Relaxing and learning

We've been enjoying our Summer and a couple months at home with Daddy before we all go on the road again in August.  Natalie is really "talking" these days - not just repeating everything we say.  When we go to the grocery store she picks the fruit she wants - telling us her preference.  She also surprises us with her memory too.  She talks about Mamaw, Papaw, Nana and Pops a LOT as well as all her aunts, uncles and especially her cousins Katherine and Garrett.

She speaks very clearly in complete phrases but (thank goodness) there are a few words that still have the characteristic baby pronunciation.  Some of my absolute favorites: (We often find reasons to make her say these words)

Teapot = "tea-pop"
Smoothie = "sa-moo-mee"
Tomato = "tay-moe"
Shampoo = "she-poop"
Fingers = "fee-fers"
Mouth = "mowf"
Katherine = "KaFrine"
Shannon = "Sha-shee"

The summer heat hasn't let up here at all so we're enjoying lots of evenings at the pool.  In fact its pretty much guaranteed if it isn't storming we'll be relaxing and having dinner at the pool every Friday night.  Here are some cute pictures of her and Daddy.

Fun with family

Natalie and Graham Rollins

Aren't they sweet!?!

Come on, Graham.  Let's go!

Graham put in a show for the entire group doing a GREAT job of "If You're Happy and You Know It".  He charmed us all!

Stomp your feet!

Clap your hands!

Natalie was telling Aunt ShaShee something here.  She was SERIOUS.

Mommy and her sweet girl

 We were sad to be headed home so soon but we'll be back again in August - can't wait!

On the airplane. No paparazzi, Mommy

Quick trip to NC

I had some work to do in NC and we had a baby shower to attend so Natalie and I packed up and headed south (on a plane this time) to see Mamaw and Papaw.

One of the first places we went was to the pool!  Natalie LOVES the water.

Her new bathing suit

We also went on lots of walks.  Natalie had a great time playing with Mamaw and Papaw. We can't wait to see them again soon in August.

On a walk with Mamaw

What a cute little girl!

Mommy and her sweet girl

4th of July happiness & cupcake love

We went to our friend's cookout for the 4th of July and despite the heat enjoyed a fun time with friends and their babies.

Pony tails are the best!

Yummy Strawberries!

I made cupcakes for the party and poor Natalie had to ride the hour drive with them sitting right next to her on the seat.  I must have heard "Mommy, cupcake!" about 30 times before we got there.  So after a healthy portion of pasta salad and strawberries we indulged in the cherry pound cake cupcakes.  Apparently they didn't disappoint. 

Mmmmmmmm!

Cupcake Love

She won't even think about "sharing"

And one more picture of her sweet little pony tail

Is it HOT or is it just us?!?

And someone's hair is REALLY getting long!

We've been doing the best we can to battle the EXTRA high temperatures lately - since Natalie is the only one (besides Roscoe) who can run around the house naked (and not offend the neighbors) we've been doing a fair bit of rocking out in our diaper.  Don't judge - it was 105 the other day - without the humidity.

I'll never get tired of seeing them together.  So sweet!

 We lost power in the great storm of Friday night, so instead of sweating it out in the house we took to the mall - along with EVERYONE else. But Natalie had a great time playing in the toy store and running all over the mall.  She would run to and fro saying "Hurry!  Hurry, Mommy!"  I don't know why we were hurrying but I know she was entertaining the entire mall with her antics.

Our beautiful, happy girl!

We stopped into a great new place for dinner and we all enjoyed ourselves.  Natalie was a beautiful dinner date and charmed everyone within 3 tables of us.  When we returned home we had only 1 night of sleeping in the basement before the power came back on Sunday afternoon.  Hallelujah and thank the Lord for air conditioning!