At another show parakeets performed stunning tricks. One could even add and subtract small numbers. He would ring a bell as as many times as the correct result.
In another dolphin show the dolphins not only jumped but also sang and gave kisses:
The ugly iguanas are an invasive species
The drive back to the hotel over the Keys was very pretty
Mia really enjoyed to swim - even if she can go only a small distance.
We also enjoyed the dock by the bay side where we could watch a manatee and her baby drink water from a hose.
Of course Mia had to try as well :
It was also a nice place for a lunch break
In the evenings a skipper who lived in his sailing boat would come for a drink and bring his parakeet along
A neighbor had told us about a very unique train display at the botanical garden. So on Sunday morning we went to check it out. It was in deed very special and worth the long wait.
Mia had also taken her baby along and made sure she saw all the highlights:
This evening we and another family made a outing to the national Christmas tree that is set up behind the White House. It has a huge model train set up around it and a school choir was performing Christmas songs. In a small house we could take a look at Santa's workshop and Santa was even available for photos. Mia didn't like the idea though - hopefully this won't have a negative effect on her Christmas presents.
For the first time ever we bought a Christmas tree this year. It is not very tall but it looks pretty nice and we all decorated it together.
We had a small birthday party for Mia with some children from our building. Everyone was excited about the cake Mia had picked it at Whole Foods in the afternoon.
The chocolate cake was so rich that five kids and nine adults could not finish it
Mia also liked the presents she got
On her third birthday we took Mia to a pizza parlor down the street from our place that we all like.
After that we played a bit outside before heading home to open her presents
Of course she wanted to open the largest package first: Since she really enjoys our trips to the zoo we got a little Lego zoo for her.
A few days were too cool and windy to go swimming at the pool but we still found enough things to do and it didn't get boring
Instead of a evening swim at the pool we introduced an aperitif hour at the bar
Mia also enjoyed the evening dance
Sometimes we just relaxed in the hotel lobby
We also got to see for the first the orangutans use the O-line. These are cables on running between towers so that they can to go from the ape house in one part of the zoo to another.
A picture of Mia was selected for a poster of her preschool: A serious looking Mia is holding a flag. For her it was not the first time she was picked for an advertising role like this: One day after she was born we were asked if a few pictures of her could be taken for the hospital magazine.
The lions were really playful and chased each other or rolled around a big ball:
A tiger preferred to walk back and forth by himself:
An elephant was munching down some snack:
Mia watched all this and more and after a long morning at the zoo fell right asleep during the 15 minute drive back home
