Cherry Blossoms

I love going to see the Cherry Blossoms every year. They are so beautiful and this year the weather was perfect for being outside - in the mid-70's and sunny with a breeze. Bliss. As always, Natalie was just happy to be running around outside.

Natalie loved picking the dandelions. She had quite a little bouquet by the time she was done.

Another highlight was the butterflies. Oh, how Natalie loves butterflies.
I was so glad I caught her happy face when she saw them fluttering by.
Daddy is the best.

Sunday Shoot

Natalie was looking so grown up and beautiful in her dress on Sunday that I couldn't resist a little photo shoot after church. I love the dress she was wearing; it is a hand-me-down from her cousin May and I feel very lucky to have inherited it! Even better than the dress is my sweet little girl who is looking less little and more grown up by the day.

Hap Day

aka Happy Birthday according to Natalie!
It was Russ' birthday last Tuesday and we had a few small celebrations to honor him as he turned one year older and wiser. Russ is not big into parties or making a big deal out of his birthday so things were simple, but I think that's just how he wanted them.

The two of us were able to go out for a nice date night to celebrate on the Saturday before his birthday. He choose the Lebanese Taverna for dinner and I was thrilled. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it and if you're worried about what to order, Russ and I would be happy to go with you and help pick things out. :-)

Monday evening we had a family celebration at his parent's home with both his siblings and their families. We had sandwiches, arguably one of Russ' favorite foods, and fruit parfaits for dessert.

Tuesday was his actual birthday and we celebrated with our little family at home. Natalie welcomed him home by waiting at the front door per usual and was thrilled to show him the balloons we had gotten for him (let's be honest, they were largely for her as well). Russ requested a birthday dinner of filet mignon, mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed green beans. I have never cooked filet mignon at home and not wanting to disappoint, took his request seriously. I found a local butcher for the meat and followed instructions very carefully on how to sear the meat and just how long to cook it. It was amazing, if I might say so myself.
I got a picture, though it doesn't do the meat justice. The camera was on auto, with a flash, and it didn't do it any favors. Just trust us. It was so good that Russ has requested this as birthday dinner forever and I am all in.
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband and Natalie's great daddy. We are so lucky to have you!

If You're Happy and You Know It

Natalie is really getting into singing and dancing. Currently her favorite songs are the ABC song and "If you're happy and you know it". Forgive my poor singing here, but Natalie is just too cute doing the moves to the song.



I also have to include a quick clip of Natalie showing off her moves while listening to the radio. It is definitely one of her favorite activities.

Helper

Natalie is my little helper. She loves to be involved in everything I am doing and has recently been able to "help" in a more productive manner. Lately she has been able to help by putting her books away on her bookcase, putting laundry in the dryer and, her favorite, mixing. This girl loves to mix. Saturday morning we made waffles and she mixed up the batter almost entirely by herself. Call me silly, but I can't believe how grown up she is getting.

Trampoline Time

Natalie's Grandma and Grandpa Marsh have a great trampoline in their backyard. We visited the other day and Natalie had the time of her life; I think she was in there for almost an hour and a half. She enjoyed jumping, but mostly she just laughed when she was tipped over as her older cousins went jumping and bouncing by.

My Little Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day! I thought I'd share a few pictures I took the other day in black and white of my sweet little valentine. (By the way, I love having two valentines. It's going to be so fun to have two little valentine's that I can dress to match next year!)