Gator Mania!!!

You can't help but get caught up in the Gator excitement when you live here. Ellie is definitely proof of that- she loves the Gators. She likes to wear blue and orange, she yells for Tim Tebow (our quarterback who won the Heisman this year), and loves to see Alligators. So, this past weekend we had Gator Mania on campus- a time for new students to see different groups available on campus. They also had some bounce houses, water slides, etc for students. So, our friend Jenny and her son Jackson joined us for the fun!

Ellie and Jackson first jumped in the bounce house- complete with large boxing gloves. Ellie likes to take care of kids younger than her- as you can see her patting Jackson's back.

There was also a blow-up obstacle course- the kids loved it. You can see above- cutie pie Jackson coming through the end of the course and the 2 of them climbing through the course.

Last, we let them slide on the water slide in their clothes. They had a great time until the sky opened up and we had to run for cover. A good time was had by all!

I leave early on Wednesday morning for another trip to Utah. Mason and Ellie will have a fun few days of Ellie and Daddy time. She has totally gotten into saying- "it's Ellie and Mommy time" or "only Ellie and Daddy can do that"- so, I know she'll enjoy her time with just her Daddy. Plus, she and I leave on Saturday the 26th for a month- so, this will give Mason a little time with his Munchkin!

I'm a QUITTER

Okay, so I know many of you were so proud of our little Munchkin for "giving up" her paci. Well, I was too. Except that each night she cried for us to pat her back, she got out of bed, she woke multiple times in the middle of the night- wanting me to pat her back, and truly just stopped sleeping so well. So, in a desperate attempt to get back to a good routine...we gave her 2 pacis. Terrible I know- but, I have a friend here who has her PhD in counseling and she did the same thing for her 3 year old...so, I figured if she wasn't too worried about @#$#@ her child, then I shouldn't be either. Are you disappointed in us...sorry. I like sleep, Ellie likes sleep and our house is happier when we ALL sleep. So, she is doing good following the strict rules regarding the paci- it CANNOT leave her room. She even goes in sometimes and says- Mommy, put me to bed, I'm ready to have time with my paci's.

Otherwise, exciting things are happening in FL- including a thunderstorm EVERYDAY! I am loving my new job. Ellie is turning 3 in less than a month- holy cow! I have met some other Mommy's and have been invited to a playgroup - WAHOO! And, Ellie and I leave on July 26 for a month in Pawleys Island, SC. I'm hoping that after our family trip (my Parents, Tricia, Brad, Maggie, Riley and Ellie and I) that I will head to NC for a quick tour of visiting Ellie's MawMaw and PawPaw as well as some friends. Then, we will head back to Pawleys fora girls weekend with Courtney! Should be fun!

I leave next week for another training trip to Salt Lake City, UT. Mason and Ellie will have some fun times I am sure! I am so lucky to have a husband who loves hanging out with his Munchkin!

Photos next time!