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Drawing circles backwards in flour is apparently a pre-writing activity. Here are the budding authors at Little Gems. (Excuse the ill fitting clothing that, when coupled with short hair, makes Natalie seem more boy than girl.)

Natalie and I spent the morning together – what a treat!  She slept in and woke up in a great mood.  (Another treat, as she’s been a little crabby with me lately.)  We played with her dolls and Dr. Seuss memory game.  Then, we headed to the Children’s Museum, which we hadn’t been to since Sept.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get a lot of great pictures… most of the time, I was chasing behind her, so all I saw was the back of her head.  In the picture above, she’s taking a peak outside of a tent.  Lately, she’s very into saying “bye bye” so that she has her privacy.  Sometimes, its so that she can poop, but not all the time.  She hasn’t gotten herself into too much mischief yet – and I figured there’s not much harm that can be done inside a tent.  Silly me… she soon snuck out the back!

Natalie was happy to go to preschool after the Museum…. she ran over to Ms. Saba’s lap, and Edmond (her BFF) was quick to go by her to say ‘hi’ too.

This Super Princess Cape is perfectly designed to keep me warm on transitions to and from cold cars! Brr…. I don’t remember life ever being this cold!

(Mom’s note: this has more to do with her memory and that we’ve been spoiled by warm weather, rather than it really being that cold. Hello Winter!)

We are thankful for our family, friends and freedom!

This year, we’re supposed to spend Thanksgiving with the VB side of the family. However, we have a wedding in Indy, so we decided to head up to WI a couple weeks early (the 2nd weekend of Nov) for an extended visit. It’s the first time that the whole fam – including Trevor, Natalie and Leah – were together!

On a non-holiday weekend, its always tough to get out of the house (or maybe that’s all weekends). So, while I packed, Natalie very seriously played with my extensive make-up collection:

Natalie Quote: Putting on lipstick is serious business. I don’t have this chance very often!

Natalie quote: Whoa… Aunt Leah, did they teach you how to make those big bubbles in Alaska?

I posted this picture when we were actually in GB but I had to post again. The weather was chilly, but not chilly enough to stop Natalie from playing bubbles! Esp. with Aunt Leah, who Natalie very loudly called “LEAH” many times throughout the weekend, whenever she wasn’t in immediate view. Her voice is esp. cute when she says it – I wish you could hear it!

Surprisingly, Grandpa Dave had not raked the front yard for a few days, which provided a lot of fun an entertainment. Esp. when Aunt Leah would throw leaves up in the air.

Trevor quote: Don’t worry, Natalie. I’m right here. I’ve got you!

A Children’s Museum opened in Green Bay – and my mom has been waiting since April (when she first read about it) to take us all. It was great! Trevor was kind enough to “catch” Natalie going down the slide.

Natalie quote: And then you take a pear and put it in your basket…”
Trevor response: Actually, would you mind passing it my way? I’d love a taste.

Trevor looked on as Natalie grocery shopped (Natalie is a pro, as she helps her Daddy with shopping every Sunday morning before church – lucky Mom!) I cannot believe she’s a head taller than him… they both adore each other and have so much fun.

Natalie quote: I’m always ready to celebrate a birthday! Who’s is it? Oh yeah, Grandpa’s! I hope you like chocolate frosting as much as I do, Grandpa!

The car rides home are always the most difficult part of the trip. Natalie has recently become fascinated with things between her toes…. so in addition to the stamps, markers, Dora videos, baby Kathy and books, we did impromptu pedicures! So pretty, right?

I guess with this post starting with lipstick and ending with a pedicure does illustrate that Natalie has plenty of “girl” in her. She manages to counter balance that with a lot of wrestling moves, which Pinto and I have been privy to this weekend.

Thanks for a great WI visit, Grandpa, Grandma (both known as “Ga-ga”), Aunt Becky, Trevor, Uncle Rob and Aunt Leah!

It’s great to be home! After 3 days away, Natalie’s hair is noticeably longer, and she is saying many more complete sentences. Such as: “Mama no go bye bye”. Which she told me 40 times. Words I am only too happy to abide by. 🙂

I am in Pittsburgh for work and missing these two like crazy!! I am so lucky that Jordan takes such good care of her but am relieved that I will be home in less than 48 hours (knock on wood) and won’t have to travel without Natalie for about 6 months.

Who wouldn’t want to cuddle with me?

While mom is away, dada and I will play. Dance party!

It’s never to cold for bubbles!

Natalie and her classmates “driving” along with the story. Her teachers told me that her preferred seat is always the front chair by the teachers. Maybe so she can see all of her friends well?