Evan gets used to the water. Can you tell I'm a bit cold!
Maya models poolside with new orange waterwings!
Now I'm getting the hang of this!
But can I get out now, I am freezing my little tushie off!
Hey, don't I look like a little angel with these water wings!!!
Yes I was enjoying myself but do the paparrazzi need to be snapping while I'm completely in the buff!
A moment of quiet contemplation while the sun sets deckside!
Pensacola's Mardi Gras festivities and traditions capture myths and archetypes kept alive through four centures on the Gulf of Mexico's Shores. The Cajuns say for this period each year 'laisser les bon temps roulee' - Mardi Gras Kings and Voodoo Queens, suped out harleys, Dolphin floats, mystic societies and magic hatters,
Traces of Greek and Roman Gods and Mississippi Delta bluesmen, vestal virgins with white winged horses. Is the pirate and conquistador legacy still very alive on the Gulf Coast? Gladiators, mystic symbols and conquering armies. Magic beads, gypsies, jazz musicians - fertility rituals anticipating Spring's approach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Melissa dressed Evan Alexander and Maya Sophia in Royal Blue to welcome the King and Queen of Spain to Pensacola.
The King and Queen of Spain were coming to visit on February 19th. It was the city's 450th anniversary since its original Spanish Settlement.
The Spanish setttled Pensacola 450 years ago, Pensacola being the first European settlement in the continental US. Early exploration was carried out by Ponce de Leon (1513), Panfilo de Narvaez (1528) and Hernando de Soto (1539). Pensacola is named the city of five flags as five governments few flags over its history (Spain, France, Great Britain, The Confederacy and finally the United States)
The Spanish king gave a speech from the balcony of the Wentworth museum onto historic Seville Square with his greek wife Queen Sophia at his side. By 1559 in Pensacola over 1400 people had settled here arriving from Vera Cruz Mexico and led by Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano.
The Spanish King Juan Carlos was accompanied by Florida's governor, Charley Christ and US Senator Mel Martinez.
Princess of Pensacola, prepare to meet the Spanish King and Queen. Make sure you do your part as part of your heritage originally stems from la patria!
As if by magic we stumbled on a secret garden in Mobile before the Mardi Gras parade.
I stood silent in front of a fountain, sunlight, the fountain, the trees, strange shade.
My brother lay asleep next to my mother. I stood next to her.
My father's friend had come to visit and had also found a place with us.
Another side to the power and the glory, Maya.
Daddy's friend Dave came all the way from Toronto to run the Pensacola Marathon!
We all got up very early in the morning to drive Dave to the waterfront. I took my new rainjacket and umbrella to model before the race. 
Go, Davee, Go!!!! Daddy and Mommy and Evan and I all cheered Dave on!
The runners ran all the way around Pensacola (twice!) starting near the water!
Four hours later we cheered Dave at the finish line! Go, Dave Go. You are almost there!!!
For the past two and a half years, Maya has been our Pensacola Nouvelle Vague Princess. Posing, singing dancing, laughing, crying, melting down and up and just being well - Maya in all her sparkling glory! Well, make room Maya! Act two now begins with the newest Uzwyshyn addition, and entrance of the strong silent up-and-coming star, Evan Alexander, now featured in his first blog role, the return of the king!
Differences in personality are clearly evident even from three months!
Evan in his Rocky Balboa two boxing mittens with matching pacifier pose. Does Maya's glance foreshadow a realization of impending displacement?
Evan shot with ocean blue eyes, matching pjs and socks against his bedroom pillows !
I wish to thank the producer and from the bottom of my heart, mama for bringing those first, second and third bottles of milk! Thank you and thank you again, mama - I really couldn't have done it without you!
For the new year, we took Maya and baby Evan to the zoo to visit with the zoo animals. Among the many animals was an Andean Condor of whom we got a picture next to Melissa (below). That bird has been on my mind lately.
Don't push so hard, baba! I'm supposed to be enjoying this!
One rung at at time Maya, one hand forward and then one rung at a time!
Baba goes up the slide with Maya on a beautiful sunny day at the park!
Baba safely catches Maya on the way down!
No driving until your at least 16 Maya and definitely no keys to daddy's car! We can already see the type of driver you'll be!
This definitely beats cruising in those boats!
Four perspectives on three pigeons.
Prairie sailors and babies! Those floating docks look solid but what happens during those hurricanes again?
Shallow pool high diving possibility or Ray and Maya and the giant fountain sprayer.
