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Libby and I met up with my sister, Kristin, and her fiance, Garret, Brook & Kim Peterson (friends from High School/Iowa) and a few of Brooks friends from Iowa. We flew into Miami, where Brook and Kim drove us about two hours south to a town in the Keys called Islamorada.

We celebrated Garret's birthday and enjoyed the sun during Winter. We spent a couple evenings with Heineken at a restaurant/bar on the water listening to the local musicians and watching the sun set.

The highlight of the trip for me was a specific moment of the bikini contest we witnessed, of course. One of the girls apparently wanted to win the prize (whatever it was). Crowd response was tepid, at best, over halfway through her available dancing time. She was, of course, seeking a way to stand out above her competition.

The stage was like a pier jutting out towards the audience from a wider stage. I could see her mental wheels spinning as she realized she was out of moves. There was only one thing left do...some gymnastics!

This girl takes off from the back of the stage as if she's going for Olympic gold. She ran too far and too fast, took a huge preparatory step (whatever they call it) and went for the biggest roundoff you've ever seen. Apparently her mark was slightly off because she propelled herself into the audience. I cringed and closed my eyes tightly.

When I opened them again she was being helped back to the stage. No blood. No harm.... She didn't win.