SHORT and Sweet: Merritt Island Merriment

The Short Family definitely had a fun and fabulous day in Merritt Island, last Saturday. We left Lakeland in the wee hours of the morning to help share in Auntie Kevie's birthday celebration. We all met at this tasty eatery called "Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar" at 8:30 that morning. The breakfast was delicious and the water view dining was very relaxing. Skyler not only got to see her family, but friends from our Labor Day Retreat! There was a total of 12 at our table....Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry, Cousins Nikki & Jared, Jordan and The VanderBaans,(Ron, Debi, Dan & Jamie) plus us! Cousin Jodi was unable to join us, due to pre-wedding activities. After breakfast, Skyler, Auntie Kevie, Nikki and I drove over to the bride's house to see Jodi.

Skyler giving Auntie Kevie birthday kisses & hugs outside the restaurant.

Skyler soaking up the love from Ron & Debi VanderBaan (above) and Dan VanderBaan (below).

Once we got back to Auntie Kevie and Uncle Larry's pad, we relaxed on the patio. The weather was just beautiful! Here is a "rare" family shot taken in the back yard.

When lunch time rolled around, Auntie Kevie served pulled pork sandwiches with potato salad & chips. Let's not forget the carrot birthday cake for desert! So yummy. I'm sure Skyler could smell that mmmm-mmmm good food, because I think she tried to get a little sneaky by grabbing food off cousin Nikki's plate....lol...(see below)

After lunch, it was play time for Skyler. She loves playing with cousin Jared's girlfriend, Jordan and it's always a treat to see the two of them together. Here are a few pictures of Jordan & Skyler and also two more with cousin Jared.

By 3PM, we had to say goodbye and make a trip to Melbourne, about 30 miles south. Skyler met some very important people in her Daddy's life. First, we went to visit Sue & Roy Crane and Dot (Sue's mother). They live a few blocks away from the house where Tom grew up. Sue is Mike Ferguson's mother and Mike & Tom have been best friends since childhood. It was such an enjoyable visit. Skyler received a beautuiful pink outfit with matching shoes, plus a couple of onesies from her new friends! We're trying to talk them into a trip to Lakeland to watch some Dreadnaught football.

Skyler meeting Sue and Roy for the very first time.

Skyler's voyage to the East coast was not complete until she landed in the arms of her Grandma Iona's best friend, Jean McFarland. It was a very emotional, yet lovely visit as we shared stories about Tom's mother, Iona. As many of you know, we lost Mom to cancer, 17 days after we told her about our pregnancy. It just touched my heart to see our daughter with Mom's dearest and precious friend, Jean.

Jean & Skyler, before she finally fell asleep.

Skyler fell asleep in Jean's arms and stayed dreaming until we arrived home some 2 hours later. It was such a splendid Saturday. We are surrounded by angels! (I just like to call them my family & friends)