Keeping us smiling

Natalie continues to amuse us on a daily basis. I wanted to blog about these things before I forget them. None of these items are related, but they were all still cute.

Earlier this evening, Natalie and I went to the grocery store so Nate would have some edible food when he got home from his day of traveling. We were leaving the parking lot, and Natalie tells me, "There's Doe Quba." It took me a moment to understand what she was talking about. A few weeks ago, I told her that I was excited because they are building a Q-Doba restaurant right next to our grocery store. In her excitement tonight, that is what she was telling me about.

The other cute mix up with names tonight was when Natalie was "reading" Nate the Jungle Book. She was telling him about all the characters and what was happening on the pages. Every time she told him about Shere Khan, Natalie would call him Sheriff Khan.

The last story comes from our play group that we attend at church on Thursday mornings. During story time, our friend Cathy asked Natalie what she thought was going to happen to the caterpillar in the cocoon. Natalie replied, "The caterpillar is going to hatch, and turn into a beautiful butterfly."

Game Day

Today, we spent our third Wednesday with my parents. After Natalie's nap, we dug into the game bag and had a fun afternoon with Grandpa. We played Go Fish, Memory, Uno, and Candyland (the original version with the Gingerbread house and the identifiable Candy Hearts card from any direction).

While I was making dinner, Natalie and my mom watched Larry's Silly Songs DVD. After dinner, Natalie enjoyed the multitude of books my mom read to her.

Nap Time

I love nap time. Many moms get a lot done during their children's nap time. I, on the other hand, enjoy some down time as well. The other day Natalie called me on this habit of mine. She came out of her bedroom after her nap, and asked me why I don't do anything during her nap time. I asked her what she thought I ought to do. She responded by saying that I should do the dishes. I asked her what I should do after the dishes. Natalie said that I could sit down after the dishes were done. When I told Nate about this conversation, he laughed and told me I had to blog it.

Tonight was one of those memorable evenings that I would love to forget. Nate had a late evening for a work commitment, so it was just Natalie and me. Of course, Natalie decided to go without a nap today. I was all ready to spend some time quality time with my aunt and uncle, but opted against this when Natalie went without her nap. I should have gone to see them anyway. Natalie and I had dinner, and I decided that she ought to try what I was eating - a bite of fish. She and her quick gag reflex decided otherwise. That was part one of what I would like to forget. Afterwards, she needed a bath so that is what I gave her. That went fine until I got her out of the tub, took her in the office, and was about to get her into her pj's. At this point, Natalie forgot to tell me that she needed to go potty. That was the other part of the evening I'd like to erase. Thankfully, Natalie went to be like a good girl.

Tomorrow will be a much better day. It's Saturday, and Nate will be home. :)

Sting Rays and Sharks

We chose this past Saturday to check out the special exhibit at the zoo since it was the last weekend the sting rays and sharks would be there. Nate had wanted to see this with us, so I kept telling Natalie that we had to wait for Daddy until we could visit this exhibit. I think it was more interesting for the adults than for Natalie. She didn't muster up the courage to touch them yesterday. I thought it was pretty cool though.

After the zoo, we checked out Kite Fest at the Lakefront. I thought the kites would be more impressive, but we still had fun. Nate has wanted to rent the surrey bikes for some time, so yesterday was the day we did that. It was pretty fun riding around on it...thanks to Nate for all of the hard work. Natalie and I were mainly along for the ride.

Today, we enjoyed a Packer victory with some good friends and family. Go, Pack, Go!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a wonderful family weekend at Auntie Pam and Uncle Kirk's cottage on Lake Wisconsin. Natalie took her longest hike so far - to a beautiful waterfall. She had the opportunity to ride with Daddy in a canoe. Going out on the pontoon boat every day was a lot of fun. Natalie had so much fun playing with her cousins, Nicholas and Hannah.