From Our Family To Yours!

It's been a full week since our 3rd Annual Family Christmas Card has been mailed, so I know I'm not spoiling the surprise by featuring it on our blog. (above) Amazing how another Christmas for the Princess is approaching. You all know by now that I'm big on traditions, so here is Skyler with her stuffed Santa from the past three years. Enjoy the beauty........I sure do!

2011

2010

2009

Another tradition we have started in the Short household involves Christmas ornaments. Below is Sweet Pea's 2011 tree decoration from her Gammey & Papa........How fitting!

Just like the words we wrote on our Christmas card, "May you know Him more fully through the love and grace He so richly bestows!" Merry Christmas to our wonderful family & friends. We will be sharing in this joyous holiday with Gammy, Papa, Auntie Cheryl, Uncle Charles, Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie in St. Petersburg tomorrow afternoon. God Bless you all!

Golden Girl

Not only is our Princess growing intellectual and in height, but she's had a sudden growth spurt in the hair department. I just can't get over how long it has gotten and how blonde it has stayed. She definitely doesn't take after her me or her Daddy! Anyway, I took a few pictures to share how beautiful it is. Skyler is transforming into a little girl before our very own eyes.

Hello, Santa Claus!

Skyler's visit with Santa finally arrived tonight. I wish I had the words to capture her excitement or even ours! She talked about him all day today and when she finally saw her bearded friend, Skyler said, "Look Mummy, Santa's very happy."

Before sitting on his lap, Santa talked to Skyler about Christmas and then asked her what she wanted. Our Precious Angel looked into his eyes and said, "Santa, I want Papa to get better." I began to cry and one of Santa's helpers told me that it was the sweetest thing she has ever heard and it made her night.

I was allowed to stand behind the photographer and snap a few personal photos. I also had a great view to watch the two of them engaged in another conversation. You all know our sweet Sky. Never shy and always eager to make a new friend.

After our visit with Santa, we strolled over to the Christmas tree at Lakeside Village. It use to be Skyler's Fountain, but has been transformed into a beautiful, festive tree that echos holiday music and blows out snow.

It's so delightful to watch her dance and clap to the music. I thought I was back at Cousin Jodi's wedding...lol! The tree was even more spectacular once the sun set. It's colored bulbs changed with the rhythm of the music. A magical night indeed!

Early Santa

For only being 2 1/2, Skyler can sure tell you a lot about Santa. She's even got his Ho-Ho-Ho with the pat on the tummy memorized. It's so sweet watching her get excited when she sees Christmas lights/decorations. The door bell pretty much rings every day and she always looks at me after hearing that "ding-dong" and quickly asks, "Mummy, is that Santa?" Needless to say, it will be a most memorable Christmas with our Sweet Pea.

Last week, my dear friend of 20 years, Sherri Kelley, stopped by to give Skyler some lovely holiday gifts.

She received 2 sets of adorable long pants pajamas, play high heels, pretties and a Discovery fish lamp.

The shoes were a huge hit, because Sky is all girl! She's worn them each day and just loves to dance in them. Her moves are too quick for me, but I tried to capture her anyway.

We shared a special afternoon with Sherri and just can't thank her and Ron for thinking of our Princess during this joyous season. Skyler wanted to wear her new pajamas that night so we did our usual play date before bedtime!

A few days later, Santa (aka Denise or "NeNe") came by the house to visit Miss Precious. NeNe comes over quite a bit and she's never empty handed. This day proved no different. NeNe brought Christmas gifts for Skyler and it was sweet watching her talk to Denise about baby Jesus.

Sky received three books and also an interactive Storybook with Jingle, the story buddy character. As you read the story aloud, Jingle the dog, chimes in. Such fun and it has definitely become her new bedtime partner. NeNe and the Princess have such a beautiful relationship. Like Mummy like Daughter!

Jingle goes with us every where.

Skyler recently saw Santa at my Kiwanis Christmas gathering at the Florida Baptist Children's Home. Each year, my club sponsors the party and we buy gifts for the boys and girls. Skyler has never missed the event. This now makes her 3rd and she had a great time singing Christmas carols and visiting all our K friends! Sky loves the song, "Jingle Bells" and can sing the entire song. Again, amazing memory....

She enjoyed eating breakfast with my girlfriend, Kathryn (aka KK) and Z (aka ZZ) I find it amazing how she remembers every body's names and even makes up her own special nick names!

Being with loved ones and remembering God's grace for us makes this season extra brighter! The Princess will be visiting Santa and his lap tomorrow for (hopefully) a good Kodak moment.

Getting In The Spirit

Skyler, Daddy and I plus an additional 30,000 people, turned out for the Lakeland's 31st Annual Christmas Parade on December 1st. We arrived shortly before 6PM and we're fortunate to have our dear friends, Linda & Julie Piney save us some seats. Once arriving, the Princess enjoyed a slice of pizza.

The event was kicked off at 7PM with a wonderful firework display over Lake Mirror.

Skyler was ready for the colorful & sparkly floats, providing us with free dance entertainment!

Believe it or not, but residents start lining up their chairs and roping them off around 9AM the morning prior to the parade! Linda & Julie guaranteed are spots, the best on the route! These were taken Wednesday morning....

After the firework show, the Police Officers put on a very creative riding display. As soon as Sky saw those motorcycles, she quickly started shouting, "Papa!" One officer was kind enough to stop and let the Princess get her picture taken. She definitely makes friends where ever she goes!

We quickly took our seats and got ready for the floats. Here's a picture of Linda Piney and her new daughter-in-law, Julie. (We witnessed Julie & PJ get married earlier this year and it's become a tradition to watch the Super Bowl with the Pineys)

Sky's 1st Candy Cane......

quick clean up before the parade

Let the Parade begin!

The chilly weather didn't stop Skyler from enjoying over 100 floats and many marching bands. She waved and clapped as the floats went by and got super excited when she saw Santa and Mrs Claus!

The Christmas Parade was the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Downtown Lakeland was so beautifully decorated and our Sweet Pea just enjoyed looking at all the lights as we walked back to our car. Looks like we started another fun tradition with the Pineys!