From Jimmy Johnsons in Key Largo to Slackers in Ft. Lauderdale. We Out Now. Going Home

We ate two-for-two yesterday. There was a crazy accident that shut down the highways out of Key West right in front of us...like 4 cars in front of us. As a result, we were stuck in traffic for an hour before we could move over a bridge.

Tunga didn't know though, because he was asleep. We drove forward and when he awoke he was hungry and I said, "Pick something." This kid got lucky because we ed up at Jimmy Johnsons in Key Largo. It was a perfect pick, as we sat outside, ate blackened fish, watched jet skis, para-sails, and boats moving along the coast. It was a stunning blue sky and the water was magically green.

He decided we needed to see Miami, too, so we ventured off track slightly and wandered the streets of Miami - crazy busy, ridiculous traffic, but stunning. It is a city I'd like to stay more than one day finding something to look at. It''s beautiful and huge. He was satisfied, so we headed to Ft. Lauderdale, which was easy, but nerve-wracking, only because of the insane construction and heavy movement of cars.

I'm glad today we found our way to the hotel without incident. He went to the gym (to run a 2nd time) and I walked to scope the area). The rental was returned, we paid a cab to return to the hotel, and then Chitunga announced, "I'm hungry again." Of course he was. He found a bar called Slackers near the hotel and we walked over. Crazy, but they have Sunday night cheeseburgers for $5. Seriously - like the really good cheeseburgers. They loved Chitunga so much that they also gave him a free slice of key lime pie. I don't know where he puts the foot or how his tiny frame can digest so much, but it is what it is.

We depart for the airport 6 a.m. and arrive in Hartford at 11. He needs to get to Syracuse before we tackle yet another winter storm. Looks like I will be resting a lot on home the Tuesday.

There's a lot of reasons I wanted to get away, but #1 on my list was to make the kid get away, too. Yes, he did Excel sheets and nerded out from time to time, but he totally absorbed the moment (as did I). We ate well, sight-saw well, were hosted well, and had a great time.

I ran 4 miles this morning and then he did. We found each other by the pool. My memory from this trip is seeing him swim laps, taking more risks in the water, and feeling totally free with how to spend his time. Funny to recognize how a trip is made more special when you watching everything from another's perspective.