Church Friends

I wanted to share a couple pictures of Kate with her church friends from the last two small group events.  We have been doing small group for the last three months and I love it.  It has really gotten me excited about going to bible class on Sunday mornings and I always look forward to our small group events.  It's sometimes hard to develop a relationship with other couples/families our age when we just see each other in between worship and class.  There's never enough time to "talk" other than to say a quick "Hi, how are you?" and off we go.  I wish we would have done this sooner, but better late than never.  

Eating lunch out at El Jalisco - these girls like their Mexican food.

Last night we went over to Aaron and Meredith Sullivan's house.  Kate loves being able to run around and play with her friends.  Guess what she ate for dinner after working up an appetite - ice cream cake.  I know, it's not setting a good precedence, but who can blame her?  Everyone else was eating lasagna, garlic bread and salad but my child only wanted "My Treat".  On the way home, Kate was slouching in her carseat and when I asked what she was doing she replied, "I'm sleepy". 

Peyton, Kendal and Kate.  We missed you Audrey!

On a sad note, Pa fell a couple days ago and broke his hip, so we taking an unexpected trip to Naples this weekend.  He came through surgery well, but has a long recovery ahead.  Since it's Labor Day weekend, Justin and I decided we needed to take advantage of the extra day and head down there.  It'll be good to see Nene and Pa and the rest of the family, I just wish Pa was feeling better.

2nd Birthday Invitations

Time is getting away from me! In just a few weeks my little girl will be two and I have finally decided on a party theme and ordered invitations. Since Kate's birthday (which is on Saturday this year) falls on the same day as one of the biggest FSU games this season (#5 FSU vs. #1 Oklahoma), I decided to throw a FSU themed party. Justin and I took Kate to campus Saturday morning to try to get some pictures, but it was miserably hot and the sun was shining right in her face so nothing really turned out the way I had envisioned it. In addition, it's hard, nearly impossible, to find FSU themed invitations so I had to do the best with what I had, but I was pleased with the end product.

My little nole - she could be a fourth generation Seminole (if she wants)!

So angelic - but no smiles. 

This was the picture we went with for the invitations.  I hope they turn out!

Go FSU!

Good Samaritan's Open House

Friday night my little family of three went to our first Open House at Good Samaritan Academy.  Although Kate wasn't moving into a new class, it was exciting to be a part of everything and meet the parents of some of the new students.  I still miss not dropping her off at Ms. Betsy's but GSA seems like a good fit for her at this time.

School was closed that Friday to allow the teachers to get their classrooms ready so I was excited to meet Kate's new friends and see the classroom. Justin has been so wonderful lately to take Kate to school and pick her up - but I miss out on talking to Miss Sam (Kate's teacher) and hearing what she has been up to lately (good and bad).

Kate and Miss Sam. 

Kate is pointing to her arm because every time she gets a boo-boo (on her head, leg or arm) she always points to her arm and asks for a kiss.  

Her classroom window says "Splish, Splash!  Welcome to a fish-tastic class"

I can't wait to see what things are in store for Kate this school year!

FSMS Conference 2011

I'm trying to play catch up again...things at work have been hectic (which is usual at this time of year) but it doesn't leave much time for my to blog when I get home. Fortunately I was able to take off three days from work and attend the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society Conference again this year in St. Augustine. Gigi and Granddaddy graciously went along with us so Kate and I would have some company. We had a great time, lots of shopping and pool time, but I was terrible at taking pictures. I always wish I would do better, but it's so hard to get a good picture of Kate at this age - she refuses to smile or look at the camera most of the time.

I tell my parents over and over how much I appreciate them coming with me - but I can not emphasize how nice it is to have their company!  Especially to help with watching Kate when Justin and I have conference functions to attend.  The first night we were there, Wednesday night, Justin and Papa participated in the BBQ cook off and placed third.  Kate went to dinner with Gigi and Granddaddy while I went with Justin to the BBQ dinner at the Caddyshack restaurant, located across the street from the hotel. 

Each day, we stuck to a simple routine.  We would shop or see the sights with Gigi and Granddaddy in the morning and after lunch, we all headed back to the hotel for Kate's nap.  After nap time, we took Kate to the pool for an hour or so before dinner. 

On Thursday night, Justin was able to join us for dinner so we went to The Columbia restaurant in downtown St. Augustine.  It's one of Justin's favorites, but I think we all enjoyed it.  Kate loved the music and danced every opportunity she had. 

Dancing by the fountain with her new sidekick, Minnie.  Minnie hasn't replaced Kitty, but she's a close second.  Kate now sleeps with Minnie and Kitty every night.

My handsome husband and sweet little girl.

On Saturday, we sweat our way through downtown St. Augustine again to see the Castillo de San Marcos.  I know Dad wanted to spend more time exploring downtown, but with a two year old our time was limited.  Thankfully, my dad is very understanding.  We were able to hear the canon fire and explore the entire fort before we decided it time to head back to the hotel.  

 

The girls - with our unexpected purchase of a new stroller.  On Friday, we had driven to Jacksonville for the day to shop and discovered we didn't bring the stroller with us!  Luckily there was a Babies R Us nearby and Gigi and Granddaddy purchased this as an early birthday present for Kate.   Whew.  Crisis averted.  I wished I had forgotten something cheaper like a sippy cup.

As always, I wish the trip could have lasted longer (or at least my time off of work) but all good things have to come to an end.  Thanks again Gigi and Granddaddy for everything! 

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!

Tonight we celebrated my dad's birthday - although technically his birthday isn't until tomorrow. We had a great time together with Uncle Jordan, Aunt Katie, Nanny and my parents. Kate took a fantastic 2 and a half hour nap this afternoon (it's rare her naps last longer than an hour and a half) so she was ready to celebrate tonight.

Kate and Granddaddy!

She helped blow out the candles tonight - getting ready for her birthday which will be here in only a month

After dinner, Aunt Katie styled Uncle Jordan's hair like Kate's. I'm starting to see some Cowart family resemblance.

Happy Birthday Dad! 

I'm so blessed to have such a great dad!  Love you!

Just another Thursday night...

It's quiet at the Evers house tonight. My little sugar is in bed, daddy is outside working, and I am enjoying some time to sit and blog (in between loads of laundry). I love quiet nights like this. I wanted to share a couple pictures from my evening with Kate. Tonight us girls walked to the mail box to check the mail and Kate brought puppy in her stroller.

After our stroll, we ate dinner and then it was bath time.  The latest thing Kate likes to do after her bath is run naked around the house.  I think every toddlers goes through this phase, which is very entertaining as long as their are no accidents.  The funniest part of Kate's streaking is her repeating "Nakee, Nakee, Nakee Baby" over and over until someone catches her and puts her pajamas on her.

Taking a break from streaking to read some books.

Crazy girl!

Sapp/Crews Family Reunion 2011

This weekend, I "twisted" the arms of Justin, Mimi and Papa to go to the Crews/Sapp family reunion.  The real reason I wanted to go was to see Justin's grandmother, Gaga, and his Aunt Linda.  We haven't been down to Naples since April and since it's going to be Christmas before we can visit again, I wanted to take advantage of the short drive and visit Gaga and Aunt Linda.  Gaga called us Wednesday night and asked if we would be interested in meeting them in Lake City, FL Saturday night and then going to the reunion Sunday in Lake Butler, FL.  I immediately said yes and Justin reluntantly agreed.  I'm not sure if any of the Evers will ever say it, but I think they are glad we went.  I know I am and Gaga was beaming at the family reunion, showing Kate off to her extended family.  Although Gaga married into the family, I think it's sweet she still attends every year, even though Grandaddy passed away several years ago. 

I wasn't sure how Kate would react to Gaga and Aunt Linda but I was so happy that she acted like she sees them every week. Immediately, Kate kept repeating "My Gaga" and was so excited when Gaga rode with us to dinner and sat by her. On the way back from dinner, Gaga had to run an errand and while the rest of us were waiting in the car, Kate kept asking me "Where my Gaga?" over and over again until Gaga returned. I hope they enjoyed the trip as much as I did!

Kate's new favorite ride - the luggage cart.

All the girls - Me, Kate, Gaga, Aunt Linda and Mimi