Ferrara's in Florida

Pops and Mimi visited with our family for more than a week!  It's probably the first time Dad had that many days off in a row since our Yellowstone family trip...the retired life is fun for all of us! Pops "the Great Baker" and his protege, Spider-Man Joel Home Depot = A very special date with Pops & Mimi Christmas came early for our fledgling fashion designer (who can now make hair scrunchies and a purse) Ruby Simone decided to have a turn making a purse This is how we roll, handstands and all Everyone wanted to pose on top of Pops' shoulders... ...Including Joel Playing BARN with Pops

Heard while decorating the house for Christmas... Joel: Mommy, Mommy!  I clanked the (ceramic) Christmas tree and it didn't break! Mommy: Did you purposely "clank" the decoration? Joel: Yes, Mom, really hard!  And it didn't break! Heard just about every time we see a fire truck... Joel:  Mommy, Mommy! Mommy:  Yes, Joel? Joel: Mommy, when I grow up and be a dad, I want to be a firefigher. Overheard while listening to a conversation between Father and Son... Joel:  Daddy, do super-eroes have hair on their chests? Daddy: I suppose they do. Joel:  Do they have hair in their arm pits?

Various pics from autumn abound.  No pumpkin or corn maze pics made it as I decided to play hard with the kids at the pumpkin patch this year, as well as at Coon Hollo Corn Maze.  Playing with my sweeties trumps picture-taking every time. A visit with Coach Dena Reif and her daughter Brooke --former XC coach during my USM days, Coach Reif is now the head coach at USF for both men's and women's XC teams A special morning for me: My children's first cross country meet @ UF's golf course Pooped out New leo & new bow Another special college friend visit: The Lee family paid us an overnight visit on their way home from Disney This is how I get my hair done :) Valencia's baby-sitting fun with my cuties & some of her biggest fans J-Boy has a big-kid room Loving his big kid room Pops & Nana with Ruby The Teddy Bear Meet lots of medals Sabes with Pops and Nana Fun with Ella It's alwa...

Ruby on deck for her floor routine

Sable Yukari with competition hair Ruby (middle) placing at the state meet  Sable warming up on beam

The usual routine of school and studies, gymnastics, and cooler weather making pleasant for field trips and lots of picnics rounds up our autumn in Florida. Candy Art Captain Batman Peaceful Sleep, Peaceful Work Breakfast with the Big Boys Working out with Pops Handsome Batman on a Playdate with Mommy while sisters vacation with Pops & Mimi Ruby Simone Sable Girl Joel and Sugar Tail

Meet season began.  For the next two months we will travel as a family throughout Central and South Florida to compete with other little girls.  The first out of town meet proved to be fun for everyone, especially our girls.  Joel did quite well too, as a spectator. Joel the Spectator Shortest to Tallest Our team of oh so cute little girls (ages 6-8) Ruby is on the far left, Sable is 6th from the right The Rubester (her entire team nicknamed her) Before Vault On the Podium for Placing in Vault (as it's apparent--that with that face-- she didn't place for Miss Congeniality) On bars with Coach Dali Rubester on bars  Sweet Sable receiving her plaque She always scans the crowd for her Daddy and always is ready to acknowledge him with a big wave and smile

Lots of photos on this one... Sable's illustrations of Joel's imaginative dictations "Green Lantern Boy Joel" playing with his "friend" a garden snail, which comes out after the daily afternoon shower Superhero Combo: Green Lantern-Batman-Incredible Hulk :) Haircuts for both of us My voting buddy Sweet New Addition to the Ricky Gibbs Cousins--#8 authentic Indian curry dinner with church friends Look who's thrilled (NOT) Shopping with Mommy can be fun Dressed like Daddy at the condo Ruby's "Fish Hook" on the beach "You become who your friends are"--- his two best buddies are gymnasts... Even superheroes need eyewear The "Good Shopper Award" goes to Joely Butta Boley & Woody-- a train ride around Pier Park Three short days of fun in the sun  Hugging his favorite soldier, Mr. Josh Everything's better with Daddy Christop...