Little Natty in San Francisco

Aunt Kassa emailed this picture to mommy a couple weeks ago. I just love seeing pictures from the past that I've never seen. Look at those sweet chubby baby cheeks. Oh how I LOVE that little girl. She was only 7 months old.

More Strollin

Pushing the strolly is one of Natalie's favorite pasttimes. Put brother in the stroller and it only gets more fun.

Cousins

It's only about once a year that all the cousins get to be together. This summer, however, we're lucky to get to see our cousins for an extended amount of time. They stopped over in KC for a couple nights of their roadtrip from Idaho to NC (yes, their mother has lost her mind) AND we get to spend a week with them in Wilmington next week!

Bolivar, MO

I ventured out on a 2.5 hour roadtrip by myself with the kiddos. It actually went great and was well worth the effort. I got to relax, thanks to yet another "Grandad" in Natalie's life and she loved getting to play with her friends for 2 days straight.

Playing dress up with Sid.

Just a swangin'

Dr. Cook is in.

On the way home, we stopped by Nana Betty's parents house to visit with still more adopted grandparents, Great Grandma and Grandpa Norfleet. What joy these babies bring everywhere we go.

Our small town home, Kansas City

pop. 440, 000

I decided Natalie must think we live in a really small town. We go to workout at Jazzercise and her own Aunt Jennie is the person doing childcare that day. We go to a free puppet show at Crown Center and run into her best bud, Isabel. We leave the puppets to ride the train and play at the creek and run into Lynae, Colby and Caden, more friends from church. I actually love that we run into people we know, all over the northland. It's really becoming home after only 7 years!

Pretty sure Natalie thought this dog was real. The puppeteer was great.

The Great Kitchen Debate

Okay, all you mothers (and fathers, I don't want to discriminate) of toddlers out there. I need your opinion. I bought both of these kitchens, both for a good deal for what they are, but I can't keep them both. The first one is my favorite because it's just cuter to me (and to Nate) and it's made to grow into a little more. The second was less expensive, but is meant more for toddlers and won't last as long, but I still like it. What do you think is most important when it comes to a kitchen? I can afford either, but do like to save money, so no money advice please. I'm looking for play advice, since Natalie isn't allowed to choose. Oh, don't tell her...we want it to be a surprise! :) I'll take advice, or we can just have a vote. Kitchen 1 or Kitchen 2? (I am aware this is a little ridiculous, but kinda fun anyways.)

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

One of the Gang

If ever we actually leave Kansas City, I'm not sure we'll survive the loss of our Chappell "siblings." My daughter and these children adore each other, and I adore their mommy. Here are a couple of photos from our trip to the Zoo.

Being the anti-sunburn-obsessed mom that I am, I wanted Natalie to wear a hat to the Zoo. Of course, she wanted me and baby Sutton to wear one too, so we obliged. When our friends arrived to pick us up, they each popped out of their car one at the time, all wearing hats. It was too cute not to set the camera up on a bucket in the garage and put that self timer into action.

I love how kids get a clever little plan and think they are SO funny once they carry it out. Yes, Natalie is their doll and she loves it.

At the top of the treehouse, because she thinks she is just as big as they are. Lucky for Mom, they know she is not as big as they are, so they watch out for her so well.

On Aunt Jennie's hip, with all the kids, at the Zoo. Does it get any better than this for a toddler?

Just another shot of the love.

The Sea Lion show.

Hold You

It's hard to resist Natalie's request to "hold you, please." Luckily, there are always plenty of willing arms to go around. The one sad thing I have to say about this particular post...in the last couple of days, she's actually learned how to say "hold me." It's only the beginning of all the growing up, I'm sure.

Getting a break from all the walking with Savannah at the Zoo.

Getting a closer look at the animals with Sierra.

And then there's Aunt Jennie's willing arms who are always ready to "hold you" for any reason at all if you're her Natty Pie.

Strollin at the Zoo

In an attempt to keep Sutton awake a little more, I decided to take him away from Aunt Jennie's cozy body and put him in the stroller. He woke up for about 5 minutes, then was right back to sleep. Made for a couple of cute pics though.

Horton Hears a Who

Natalie went to her first movie. Not quite big enough to make it through the whole thing yet, but well worth the buck it cost to get in. Plus, she LOVES popcorn.

Lap Children

Babies fly free until they're 2. You really have to time it just right to have 2 lap babies at the same time, but I wouldn't recommend it. Luckily, we had an empty seat on our row, so we could all fly together and Natalie got a seat of her own. She was really good, and Sutton did great. We're pretty sure people thought we were crazy though as we boarded the flights with all our snacks, sippies, backpacks, blankies, books and dvd player in tow. Only one throw-up and 3 flights later, we'd survived. Flying is just not what it used to be. I must admit though, flying with 2 lap kids is a lot easier than flying 8 months pregnant with a toddler on your non-existent lap, with absolutely no room between you belly and the seat in front of you. And somehow, "travel" is still my favorite pastime.

Still managed to find time to read.

Sutton's 5th and final flight of this trip. 

why we love vacation

:: family group photo opportunities

:: Get to do things we don't normally do, like wait at a marina for the water taxi....

...and eat dessert 2 or more times a day.

:: Get to spend all day, everyday with these cute guys.

:: Eat out at fancy restaurants.

:: Time with grandparents.

:: R and R.

Natalie misunderstood that the cover-up is meant to keep you warm and DRY.

Just another pic of what Sutton did all week....snuggle with Mimi.

:: Playground

:: From the pool...

...to the beach.

:: Slurpees.

I love when his eyes are open.

Natalie still managed to find her toys of choice...shoes.

:: And more R & R.

I'm already suffering from the post-vacation blues. But, it sure was fun.