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.

Sidewalk Chalk

We got some sidewalk chalk for Natali to use on our little bit of patio in front of our place. Not that I was surprised, but she loved it! Her favorite thing to do was to tell me a shape to draw and then she would "color" it in. Here are a few of her outside enjoying the sun and coloring!

Playing at Grandma Gerry's

Natali loved playing outside on my mom's back patio. The first morning we were there, Natali ran to the glass slider and looked outside and said, "Snow?" She loved being outside in the sun. There is a citrus tree right on the edge of the patio that produces what looks like mini oranges. Natali would take her little bucket and pick them up off the ground and eventually started to pick them off the tree. They are edible (not very good) but edible. Natali tried to eat some. She would bite into them and then throw them on the ground. She kept doing this and pretty soon she had a red rash all around her mouth from the acid. She didn't seem to mind but we quickly put a stop to that. These are just a few snap shots of her in action.

Sunday Photos
We took a few pictures outside my mom's church building. Here's our little family followed by one of Natali with her Grandma!

Mission Beach & The Boardwalk
We finally made it to the beach this trip. We went with Grandpa and walked along the boardwalk for awhile. We tried to take Natali down by the water but she made it really apparent that she was not into the sand and especially not the waves rolling up. The pictures are kind of light but hopefully you get the idea.

POOL TIME!
We took Natali to the pool near my moms house. The kiddie pool wasn't heated and it was still a little too cold, but the big pool was heated and we made the best of it. She was a little nervous at first, but pretty soon she started splashing and she loved it. Here a few pictures in her Little Mermaid bathing suit and cover up.

San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park
Recently our family went back to San Diego for a visit. Natali and I flew out about a week and a half before Ben and then he joined us over his spring break. It was wonderful to warmth and sunshine. We were able to go the Zoo twice. Once with cousins and then when Ben came. We also went to the Wild Animal Park and rode the tram out around the animals. We thought Natali would think the tram was pretty cool, but it turned out to be a 30 min struggle. Here are some pictures of our outing.

Natali with cousins (Alli, Amber , & Courtney)

Natali & Dad on the TramNatali & Mom

Natali and Grandma Gerry (my mom)

Around the House

Yes, that is a sock on Natali's hand in the last photo. That has been her big thing lately. She will take any sock (hopefully clean) and wears it on her hand like a glove. When she is crying sometimes I will ask, "Do you want a sock?" Instantly the tears usually stop. Anything that works!

Story Time

I was in the other room and I could hear Natali in her room talking to herself (which isn't unusual). I peeked in to make sure she was being safe. She was sitting on the big rocking chair with her baby doll "reading" her a book. I got my camera and tried to capture the moment, but once I entered the room and got one shot it was all over. She loves her baby doll, and lately loves sitting in the big rocker rocking her doll. Should I be at all worried that when she is done she tosses the baby across the room?

POOH BEAR CAR

Natali got a riding car over Christmas. She loves it. Her most favorite thing to do is lift up the seat and then either stand inside of it, or sit down on the car with the seat up. We love it if it keeps her happy!