USF Homecoming Parade 2011

It will be 10 years this May that I graduated from the University of South Florida. I am so proud to be an Alumni of this great University, and am so very proud of my little cousin, Meagan, for going to this school and emersing herself in all the culture, events, and amazing education. She invited Roger and I and the kids to join her for this year's homecoming parade. We were so happy to attend and the kids had a wonderful time. The parade was great, however, the Bulls lost their football game on Saturday...but I am STILL proud to be a BULL! GO BULLS!

GO BULLS

Meagan (USF '12), Erin (USF '02), Paul (USF '11)

Caitlin and Aunt Meg

Jake and Daddy being silly

My precious boy

Grandma Sivula and Her Little Man

So, when I got pregnant, my mom was sure I was having another girl. She loved having my sister and me, and was enjoying her time with Caitlin, and was just hoping she would have another little girl to spoil. Well, she didn't get her wish. Instead, Jake arrived, and my Mom found herself falling in love with another man. This one was less than 8 lbs at birth, and instantly took a liking to his Grandma Sivula. As the months have gone on, Jake and Grandma have developed this bond. To this day, she is the only one he will give kisses to (except my friend Colleen, who I think he has the hots for), and loves to snuggle and let Grandma read books to him. It's funny how your idea of one thing changes, and blessings come in all sizes, packages and genders! Here are some precious photos of their time together.

Sweetfields Farm

For the second year in a row, we have made our way about 30 minutes north of here, to a place called Sweetfields Farm. This farm is great for kids. You show up and pay a small admission fee for adults, kids under 3 are free. We run around the farm, let the kids climb on hay stacks, tractors, play on swings tied to trees, run through hay mazes, HUGE Sunflower Maze, feed goats, milk a fake cow, look at the pigs, slide down a slide attached to a tree house, and smell fresh kettle corn being made. So much fun to see this taste of fall in Florida. Granted, it was 80 degrees, but that's okay! :) It was a blast. Near the end of the 2 hours, the kids were melting down, as you can see from the group pictures. Next time...group pictures FIRST...note to self. :)

Told you they were cranky!

...SO CRANKY...

Riding the barrell

Caitlin trying to buck Daddy off the barrell with Jake

Feeding Goats

Trying to get in to see the goats

Weeeeee!

Running through the maze!

LOVE big Tree Swings!

Kids and Daddy

Riding the Pumpkin

I want YOU, Momma!

Daddy/Daughter Date Night...Sponsored by Chick Fil A

My friend sent me this newsletter of fun events throughout October, and in it, was this event sponsored by Chick Fil A, called, Daddy/Daughter Date night. I KNEW that Roger would jump on this opportunity. So, we reserved him and Caitlin a spot for this special night. We went to our closest Chick Fil A, about 7 miles down the road. Caitlin wore a pretty dress and bows in her hair, ready for the special night. They got there and were seated at a table with a flower in the center and Red and White table cloths. They ordered from a customized menu, and the servers brought food to their table. There were balloons, treat bags, dessert bar, the works! It was such a special time for them, and I am glad they will have that memory.

Jake and I decided to take this time for a special date as well. We went to Mommy's favorite, Tijuana Flats. :) We talked, and played and colored...some great One On One time with just the two of us. Then after dinner, we met Caitlin and Daddy at the park and played on the swings. The PERFECT night!

Day off: A Trip to Disney!

We took the day off on Friday, and ventured to Disney's Hollywood Studios. For Christmas, Roger's parents are gifting us money toward our annual passes, thus, we were able to purchase the passes early, to get a jump start on the Disney fun, for our Disney-holics. :) We started the day off, by going to the Playhouse Disney show. This show features Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters (a favorite in our house), Handy Manny, Little Einsteins and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. All shows on the Disney Junior Playhouse Disney programming. It was a HIT! They were mesmorized. Then, we walked around the Studios, played in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and grabbed lunch at my favorite place...PIZZA PLANET (From Toy Story)! Then we left early, to make it home to babysit our dear friends' little girl, Ireland. It was a GREAT Friday!

Entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Caitlin and Daddy preparing for the show to begin

Playhouse Disney...Where the Magic Begins :)

Mommy and kiddos

Jake and Mommy watching and singing along

Mesmorized

LOOK, IT'S MICKEY!

Riding down the flower petal slide at the Honey I shrunk the Kids playground

BIG ANT

WEEEEE!

Climbing

Love this kid

Tired

October Beach Day!

We decided one Saturday morning, to just be spontaneous and go out and enjoy this beautiful October weather, and hit the beach! So, we did just that! We took the kids to Honeymoon Island State Park. It is a nice secluded beach, that is great for families...not a crazy touristy beach. Our kids love it, and we feel comfortable letting them run all over the sand there. 82 degrees in October, and it was windy that day...just perfect. Enjoy!