Happy Birthday to Natali

Yesterday was Natali's big #2 birthday. We had a great day. The night before while she was asleep I put up a few balloons and streamers. That morning I went in and got her up and she just got so excited to see the decorations. She ran out of her room, threw her hands in the air, and exclaimed..."Happy Birthday to Natali" We sang her the birthday song, which she joined in with us and ate pancakes. That morning we went to the mall so she could play in the play area (which she LOVES) and then she helped me decorate her butterfly cake for the party later that night. As you will see in the picture, I think more of the candy decorations made it into her little tummy than on the cake. But, overall she did most of the work (as far as the M&M's and Skittles go). Ben came home early from school and we took her to the nearby aquatic center to play in their kid pools. Dad even went down one of the big steep slides which Natali thought was pretty cool to watch. She is really starting to enjoy the water! That night we had a few friends come over and the Wilson's to sing and eat cake. Afterwards the few kids went out onto the lawn and blew bubbles with some bubble wands. It was so fun to see Natali get so excited and actually talk about her birthday party. The pictures are pretty self explanatory. Enjoy!

Blank Park Zoo

Today Natali and I went to the zoo with some friends. The day started out with a thunderstorm but quickly turned into a warm humid Iowa day. The zoo just redid their children's petting zoo so that you can feed the animals but they can't feed on you! It can be a little traumatizing when those sheep and goats start to nibble at your toes. Natali loved walking around and was almost more interested in the mini vending machines of animal food than the actual animals.

What a cutie!

Natali looking in at the mini ponies and donkey's

Is there any more in there?

Natali and her friend inspecting the equipment!

GOLF

Ben was getting out his clubs in preparation for playing golf later this week and Natali was instantly attracted. She thought they were pretty cool! Dad tried to help her swing but she preferred to do it her "own" way. We kept her far away from the cars! It sure was cute though to watch her in action. I told Ben maybe we should get her a little plastic play set, but then I realized it would probably just become a weapon to use on baby Isaac. Who knows, I sure stink at golf, but maybe she will be a little golfer.