Monday, September 26, 2011

Natalie's Birthday party








Natalie had her 5th birthday party a few weeks ago and it was perfect.  Quite a few good friends were able to join our family to celebrate 5 years of having Natalie in our lives.  The bounce house that Howard rented for the occasion was a big hit with the kids.  As usual, everyone was so generous and Natalie was given many of her favorite things (books, toys and clothes).  I think she loved her gift from Mommy the most though.. Olivia's family car.  She's been carrying around various members of Olivia's family with her everywhere she goes ever since.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Where's my Washington Post?


I think that Natalie's potty time today would have been more successful if she'd been able to read her talented Uncle Jason's first article for the Washington Post while on the potty! What a talented Uncle Natalie has!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I never get sick of seeing her do this--


Natalie still loves her books.  She's usually throwing them at my head until I read them to her but occasionally I find her quietly reading by herself just like this and I love it!  

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Natalie and her Bop


Natalie adores Bop. Lately, when visiting Bop and Grandma's house she spends most of her time standing next to Bop's chair or sitting next to him just like this. Bop has always had a special connection with his grandkids and now he does with his great grandkids too!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Castaway Bay and Cedar Point

Recently we went on a short weekend trip to Cedar Point and Castaway Bay (indoor water park/hotel).  Howard and my mom were so generous to both organize and pay for everyone.  We had a really great time with family and friends!  On Friday night we spent some time at the indoor waterpark.  Natalie wasn't into the slides (I kind of made her go down 2 but she didn't really love it).  She did like splashing around and walking around with me in the shallow water area.  Here are a few pictures than Ilan snapped of us:

 When it was no longer fun to play in the water, she watched videos with Kiernan (poor Keg couldn't get in the water because of her cast).
The kids were so tired by Friday night but they were ready to go to Cedar Point bright and early on Saturday.  As I posted previously Natalie's favorite ride was the roller coaster (the Jr Gemini) but she also enjoyed some of the more tame kiddie rides like the bumper boats. 
Yelling at another driver? 
Serious driver!
I didn't get pictures of her first few rides because my mom and Monet were nice enough to take care of the kids while the other adults were riding the Millenium Force before the line was too long.  It ended up being my only adult ride of the day but it was so worth it!   

Friday, September 2, 2011

Natalie is 5!

5 years ago today at 8:20 pm, Natalie Elizabeth was born.  She was so tiny and fragile, not breathing, and not even able to open her eyes.  Statistically she had a 50/50 chance of survival. 


But here she is today, on her 5th birthday, healthy and happy!