Bedtime Routines...

are good for the entire family.

We love bedtime for many reasons, but mostly because of what fun it is getting to bed. Natalie is always so happy to head upstairs for bed. She runs to Mom, looks at Dad and roars in anticipation of the "scariness" that is Daddy chasing us up the stairs. Here's a glimpse at the rest of the routine...

Books.

Most of our nighttime books happen to be action-packed.

Lots of hugs and kisses.

Prayers. Sometimes we even remember to close our eyes in reverence. It's a lot easier when Daddy is praying and not taking pictures.

Out with the lights.

More kisses with Daddy. She tries to sneak some in without taking out the paci.

But Dad never lets that fly. He's pretty demanding about getting good kisses, and Natalie seems pretty happy to oblige every time.

There's generally quite a bit more hullabaloo after the lights go out to calm her into a restful state!

Hugs between laughs.

More silliness.

Dad tries to get as many kisses as possible.

Then finally Natalie flies or flips her way over to mommy in the rocker for some songs and snuggles. It is pure heaven and I'm thankful for that time every single night.