Miami is where most of my family lives and it had been a while since I saw them. And although I was worried about leaving Brenda alone to deal with potential Angel health issues, we decided that Angel was doing better and I should go.  So Brenda stayed in Tucson at the beautiful Catalina State Park with Angel while I took off for a quick hop to Miami.

It was a busy but very fun week surrounded by people I love.  What could be better?!

My spunky Mom Rosa and my Bro Gus and Sis Ana Rosa

My lifelong buddy Al and his adorable honey Bonnie were my gracious hosts.  Al and I went off to Golden Rule Seafood to load up on just a few stone crabs.  Oh sooo good.

Brother Gus and his friend Leslie came over to Al and Bonnie’s and not one little crab survived the experience!

I made dinner at Mom’s one night … with my bro Gus, sis Ana Rosa, and Leslie

Captain Bob

My buddy Dave came to visit from Tampa and stayed at Bob’s. We went for a spin on Bob’s boat on beautiful Biscayne Bay and had lunch on the water.  A Chamber of Commerce day with good friends.

Priceless.

Reconnected with a long lost friend (thank you Facebook) that I hadn’t seen in over 30 years.  Michelle hasn’t changed a bit and it was wonderful to see her doing so well and happy.  Funny how it is possible to pick up so easily from where we left off after so long.

My niece Cristina, Bro in law Rick, sister Ana Rosa, and nephew Peter

Mom and I visited my sister and her beautiful family.  Including her menagerie of cute pooches. Little Jewell and Chloe, the adorable Frosty, and the water loving Coco.

My brother and I enjoyed some Miami nightlife with his daughter/my niece Cindy (soon to be Dr. Lopez … so proud of her) and her Argentinian boyfriend Alejandro.

Then a quick trip to the local blues bar with a sizzling band.

And cocktails at the Blue Martini with three of my cousins, their families and a couple of friends.  A fun night out and a great way to end a week of zooming around town.

And these pics only capture some of the fun.  Uncharacteristic of me, but so often I forgot to take pics!

By the end of the week I was pretty partied out and it was time to go home.  And unfortunately, a brief visit didn’t allow time to see all of my wonderful family in South Florida. Rats!  How lucky I am to have such a loving group.  And Brenda wasn’t here to share in the fun so we’ll need to schedule another trip soon!

~ Hector