Mid America 2016

4.13-17.16 

Chad had a conference in Bonita Springs, FL this year so I got to tag along.  It was a much needed break from the Minnesota winter and the kids!  Chad and I were able to spend a lot of time alone as well as enjoy the company of friends.  

We did a lot of fun things and had many memorable experiences...

We slept all night, uninterrupted by children!

We took an everglade tour where rode on an air boat, saw man groves, "gatas", got sprayed by "stinky water" (If you know Peyton you will understand what this means), saw an alligator demonstration, and I held a baby alligator.  Chad was too scared ;)

Chad won an award for one of his research projects. Yay Chad!  I was able to attend the award and watch him give his talk.  This was one of my favorite things. Side note:  I am a stay-at-home-mom.  I work at home.  I take care of my kids.  I clean my house and make meals.  It's pretty easy for Chad to understand what I do.  Heck!  He experiences my work place for about an hour each night and on the weekends-occasionally and sort of-it's not quite the same when he is home. You get the point.  I, on the other hand, have no idea what Chad does on a day to day basis.  I know he sees patients, I know he operates and does research but what do these things look like?  I don't know and I don't know that I will ever see Chad in his element. During this meeting, however, I was able to get a glimpse of Dr. Watts in action.  He gave a 5 minute presentation of his research-of which I understood little to nothing.  But I was able to see him in a different way.  It was so fun for me. I am so proud of him and his many accomplishments.  Chad also picked, along with one other fellow residents, to compete in the conference Quiz Bowl.  He and Matt came in 2nd place out of 14!!

Chad also got competitive outside of Orthopedics as well.  He and his buddies played lots of water basketball.  It was a bloodbath!  Chad got his nose practically shaven off during one of the games.  Chad played in the "friendly" Iowa vs Mayo volleyball game. 

I got to go shopping ALONE!! aka HEAVEN, drink some virgin Pina Coladas and lounge on the beach.  One of my favorite parts was riding back from the beach on the ferry.  2 dolphins played in our wake almost the whole way back.  I have a thing for marine life so this was a huge treat for me.  I just wish chad could have seen it in person.

Let's not forget that when Chad wasn't in conference we were basically on one big 4 day date!   IT. WAS. WONDERFUL.We are so gratefu Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Steve were willing to come hang out with our kiddos.  Thanks Chadley for letting me tag along! FL....You have my heart! :)

The view from out hotel room

11 stories up

There's a Gator! 

Yes, I was THAT wife, in the back taking pictures