We took the kids with us and spent this past weekend in Miami where we attended the Best Buddies Miami gala.  Best Buddies (www.bestbuddies.org) is an organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing them opportunities for friendship, employment assistance, and leadership training.  We’ve been involved with the organization since 1994, and it remains one of our favorite charities because of the tremendous work it does to assist one of the most marginalized groups in our country and in the world.

The Miami gala is one of our favorite events every year, partially because there are very few cities that have better people-watching than Miami.  This year’s gala did not disappoint.  It was held at Marlins Stadium ($350 million of public funding at work!), and Far East Movement performed.  (I have to digress here and mention that the parents of the Asian musicians in this band must be so proud.  It’s just what every immigrant parent dreams their child will grow up and be—a hiphop star.)  And rather than describe the many outfits that left very little to the imagination, you will just have to take my word for it.

We stayed at the Fontainebleau, and this was the view from our hotel balcony.

We did manage to spend a few hours by the pool and by the ocean, after homework was done, of course.  It was sunny and in the mid-70s in Miami, as perfect weather as it could be.  Great cause, great event, great weather, and a wonderful time had by all.  It doesn’t get much better than that!