ICE PRINCESS

In an attempt to show Natalie other "sports", Amy and I thought it would be great to teach the little tyke how to Ice Skate. What could be more fun than strapping shoes with metal blades on the bottom to your feet? In our thoughts, nothing, but Natalie had a different idea. We geared her up for the exciting adventure by showing her Ice Skating yesterday. This only fueled her curiosity and desire to skate. Then after a morning of questions about ice skating we took her to the rink. The adventure started out reltively easy. We laced the toddler sized skates onto her feet and taught her how to walk on the mats before attempting to hit the ice. She was filled with childlike wonder and excitement about skating around the rink like the big boys and girls.

Next, we stepped onto the ice. Suddenly the brighteyed enthusiastic skater turned into a screaming, terrified toddler. Uh oh! This was not as easy as we had anticipated. Fortunately for us they were offering free lessons today and Amy and I capitalized on this. Though Amy and I are decent ice skaters, we sure could use some fun pointers for helping the tumbling toddler. Our teacher was fantastic! She was Russian and her 3 year old son was on the ice with us. Natalie was still terrifed, but ended up having some fun. As long as she didn't realize she was skating she did wonderful, but as soon as she realized that we had let go she started screaming.

Though the adventure was not as smooth as we had hoped, there was some success and Natalie has been asking to go for a second trip. Maybe we have a future ice skater on our hands?

Mommy and Natalie before stepping onto the ice.

First time on the rink and before the realization set in that ice skating meant slipping and sliding!!!


Um what are you doing????????


With the lovely teacher. Look how terrified she is.

Come on Natty you can do it. You are doing wonderful!!

Finally she relaxed and enjoyed herself

Fun with Auntie Amy


Removing the toddler sized skates from her feet and before we rewarded her with cookies!

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Alvin and the Chipmunks:


Auntie Amy came to town for the weekend and we went and saw a FREE, get that FREE, showing of Alivn and the Chipmunks live at The Parks Mall in Arlington, Texas. We really had a great time and Natalie thought it was AWESOME








Natalie has been helping herself to the fridge and stacking the yogurts. I have to go get a lock now!


Cheese, lets get ready for ALVIN, SIMON, THEODORE!!!


Look at the excitement.

Afterwards we went for a ride on the Merry Go Round

Auntie Amy and Natalie at Dinner

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter!

This Easter is extra special because Phil and Erin got to bring their little bundle of joy home from the Hospital. Ian is a cute as ever and Natalie is smitten, as are the rest of us.

Since we were in Lubbock and it is Winter/Spring you never know what the weather will be like. One day it was 71 the next it was 38 and rainy. Just to our luck, Easter morning was 38 and rainy. Natalie had the opportunity to hunt easter eggs inside Auntie Amy's apartment. This is the second year in a row that Natalie got to hunt easter eggs inside. Last year it was rainy and approximately 40 degrees on Easter Morning. Maybe next year she will get to hunt them outside. However, since we anticipated the bad weather, Joni, had an easter egg hunt Saturday at her house. Natalie had a blast running around with the little kids chasing the eggs. Here are the pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Argh Matey! Its Pirate Natalie

The Bounty. She is looking at the loot.

Not all sugar and spice. She is sometimes downright mean. This is what she was like this morning as we had Breakfast at Church.

Those frowns did turn upside down after a short stint in Sunday School. Here is "Little Sherry" showing me the Egg she made.


Thats all for now folks, Hope everyone had a safe and good holiday.

Love,

Megs and Natalie

More Pictures of Ian

Toes like his father

WELCOME IAN!!!

Father and Son

Cousin Kisses

Megs and Ian

IAN MITCHELL THOMAS was born March 21, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. He weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz and was 19 inches long. He has bright blue eyes, and light brown hair. Erin had a long labor and difficult delivery, but looks amazing. Ian is extremely precious. Since they can't post any pictures right now I will post some for everyone to see!

Parks and Hair Cuts

I picked Natalie up from school today at 4:00 p.m. and we went to Trinity Park for a play and picnic dinner.

After the park, we went to Sweet and Sassy Salon and Natalie got her beauitul long curls chopped off. The hair on one side of her head was 1/2 an inch longer than the other so we had to cut her hair to even it up. Now its a short curly bob. I must admit, I really liked the longer hair!

Love to you all!!

Beautiful Girl

Since I first enrolled Natalie in "daycare" when she was 20 months old, I have had continuous battles with Natalie regarding her school. She was an absolute doll at First Presbyterian Church in Arlington, but has been a handful at the schools in Liberty Hill. She would cry when we dropped her off, but stop shotly thereafter. However, if given the option to stay at home, she would always choose home. Never did she say she wanted to go to school. It was always dramatic dropping her off, she would cry, cling, and whine. Eventully the teacher would try to divert her attention while we slipped out. It was heartbreaking. That was THEN...

Enter ACC, the new school Natalie attends. My clingly, whiney child is now loving school. In fact, she ASKS to go to school everymorning. It hasn't been a chore to get her ready as she is so excited to go see her teacher and "friends". I love the fact she is so happy, and seems to be blossiming!

Before heading to school in her cute Capris and Dress.

Running down the sidewalk to the door.

Run Natty Run!!!

Arborlawn United Methodist Church Children's Center

Natalie's New School is Arborlawn United Methodist Church Children's Center. Her teacher's name is Ms. Claudia and she absolutely loves the teacher. Here are a few pictures of the school and her classroom.

Friends

Friendship

There's a miracle of Friendship
that dwells within the heart,
And you don't know how it happens
or where it gets its start...
But the happiness it brings you
always gives a special lift,
And you realize that Friendship
Is God's most perfect gift.
-Jean Kyler McManus

Here is to Natalie and her friends, Gracie and Georgia. May the three of you share love and happiness together!


Gracie and Natty July 2007 and March 2008

Blow Out

Here are a few pictures of Natalie's "Blow Out" . I blew her hair straight to see what it would look like. I must admit she looks way older.