Yumm-o!

In case we didn't need further proof that Natalie is growing up, she's now old enough to start eating rice cereal. At this rate it won't be much longer until she's asking for steak, lobster and beer! Here's a quick snip (click here) of her first taste. Surprisingly enough she actually seemed to enjoy it. We were shocked because Ashley was not.a.fan. To be perfectly honest I was looking forward to a stink face, but instead Natalie gave us smiles after the initial shock of "This ain't what I'm used to, Daddy!"

Wait a second. What's this you're giving me, Daddy?
Hm. It's not half bad!
Big Sister and Mommy cheering me on
Maybe that was too big a of a bite, Daddy
And now a look back at Ashley's first taste of rice cereal nearly 2.5 years ago. My oh my how quickly they grow!

Come on Daddy, what are you doing to me?
Ew! Ew! Ew!
It just keeps getting grosser and grosser

Meet n' Greet

I was finally able to get together with my good friend Amy (click here for her blog) and her little bundle of blue, Daylan. Daylan was born on December 31st, just 28 days after Natalie, and they're so cute together! If it works out between these two, Natty's new nickname will be Cougar Natalie!
It was so good to see you, Amy! I hope going back to work hasn't been too difficult. I can't wait to come down to visit and eat an amazing meal at Vault 244 (for those in the area, check it out (click here for their website). Daylan's daddy is Head Chef!). And of course hold and cuddle your little man again!
After Amy and Daylan left, Ashley had a horse lesson. Check it out (click here)!

Mom has found her happy place - a baby in each arm
Amy and baby Daylan
Looks like you've got your hands full there, Dad
Where was Ashley during all of the baby fun? At the salon of course.
Club Mommy

Barn Goddess

It's no surprise that Ashley loves hanging out with her Aunt Lindsay (all of her aunts for that matter!). But she especially loves it when Aunt Lindsay takes her to the barn to play cowgirl. In addition to these pictures, here's a fun video (click here) of Ashley getting a taste of horse-life.

Lil' pooper scooper
Lemme show you how it's done Aunt Lindsay
Yummy dinner
Gotta keep Jewels groomed and pretty
Yeehaw! Take me for a spin Jewels.

Lazy

I realize I've been lazy lately when it comes to posting pictures on the blog. My Shrek hands fumbled around and managed to break the 'daily use lens' for my camera. This has left me relying on a regular old point-n-shoot digital, which is otherwise fine. But when you're used to cruising in a Cadillac, rolling in the Pinto takes some getting use to.
To make up for my laziness, here are a bunch of pictures shot over the course of a few weeks. There's no rhyme or reason to these pictures; they're just fun ones that need to be shared. Enjoy!

Aren't I cute?
Lookin' like Daddy
Lovin' these cheeks
Slipping Big Sister some tongue
A smile this cute usually means I'm up to something
Laundry time
Pritty fowder
Sniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiff! Smells so good!
Rock picker
You can't see it, but Mommy's heart is in there, too
Midget's thoughts: When is she going to stop taking pictures of me?
Natty Katy's thoughts: How much longer until Big Sister is all up in my business again?
BFF's-4-Life
Cuddle time
Borrowing Mister Potato Head's hat - it almost fits
Squeeze me!

Repeat

I love watching this (click here) video so much; I just keep pressing the repeat button! And once I showed it to Ashley, all she could say was "Again Mommy! Again!". I bet you'll enjoy it, too!!!

Road trip!

Later today Natalie and I will be hitting the road with Lindsay and Grandma Marilyn to head to Central Oregon for Angie's bridal shower. This will be Natty Kat's first road trip and I'm anxious to see how she does cooped up in her seat for a few hours. I'm hoping for the best (fingers crossed)!
Ashley is spending the weekend with Nana and Papa, keeping them busy and on their toes. It's been pretty quiet around here since she's been gone; it's easy to miss her wild and rambunctious attitude! But knowing she's having fun and making memories makes the sting of her being away a little bit easier to handle.

I'm calling shotgun!

My loves

There isn't a better family in the world. Even when we're at our worst, we're still the best.

Daddy taking me on my first swing ride
Aren't these things the greatest Baby Sister?
Smiles for Mommy

The Count

I meant to share this video (click here) last week but like so many things lately, I keep forgetting!

Of course I did...

...take picture of the girls on their first St. Patty's Day, wearing the same outfit! You aren't surprised, are you?

I'll let you figure out who's who, although I don't think it's that difficult.
.

.
.
.
.
Just in case you had problems - the first two are Midget, the second two Natty Kat. But you already figured that out, didn't you?

Daily reminder

My life,
take 1.
Mistakes many,
regrets none.

Basketball buddies

I wanted to share these pictures of Ashley playing with Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Shaun. She always has so much fun at their house!

Loving the sidewalk chalk - thanks Aunt Linds!
I'm open! I'm open!
Maybe I make a better cheerleader then player?
No way am I gonna look at you Mommy
Walking the dog. Wait?! Where's the dog?
Sorry Grandma, I want to kiss Baby Sister instead of smiling for the camera
Better then Michael Jordan
What am I doing? I'm not really sure.
Ooh! Shut down!
Just so you know - the chalk is in the shape of an egg, but that doesn't mean it tastes good. Take it from me.
Check out Daddy's drawing:
A big happy family (minus Mommy's fashion-infraction shoes!)