Easter Sunday

It was the best Easter I can remember. Nate and I were part of a really cool ministry our church did, called cardboard testimonies. We got to share a little bit about how our relationship with Christ got us through the hard time we had of trying to get pregnant with Natalie.  Having her and my pregnant belly on the stage with us made it all that much more meaningful. I think they're gonna make a youtube link, so I'll be sure to post it later. The service was awesome and hopefully many will place their faith in Christ from the testimonies they saw and the message that was shared during the service. I love getting to be a part of our church. Now on to the pics of Natalie, which are the rest of the reason our day was so fun. 

Natalie and Isabel in their Easter Sunday Best. 

Yes, this picture was taken yesterday, and not uploaded from 1932.

Some of Natalie's friends in the nursery. It's so fun to watch them all grow.

Natalie helping the teacher during their sunday school lesson.

More of the "helping" I was talking about.

I am starting to get a little bit concerned about what kindergarten will be like for her once she realizes she is not the only child in the room. Maybe a baby brother will help with that.

Natalie and Ethan, planning their escape.

No fun Easter lunch photos, since we went out to eat for the first time on Easter ever. Don't worry, we had the ham and deviled eggs for dinner. Natalie and Mommy napped while Daddy watched the Masters, so everyone was happy. Then Natalie discovered more hidden eggs and her basket. 

The bunny brought her a tiny tea set... 

"lipstick"...

a broom and dustpan to help Mom clean, candy and toothpaste. 

She loved the toothpaste because it had Thomas the train on the box. Best we can figure is the Bunny knows how he keeps those 2 huge front teeth all white and shiny and he wanted to share the info with our daughter. Thanks, Bunny.

Determination

Natalie is growing more and more independent every day. When she's really working hard, out comes the tongue. Well, trying to climb up on a stool in a really long sunday dress is enough to make anyone need the extra help of tongue power.

Her teachers at Gymboree would be so proud to see that balance.

Shew, that was hard work.

"Wait, did I even get any water IN my mouth? Guess I'll lick it off my chin."

What little boys do after all the eggs have been found. Titus is one intense little drummer boy!

Natalie had to check out what all the noise was about.

I think they make one cute little band.

Running up and down and up and down the hallway. What fun.

Palm Sunday Egg Hunt. I love so many things about the way Natalie has started hunting for Easter eggs. The enthusiasm in which she looks for them and how thrilled she is to find one...

How her little hands hold onto them as she makes her way back to the basket....

How she so daintily (?) holds the basket over her arm like a purse.

But my favorite thing has got to be the way she collects them all in her "basket." She looks down deep into the basket, and carefully drops in each special find. Okay, so maybe this is one of those things that only a mother can truly appreciate, but it truly makes me giddy to watch. She's doing more and more big girl things, and less and less baby things, but I cannot be sad. I'm loving every minute of having this sweet girl with us. It is truly unexplainable how an egg hunt can bring out so much emotion in a mommy.

Shopped 'Til They Dropped

We had a little lunch date at Chick-Fil-A, followed by a play date at the mall play place. There really wasn't much shopping, but there was quite a bit of "dropping" once we finally got back to the car late in the afternoon. 

Cookies for everyone. Happy 2nd Birthday Isabel!

Natalie and Mom go to NC

It was too cold for too long in KC, so Mom and Natalie decided to take a quick trip to visit Granny and Granddaddy in NC, while Daddy stayed behind to work. 

Trying some new tricks.

Natalie explored outside almost all day every day. 

Hey there Marilyn.

"Dandaddy" was the most said word of the trip. Natalie was in love.

However, Uncle Rusty was a favorite too. 

Lovin a warm day at the beach.

Mommy at 3o.

Okay, so the belly IS quite large...

Mom and Natalie. Thought we should get some pics together so Natalie will believe one day that it wasn't just Daddy raising her alone!

Kylee Dale Heath! This little cutie is my childhood friend, Leann's daughter. She is certain to grow up to be JUST like her Mama. Gotta love her BIG little personality. 

Jake is the big brother in the group. Notice how he's patiently waiting for the next little rider to join him on the slide.

A willing and happy rider.

Dinner at the Heaths. 

We've already discussed which positions on the softball team these two lefties will play. They don't stand a chance if they even think for a second they're not gonna be best buds.

An empty seat next to Mom and a sleepy traveler made for a relaxing flight back.

Strollin to the baggage carousel.

Thinking Outside the Box

She may not have them in the "right" order, but they all made it on. Way to go, Natalie.