So Miami was absolutely fabulous! I got to take a "mini vacation" over Easter Weekend and spend some time on the beach with my family. :) I hadn't been to the beach since I was about thirteen years old so it was a special trip for me on a personal level. (I've been to the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast more recently but that doesn't count because it wasn't a "lay out" kind of beach. haha ;) ...I did however get to go whale watching and it was such a fascinating experience, regardless of it being freezing!!) I have always loved the ocean, infact, my name "Morgan" means "by the ocean" or "great and bright sea." With that said, it's a little sad sometimes living in Oklahoma with no beaches! haha... (But here's a fun fact for ya: Even though Oklahoma has no beaches, we do have more man-made lakes than any other state! haha)
We have a lakefront on Lake Eufaula, here in Oklahoma, and it is considered my second home in the summertime.
In fact, here is a painting I did from my backyard porch at the lake. :) The lighting in this picture is very poor, but you can still get an idea of the painting.
Painting is one of my favorite hobbies!
Anyway, back to Miami. Since we were in the area, we stopped by La Casa Hermosa and bought a few great cocktail dresses and a pair of earrings for Miss USA. Afterward, we joined Raelee Toye and and Jordi Kolar for dinner. Raelee was first runner up to Miss Arkansas USA 2010 this year!! ( I have a feeling next year she's going to take that crown! )
All in all, we just got to enjoy spending time together as a family, soak up some sun on the white sand, and enjoy some good food with good people!
One day, we even got to meet up with my great friend, Jorge, and his family! His mother was thoughtful enough to make us real authentic CUBAN FOOD!!! :) It was delicious.
The last day in South Beach, my mom and I walked over to Lincoln Road for lunch. I loved the atmosphere and the fact that there were so many people and restaurants. (And of course, I had to stop in Haagen Dazs on the walk back to the hotel. lol... I ordered a strange combination: A scoop of chocolate, a scoop of chocolate chip (they actually called it Vanilla chip- haha go figure?) and a scoop of strawberry.) Yummy Yum!
Lastly, I nearly missed my flight home because I was watching the last few seconds of the NCAA Basketball Championship in a TGIF at midnight. haha... O well, the important thing is, I made it home!! ;)
P.S. ~ Also worth mentioning, I met someone veryyyyy "importante" while I was in Miami ;) I'm sorry to say that I can't share the gritty details with you, but maybe after Miss USA is all said and done I can write a "pageant girl tells all" book. haha... It sure has been a wild ride!!!
Warmest Regards as Always,
