SHORT and Sweet: Family Fun

Skyler got a wonderful surprise from her two cousins, Jodi and Jared last weekend. They traveled from Orlando with their sweethearts, Dustin and Jordan, to attend Lakeland Dreadnaughts' first playoff football game with us! As you all know, Skyler enjoys football, but she also loves hanging out with the girls. Pictured above is LHS's #1 fan enjoying the game with Jordan & cousin Jodi and, of course, it's never a completed Friday night without hugs and kisses from Miss Helen, below. As you can see in the picture, Skyler is holding a balloon. Obviously, she was too young to remember all the balloons welcoming her into this world at Lakeland Regional Hospital, but as soon as she saw those orange & black inflatable decorations, she became fascinated. We untied one from the bleachers and gave it to her. She was so enticed by it. Skyler just hung on to that string, determined not to let go!

The Dreadnaughts blew out the Winter Spring Bears 41-8 in front of 3500 fans at Bryant Stadium and will advance to the second round, playing district rival, Kissimmee Osceola this Friday night. Skyler had so much fun and enjoyed all the attention and excitement. In fact, by the middle of the 2nd quarter, she was quite exhausted and took a nap on cousin Jodi's lap. Guess she felt comfortable with the 27-0 lead....even as she slept, she wouldn't let go of that balloon!

By half time, Skyler was awake and back in top cheerleading form! Daddy came down from the coaching booth and joined us since the team decided to rest their top players and substitute them with the second string squad.

It was definitely a fun family night! Once we got home, we enjoyed hot pizza and sat around the outdoor fireplace. Skyler and I did expire early and called it a night. She was tired and I had been fighting a cold all week. The following morning, I made two breakfast casseroles while Skyler played and abosorbed all the love from her family! She is certainly a blessed little girl.