Papa & then some....

Last Tuesday, the 20th, Skyler looked right at my Dad and said, "Papa" for the very first time! We were all excited and I thought I did a good job of hiding my jealousy........still no sounds of Mama. It's been over a week and now she points at her proud Grandfather and it just rolls of her tongue, "Papa, Papa, Papa!"

Skyler is a huge fan of books and her favorite is Big Bird's First Book of Letters. (pictured above) She tries so hard to sing the ABC song and can actually do the first 4 letters, then she hums the rest. We travel every where with this book and she's always fortunate to find someone to read it to her.

She has the ability to point out pictures of Ladybugs and say, Lay-de-ug. Skyler does this quite often in her bedroom, since it is covered with these adorable little insects. In the Sesame Street book, she loves to point out the Ladybug. (see below)

She's definitely a conversationalist and is making plenty of effort to communicate. Skyler really understands the meaning of much of what you say and her vocabulary is rapidly expanding to help her convey her thoughts.

Another word that she can say is "Fish", especially during bath time because her squeaky fish friends are floating around her. She can also say our dog's name, Laney, and tries to say Jamie, but it comes out as Ainey. Too cute, just like these pictures! Happy 14 months, Angel!

Orange on Orange

I thought these pictures were just too cute not to share with you all......Skyler eating Bow tie Lasagna for lunch! She enjoys feeding herself and we started off with a spoon, but more ended up on the floor, or I should say, in Laney's mouth instead of Skyler's tummy. From that point on, it was ALL hands!

Skyler has become quite the little helper. She picks up her & Laney's toys and places them in the correct storage boxes. Lately, she has been wanting to assist me with household chores. Too bad the broom towers her!

I think all that cleaning made her a bit hungry! Yes, Skyler certainly has a fondness for food. In fact, she has never refused anything we or our family has put on her plate.

Skyler is approaching the 14 month mark and studies show must 14 month olds are typically loners and become unsocial butterflies. Yeah, I had to re-read that statement a few times, because our darling Skyler seems to be the exception to the rule. Talk about opposite. No separation anxiety here. In fact, she still enjoys seeing all my Kiwanis members every Thursday morning and just loves to interact with the children at church. We are so blessed to have such a happy little girl who adores people, especially her family!

Neptune Goddess!

Last weekend, our family had a very special invite to spend the weekend with Ron & Debi Vanderbaan in Neptune Beach with Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry. Their home is located a few blocks from the beach. The area offers an old world charm with eclectic beach style homes. Simply beautiful! Anyway, we loaded up the SUV that Thursday afternoon and Skyler got to enjoy her new "front facing" car seat during the 3 hour drive. For the first two hours she laughed and carried on a very gibberish conversation until she conked out while we were heading North on I-95!

We arrived safely around 10:30 that night to began our mini-vacation. Skyler's energy was quickly renewed as she ventured all over the two story home right after giving out kisses to her Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry and Ron & Debi and their son, Dan.

Her sundress was perfect attire for the beach setting. I remember when Auntie Kevie and Cousin Jodi bought it at a unique boutique during their BFF trip to Savannah the weekend she was born. I unwrapped that gift on Skyler's one week birthday and commented how pretty it was, as I gazed at the tag size reading, "one year", never imaging how fast it would approach. My how time has flown!

Skyler loved the piano and just had to play us some music with the help from Aunite Kevie! Looks like she might have some hidden talents courtesy of Glammey. lol...

We spent Friday at the beach. Definitely a favorite for our little Sky. She honestly could stay hours playing in the white sand. She got to parade her new bathing suit from Cousin Jodi & Dustin all weekend! I hope you enjoy these beach photos.....Caution, all smiles ahead!

With Auntie Kevie & Debi. Notice the boys in the background under the umbrellas?

Tom & I took a stroll on the beach and found a quaint tiki bar for a cold beer. We returned about an hour later to find Skyler enjoying her Uncle Larry burying her mid waist in the sand.

After some time in the ocean and more fun in the sand, we packed up and called it a day. We were blessed with such perfect weather and fantastic company!

While the men went golfing Saturday morning, the girls relaxed over coffee. Skyler spent her morning with Buddy, the Beagle. The two hit it off perfectly! She just adores dogs.

That afternoon, Ron & Debi took us to their Golf Club where we enjoyed a day at the pool. Another fun day indeed. Skyler just can not get enough of water fun!

Tom, Ron & Uncle Larry NOT under an umbrella...lol!

We finally decided to wash off the sun tan lotion and hang up the bathing suits, so we could go out to dinner that Saturday night. It's always fun to dress up and Skyler is no exception to the rule! Auntie Cheryl bought her this adorable outfit at a children's boutique in Tennessee. Can't you just tell how proud and pretty she feels in it, especially posing at the stairs, before playing us all another piano tune?

We ate at Clark's Fish Camp and no, it's not owned by Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry! It was a unique casual dining experience, maintaining that fish camp atmosphere with rustic surroundings. There was a menagerie of hundreds of preserved animals that gazed eerily at us during dinner. A tribute to the Taxidermist's artistry! Skyler's animal print outfit was the perfect wardrobe choice for the atmosphere!

Here are some pictures that surrounded our table during dinner. Quite amazing and you never viewed the same thing twice. Skyler was captivated until, of course, when the food arrived.

Please enjoy our "Pre" meal pictures......

Ron & Debi, our great Hosts'!

Dan & his girlfriend, Ashley.

Diva Skyler with her Girlfriends!

Remains of the Seafood Bake!

After our scrumptious meal, we walked around the restaurant and tried to burn off some calories outside, while enjoying the sunset!

A true Gator Fan!

It certainly was a wonderful 4 day trip and the Vanderbaan's sure made us feel like Royalty. We are all looking forward to reuniting over the Labor Day weekend at Lake Roy. Until then, kisses!