When It Comes to Fun, We Don't Play Around

After leaving Stuart, FL for the Netherlands, we returned to, oddly enough, Stuart, FL. We've spent the past two weeks performing in and around Orlando and Miami (and Stuart), and adjusting to life-as-usual in the States.

It was nice to get back in high schools for some educational programs, too, since we haven't done those in about two months. Playing for rambunctious teenagers can be so exhilarating! Here I am (incredibly sweaty and disheveled) with my friend Helen after performing for a particularly spirited, young audience in Miami:

Our short time in Florida has also presented two fun opportunities.

During three days off, Kiana and I got a rental car and drove up to Orlando to visit one of her best friends from high school, Kate, who works at Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World. Not only was it nice to visit the happiest place in the world and get a short break from performing, but it was great getting to spend time with Kate and essentially receive a personalized tour of the Magic Kingdom (complete with rides, parades, and Tinkerbell).

Somehow, the only picture I ended up taking on this trip was of Kiana showing off our majestic Chevy Cobalt. I'll try to get up more pictures later.

As Valentine's Day (which is, coincidentally, Arizona's birthday!) approached, a few of us were eagerly anticipating the V-Day 5K in Miami. Charlie, Kiana, Tim, Kristina, and myself drove down early on Sunday morning to participate in the race, which was run along the beach walkways on Key Biscayne, a small island off Miami's coast.

Not only was it Charlie, Tim, and Kristina's very first 5K (which is a great accomplishment in itself), but Kiana and I also had a great morning, placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in our age/gender divisions!

With our trophies (metal water bottles that say "Second Place" and "First Place" on them) after the awards ceremony!

Up next: the Houston Rodeo Run 10K with Kiana and Annette in two days!