastelitos, rollitos de queso, y croquetas. Yum! 

Colombian food - arepa de chozclo. Blaine had a Hawaiian burger.

Boys playing video games. Common scene when we visit Miami. 

Papa rellena. A ball of mashed potatoes and stuffed with picadillo (ground beef).

Mami's tostones rellenos. Little cups of fried plantains filled with shrimp and ground beef. 

Building lego towers and demolishing them after.

Misha's cupcakes. We became obsessed. We had them all the time. They're the best cupcakes I've ever had!

Papo is still Papo. Does crazy things at random times. Right before bed one night, he randomly decided to invade Rue's cage. I love him. 

When we visit Miami, we enjoy doing all the fun, special things that we do because we're on vacation and visiting family. I love hearing the language. I am reminded of words that are so Cuban and that I've forgotten! But my favorite part are the small moments that happen every single day - whether I'm there or not. I cherish those moments more than the cool things we do since I am only there to experience them for a tiny part of the year. Even though things change, Miami will forever be my home because of the wonderful people who live there that love me so much. Hasta la proxima! Till next time!