For Iona.....

I apologize for the delay in updating all of the exciting news that has happened in Skyler's World! We sure had a busy and very eventful weekend. As you have probably guessed, Saturday's are occupied with lots of playtime.

Although Skyler can not stand on her own, she sure loves the assistance and glows once she's upright, feeling quite proud of herself, as you can tell in these next two pictures!

We traveled to Merritt Island to see Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry, and Cousin Jodi & Jared on Sunday. We spent the day remembering and honoring Skyler's Grandmother, Iona. For it was exactly one year ago of her passing. (December 13th) Auntie Kevie cooked a delicious meal that happened to be one of Mom's favorites. We even drank Bloody Mary cocktails (another fave of Mom's) to celebrate her miraculous life. It really was a lovely day. How I wish Skyler just had that opportunity to meet her. Iona was such a wonderful, caring, and loving person and I was quite blessed to call her my Mother-in-Law! We certainly miss her......

During our visit, Skyler got to play with Cousin Jodi's dog, Dingo. She just adores dogs and Dingo was quite captivated with Skyler. I guess the dog finally had someone his own size to buddy around with! Here are some cute pictures of her newest pal.

Even Daddy & Jodi joined in on the fun!

After playing with Dingo, Skyler worked up an appetite, so Auntie Kevie fed Skyler one of her prized meals.......Oatmeal! She gobbled every spoonful and a bottle soon followed.

Skyler even got to see her cousin Nikki......well sorta. We skyped using the computer. Here's a pretty neat photo of Nikki on the computer screen and Skyler sitting on Auntie Kevie's lap.

After the computer fun, we relaxed with the family and enjoyed watching Skyler concentrate on the train that continuously went around the Christmas tree. She's never seen a train, so it was another first for our precious angel.

Play time with Uncle Larry & Cousin Jared.

It was such a special Sunday and we hated to say goodbye. I'm comforted knowing that we'll all be together in less than two weeks!

Now, I can not end the weekend wrap up without mentioning Friday Night Football. The State semi-finals were held on a cold, windy night at Bryant Stadium. Our Lakeland Dreadnaughts were shut out by Tampa Plant Panthers 20-0, ending their quest for a State 5A Championship Crown. Although it was a sad night, Skyler got to see her #1 football buddy, Miss Helen and at the end of the game, we all wished each other well and promised to return for the 2010-2011 season. By then, Skyler will be holding my hand as we climb up the stairs to our reserved seat. It really was an amazing football season and Skyler made so many new friends each Friday night.

All wrapped up in Miss Helen's embrace.

Our final picture to end the season. Yes, Skyler was a bit sad and yes, that's me with short hair.