Nic's Back!

Our excitement from Thanksgiving just rolled right over into the following day. Auntie Nicola flew into Tampa Airport and Gammey, Skyler and I were eagerly waited her 4:25 arrival.

We sat comfortably at a quaint bar called Mise en Place Wine Bar until Auntie Nic's plane landed. I was delighted and surprised that this Tampa Restaurant added to the mix of local retailers at the airport. If you desire a modern American meal that offers a dynamic menu with exciting flavors, then this Tampa eatery on Kennedy Blvd is right up your alley. 

After checking our watches, we made our way to the arrival screen to confirm Nic's landing. Her flight was on time and the Princess eagerly waited by the monorail. 

 Skyler spotted Auntie Nicola out of the crowd and you know what happened next!. It was so sweet!

The Blondes are back together again! 

It had been over three months since the two last saw each other. After hugs, kisses and a chat, we headed out to dinner and then back to Gammey's for our own special reunion. Gammey and Auntie Nicola will be coming over today and will also stay the night. We get to celebrate Gammey's birthday tomorrow. Do wish my sister, Cheryl could join us! Oh well, she'll be close in our hearts. 

 

Bundle of Blessings

My family has much to be thankful for each and every day and Thanksgiving was just another lovely reminder of our bountiful blessings. 

Although it was this exact time last year where my Daddy's illness took a horrible turn for the worse (which had him hospitalized), I was still comforted through out the day with the many memories I shared with him, especially those over the Holidays. We were always together and I know Thanksgiving 2012 was no different. My Daddy was right by our side. Before I begin sharing our Turkey Day, may I share a beautiful picture taken on Thanksgiving of 2010. Yes indeed....I have precious memories!

    

Thanksgiving 2012 above & 2011 below. Still sporting the pearls!

Tom, Skyler and I were excited to have Gammey share the holiday with us. We even had the Hawxwell & Long Family joining us that afternoon. Talk about a double treat! Anyway, the morning was spent preparing all the delicious food. Here's the Princess and our soon to be yummy cooked turkey.

A final pat on the "bum" before being stuffed....

By 3PM, the house was smelling divine (thanks to Daddy & Gammey) and Leah & Reese arrived along with Leah's brother Lyle and also her parents, Lance & Louise. The girls immediately went outside to play. The weather was perfect...Sunny and gorgeous. 

Skyler and Reese always enjoy playing in the house together. 

Three straight hours of non stop play definitely stirred up an appetite with the girls and boy, were they eager for turkey, prime rib and all the fixings!

After dinner, we started a new tradition called the "Spoonful of Thanks". We passed a spoon around and each person treated the spoon like a microphone and announced what they were thankful for. Skyler loved this new established ritual and wanted to do it again. She told us she was thankful for her Mummy, Daddy, Gammey and Ressey.

Desert time was just as grand as the dinner. Homemade cheesecakes by Daddy (pumpkin and caramel pecan) and a chocolate eclair pudding. The girls wanted candles and then they sang "Happy Birthday Pumpkin". Amazing what their imaginations can create!

Then it was sealed with a kiss. Sky puckering up to deliver some sweetness.

 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday like we did. I also hope you were surrounded by family, friends and most importantly, love! Speaking of love, our little Lovie's hand print that was created at school shown below......sorry for the blur. I didn't want to press the lid down too hard while scanning. Was afraid it would crack the plate. Gobble-Gobble!

Final Five

While Skyler enjoyed her final five days on Auntie Chez Tennessee farm with her Gammey, Miss Carol & Uncle Charles, Daddy & I relaxed on the high seas as we cruised to Cozumel. I was excited to hear about those last few days and I promised you all a recap, so it went something like this at:

C&C Farms....

The mornings always included some fun activity on the farm and Thursday proved no different. Skyler and her Uncle Charles rode around the property on the moped after petting the animals.

The girls and Uncle Chaz enjoyed a delicious dinner at Cafe Roma and then had front row seats to see Travis LeDoyt's "Christmas With The King Of Rock & Roll" concert.

Travis has been called the best young "Elvis" in the world today. He travels through out the world and sells out every performance. He definitely portrays Elvis during the early years like no one else can! Sky absolutely grooved with the music. She was often out of her seat dancing and clapping.

Ten minutes before the concert ended, the Princess finally crashed. "Elvis" serenaded Skyler, singing Silent Night. The sold out audience loved it! She was a star and didn't even know it!

If you're interested in seeing short clips combined into one super video of this amazing performer, copy and paste http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjDXzBD584A  Definitely a delightful night and it certainly made an impression on her! When Sky hears an Elvis song on our 60's radio station, she yells, "ELVIS!" 

Friday was a day spent in a few stores and a lunch date with Brother Green, Auntie Cheryl's pastor.

 Olive Garden for lunch....

 With Brother Green

The entire family is hoarding a big secret about Friday and have something planned as far as presenting it to us, so I'm limited on sharing anything else with you all. Gammey wouldn't share any pictures or even hint of their afternoon. I even bribed her with a chilled bottle of wine for a little hint.....didn't help at all...lol!

Skyler was all ready to spend Friday night with the Girls at Auntie Cheryl's friend's home, Miss Margret. After they feasted on an amazing meal, the adults enjoyed a movie in the home theater while the Princess played upstairs in the massive toy room with Autumn, the babysitter.

Of course, Autumn & the animals loved her! 

Come Saturday morning, it was time for a home style country breakfast served up at the Old Fort Restaurant.....another "Short" favorite/must do while visiting the Dunsons.

Quick pose at the restaurant before shopping 

Skyler is no stranger to shopping and really enjoys the Orange Blossom Boutique. It's been known as the one stop, girl shop! Auntie Cheryl's friend, Pat Fuller, owns this beautiful store and we always make it a point to pop in with our wallets!

Next stop, the Red Ribbon Gift Shop. Again, another favorite place to find that unique gift, plus Christmas is visible year round! It's owned by another girlfriend (Nancy) of Auntie Cheryl's.

After a full day of finding that perfect outfit and special gift, Skyler enjoyed a play date with Darby, Kim's daughter. Kim is a dear friend and also works with Auntie Chez at Santek Environmental.  

They had a delightful time with the animals, especially when they fed them fresh apples from the produce store.

Sunday morning was spent at church with a fellowship Thanksgiving dinner afterwards. Doesn't Skyler look beautiful and so English in her red dress?

Monday, their last day of vacation, involved animal entertainment. Skyler rode many of her fury friends. 

 

Skyler shared a sweet goodbye with George, the cat, before heading to the airport. He's 17 years old and hopefully will still be enjoying life when we all return for our 4th Annual Girl's trip in May of 2013.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is ready for Christmas! 

 Breakfast before her second airplane ride!

 And home here she comes.....

Flight #805 arrived on time, safe & sound!

I hope you adored all the pictures of our world traveler. It was wonderful seeing her run into her Daddy's arms once she got off the plane. Her kisses were continuous and her sweet voice was non stop, describing all her numerous events! Welcome Home, Gammey & Princess Skyler!

Palm tress in the background welcoming everyone to sunny Florida! 

Sky saved some kisses for Laney! 

Skyler still can't stop talking about her trip, so thank you Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Charles for providing a wonderful ten days full of love and fun!