1st Certificate!

Our little "fish" completed two weeks of swim classes earlier this month. Many thanks to my wonderful husband, Tom, for taking her each evening. Skyler sure had a lot of fun and really enjoys the water.

Here's our little "star" running around the back yard with her proud accomplishment before enjoying an afternoon in the pool!

Stylin'

Talk about striking a pose! What's more adorable, Skyler or the Raggedy Ann outfit from Auntie Cheryl? I think the combo is just way too perfect! My sweetie and I spent the day with Glammey after church this past Sunday. We had our usual fun day of shopping and dining at Ruby Tuesday, but before venturing off, it was play time on the patio with Glammey.

Skyler is walking so well, especially in shoes! She loves the independence that it brings her and actually runs every where. She was fascinated with the painted lines in the parking lot outside the mall.

When we arrived at Ruby Tuesday's, the hostess and waitress remembered us, well actually they remembered Skyler! She drew the normal crowd to our table and she was her jovial annimated self! After lunch, Skyler went bungie jumping with our waitress! She had a blast jumping up and down and we were definitely entertained! Dr. Eanett mentioned she was fearless. Boy, he wasn't kidding. Another fun day, indeed!

Celebration Continues....

and so did the rain....4 straight days to be exact, but I'd like to think it's just drops of love all bundled up into a wet package, especially when family is present!

We picked up the 4th of July party, brought it back to Lakeland and incorporated our 2 year Anniversary celebration with our family. You've probably guessed the crew. All our Florida favorites.......Glammey & Papa, Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry, Cousin's Jodi & Jared, GranLee, Jordan and Dustin! We also had 3 special visitors from Missouri. Kevan, Tiffany and their one year old son Nathan Krestel. Tiffany is Uncle Larry's niece and they are vacationing on the Gulf coast. It was a treat to finally meet Nathan, since we are active followers of his blog.

The Shorts' & The Krestels'

Skyler just adores other children and has play dates every Sunday during Church daycare. She had fun showing Nathan her airplane and he feel in love with it! Here are some pictures of the two cuties getting acquainted.

While the men BBQ, all us Ladies enjoyed the afternoon sharing stories and watching Skyler and Nathan play. The burger & brats were delicious and the homemade onion rings added a great punch to the meal. Too bad we couldn't enjoy the outdoors because of the rain. We then relaxed over espresso coffee. mmmmmm....

Some of the Group, including the dogs!

By 8:30, we started wrapping up the day, so everyone could travel back home and arrive at a decent hour. Skyler was fortunate to share bedtime fun with Glammey & Papa since they stayed the night, due to their normal Tuesday work day in Lakeland. Glammey enjoyed getting her ready for night-night. Don't you just adore the cute Ladybug pajamas that Skyler is wearing? Cousin Nikki found them at a Life Is Good store in California. Here's to another great weekend wrap-up!

Red, White & Kaboom!

I've had you all waiting at least 12 hours, so I think I'll begin the entertainment now! lol...After church this past Sunday, we drove to Merritt Island to kick off the 4th of July festivities with the Clarks'. Skyler managed to get a good nap in during the 1 1/2 hour car ride, so when we arrived, she quickly found her way to the enclosed patio where all the fun was taking place! After greeting her Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry, Cousin's Jodi & Jared, GranLee, Dustin, Jordan, Ron, Debi and Jamie she took brief stroll around the pool and was ready for some water fun!

Her patriotic dress was replaced by her pink bathing suit and with a huge smile, in the water she went! Skyler cruised the pool with her Uncle Larry before taking on her diva role in her ever-so-popular Princess Float.

Her cousins, Jared and Jodi, took turns navigating her around the pool. Isn't it amazing how one little girl can capture the hearts of so many? She is loved so very much!

I thought Skyler was going to grow fins with the amount of time she spent in the pool. She toweled off with Cousin Jodi and enjoyed a slight lunch break with Jordan. Having watermelon for the first time was a complete success. Even Dingo found it to be tasty!

After lunch, Skyler found the pool again with her Auntie Kevie and enjoyed just splashing around. Her next adventure was riding inside the blue inter tube float. This produced tons of giggles out of our little sweetie, as she was pushed around by Dustin and the rest of the gang. She loved it!!! Aren't her smiles contagious? Even her dog Laney and cousin Jodi's dog, Dingo, got caught up in the action.

Dinner was spectacular. We're talking 30 pounds of Alaskan Snow Crab, courtesy of Dustin's mother, Robin! Uncle Larry grilled some while Auntie Kevie boiled the rest. Along with all the home made sides, it was absolutely perfect. I know I've mentioned in the past that Skyler has yet to found a food she didn't enjoy, well this proved to be no different! Check out our curious 13 month old chowing down on crab for the first time. She found a home on Dustin's lap as he helped her discover that snow-white delicately sweet flavored meat! These pictures speak volumes......

Getting ready with Dustin!

Skyler picked out her own crab leg.

Checked it over before the cracking began.

The first bite.

Wow! That was super yummy!

More, more, more!

Divine!

You would think eating all that crab would tire Skyler out, but she was determined to socialize with everyone as we all relaxed over a hot cup of coffee. Here's Skyler showing Ron, Debi & Jamie VanderBaan her bunny before exploring the fireworks that Uncle Larry was unpacking!

Skyler was fearless as she sat on her Auntie Kevie's lap during the firework display. She hung in there till 10PM before sleepiness took over. A quick bottle of warm milk from her Cousin Jodi and she was asleep. The fireworks continued for another hour and the noise never disturbed her. It was a wonderful Birthday celebration and Skyler just enjoyed every minute of it! In fact, we all has such a delightful time, we continued the party the next day in Lakeland. Check back for more details as we celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary with family & friends. 13 to be exact! God Bless America!