Our Tumbling Tot

A few weeks ago, we received our monthly YMCA newsletter and read about the new two year old gymnastic class being offered every Thursday for an hour. Daddy immediately inquired and after a quick phone call, the Princess was enrolled for the very first class starting on September 8th. Skyler is a climber and if there's a way up, she's going, so we knew this was going to be a successful adventure!

With colorful mats, lots of tunnels and plenty of gymnastics equipment to choose from, Skyler wasted little time getting aquainted. She instantly introduced herself to the bars, swinging like a natural!

Tumbling came next.......

and then the balance beam (all 3 height levels).....

some climbing......

working with hoops....

even trying backward hand stands....

This hour of fun and frolic has been extremely rewarding. Skyler is experiencing how her body moves, she is socializing with other two year olds and is enjoying the thrill of learning new skills. Although we have only completed two classes, it's been a blast! Pretties, included! lol....

Project "Smiles"

Anyone who has spent some time with Skyler can genuinely attest that she will brighten your day and leave you smiling. I sometimes describe her like a fresh bouquet of flowers....full of color with a sweet fragrance, producing a long lasting treat that is similar to sunshine!

Papa spent 5 days in the hospital and she was eager to visit, now that he was resting at home. The added bonus, when we drove to St Petersburg on Labor Day, was also spending those 7 hours with Gammey, Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie. Going to her Grandparents is just plain fun. No toys are needed, because they truly create their own amusement, starting with colanders.....metal & plastic!

After a quick rest, Auntie Nicola & Skyler sat down to discuss their next move. It invloved the rolling office chair, creating free visable entertainment for Papa & Uncle Bogie.

They rolled where ever they could find tile.....

Dinner was served and Sky just acted like a big girl, sitting on a chair, (propped up on a pillow for some height) with the family. I was still stuffed from all the goodies at Lake Roy, so no appetite for me.

As I washed the dishes and Mum put the pans away, another game ensued. Sky found a drawer containing wooden sticks and had fun placing them in Gammey's back pocket, counting each one.

After her bath, Sweet Pea grabbed a few bottles of bubbles and shared her findings with Papa.

Finally some resting.....

along with a Vogue magazine for leisure reading.....

Notice how she points to the diamonds....

We enjoyed the time together before Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie headed back to Idaho. It was a great Monday seeing Papa and the clan! We said our goodbyes and drove back to Lakeland. Skyler just adores her Papa and gave him many kisses and tons of smiles. Simply the best medicine anywhere!

Three's A Charm!

LABOR DAY 2011

Skyler enjoyed her 3rd Labor Day Retreat at Lake Roy with her family and dear friends. The four day celebration included tons of water fun, plenty of delicious food and lots of sweet kisses. The Princess wasted no time and quickly found Auntie Kevie. A boat ride was the first scheduled must do! I can't even remember how many times she had her Uncle "Dog" Larry take her cruising around the lakes. I do recall her love for the boat!

All smiles with Sky, Auntie Kevie & Debi.....

Even Dingo got in on the action....

Sky even enjoyed the view at the back with her Cousin Jodi...

More water fun ahead.....our Sweet Pea experienced her first paddle board ride. She was fearless as Cousin Jodi & Dustin took her out. I'm serious when I say this toddler loves the water!

Off they go, as Auntie Kevie & Cousin Matt look on....

Then it was back to more boating while watching her cousins wake board...

A common view taken from land...Skyler in the water surrounded by family!

Hanging with the GIRLS......

Above: Tammy, Jamie, Ashley, Jordan, Sky, Jodi & Meg.

Tubing action........

When the Princess wasn't in the water, she was easily found playing in the sand with all her beach toys.

I even tried my balancing skills on the paddle board. Not only was it fun, but it was a success. No falling off, even with the additional 2o pounds that tagged along! Laney & I paddled completely across the Lake Roy and back, almost covering a mile. Great workout, indeed! My dog never liked the water until Skyler was born. Weird, but perhaps she just wants to tag along with her new sister!

Even did a bit of kayaking...

More sand & water fun.....

By evening, Skyler could be found dancing, in her bathing suit, with Meg. (Jordan's sister)

After dinner and dancing, Sweet Pea enjoyed a bubble bath before calling it a day. A fun packed Saturday for sure. All the rooms had been renovated with modern conveniences, but each bathroom had large walk in showers, so we did the next best thing. Auntie Kevie's suite had a huge stainless steel kitchen sink.....Sky had room to spare, even inviting her Cousin's Jodi & Jordan for a quick dip of the feet!

Sunday proved no different, except for a bathing costume change! The Princess spent all day in the water and on the boat. Not wanting to miss a beat, she even snacked in it!

enjoying the float......

By 2PM, we had one very sleepy little girl on our hands. She fell asleep on the float for over an hour!

While Skyler enjoyed all the wet stuff, fun was also being had on dry land. Daddy, Dan, Greg & Cousin Jared played Bocce Ball, an ancient but classic game. With beautiful weather, it's always a hit with the boys.

After finishing off her nap in bed and a change into dry clothes, Sky enjoyed some music and relaxation as the community dinner was in the works!

I couldn't resist in taking and including these next few pictures. Sweet Pea brought her phone and just had to call her Gammey and tell her about all the fun she was having. It's so much fun to watch her pretend play and carry on a conversation.

I love this evening picture......Our little girl growing up before our own eyes. Hair pulled back in a pony tail and watching mother nature at work.

More evening shots....

Monday morning included, yeap....you guessed it, more water activities. Only change came in the form of a bathing suit!

By noon, we started wrapping things up. Skyler's 3rd Labor Day proved to be a weekend full of fun! The weather was just perfect. She enjoyed the water and most importantly being with her family. Having everyone together was amazing and we'll all be back as a big group in November, this time dressed formally, for Cousin Jodi & Dustin's wedding!