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!

Moving Backwards....

Moving backwards, or I should actually say, "moving slowly" if I'm referring to my blogging skills. On that note, I'm sorry for being behind in sharing the events in Skyler's World. We've been spending much valuable and enjoyable time with my parents, so logging computer hours have been a bit barren.

Okay....moving backwards.........Only in the South can you soak up beach time in the winter and that's just what we did during the weekend of cousin Jodi's wedding. Tom & I rented a condo on Cocoa Beach and Skyler wasted little time playing in the sand both mornings. I just wished I would have packed her a bathing suit, so she would have appeared more comfortable. Oh well, it really didn't slow the Princess down one bit. Although the ocean was chilly, the sun was radiant both days. I loved capturing Skyler and her Daddy build sand castles. Pictures really do speak volumes. Enjoy! They certainly did!

They made multiple trips for water.....

And the fun just continued.....

Skyler is such a beach lover. I really shouldn't have been surprised regarding how well she did as a flower girl. She's such a bright little tot and certainly likes having fun!