Thursday, December 31, 2009

Seattle!







Happy New Year! We got home today from spending most of the week in Seattle visiting Matt, Amber, Annika and Brooke. It was the first time we met Brooke, and she's super cute, especially when she's laughing! Mom and Kent were out there with us for two days, then we spent a day just the two younger generations. Joey, Natalie and I stole Amber's car and Garmin to find our way down to Pikes Market one day. The weather was great, high 40s and only light rain the last day we were there. Natalie saw her first big waterfall, and she wasn't scared of the heights at all. She grabbed the fence with both hands and looked down pointing -- all while uncle Matt was nowhere near the edge! Ha! Annika and Natalie had a great time getting to know each other. It was a great trip and hopefully it's not another year until we're all together again! There is a new album with new pics too!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Natalie's 2nd!

Thanks to everyone who came over yesterday for Natalie's big day. She is very excited to be 2, and right now is enjoying some apple juice, toast and grits. Then it's time to play with all her new toys!

Be sure to check out the new album on the side with lots of pictures from the party.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Tremendous day






We picked out a tree today and busted out the Christmas decorations. Natalie seems to be getting the drill, and can't wait to help her mom make x-mas cookies tomorrow!

Friday, November 20, 2009

It's been a while




For the two or three people out there that check this, sorry it's been so long since we've updated you! It's been a busy month with a new nephew born, some birthdays, and now getting ready for Thanksgiving! The year is FLYING by! Natalie's been sick a couple times already this fall, let's hope it all gets out of her system now. One of her new favorite things to do is add weight to her daddy's push-ups. She's also really excited to turn 2 next month, she talks about it all the time. Don't mention a birthday unless you want to hear her yell "TEEW" while trying to hold up two fingers. Hope all is well in your world!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halloween!

Sorry this post is so late! Natalie has been under the weather again, this time with double ear infections. But after a day home with mommy and some stong meds, she's back on her feet. Before she got sick, we had a blast on Halloween. We walked down the block and back, hitting up our friends' houses including our surrogate great grandmas on both sides of our house. Natalie had a good time as a monkey, despite being afraid of a couple costumes she came across.

Sorting her loot when she got home!
Posing in front of our family of pumpkins

Climbing like a monkey up to Lil's house


Trick or Treat practice



Counting the candy we were handing out. We had over 100 kids again this year.



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Falling into fun











Natalie is a natural when it comes to helping rake leaves...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Funny moments at the Gustafson Home





So last night I found Natalie's 12-month size snow pants that were too big for her last year -- this year they fit perfectly! Then we decided to add her 24-month jacket for this year -- it's so big! I almost peed my pants seeing her walk around it in. She was walking around like an Ewok! She tried to sit on my lap, but just fell over like the kid in A Christmas Story. Oh, priceless memories.
The good news is, her 12-month jacket from last year fits perfect, so we'll save her 24-month one for when she's 4!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Getting better?





Natalie had fun at Grandma Jean's cabin over the weekend. But she did come down with a fever and cough, so it's been two straight days at home. Hopefully it's back to normal tomorrow (daycare), but we'll see...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Keeping busy!!!






It's been a while, so I figured we should at least throw a few pics on the blog. Natalie is loving life as always, and ready to watch some football today!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Birthdays and blackeyes!







Joey turned 30 this week, and we celebrated four times! Saturday we went to Friday's with Grandpa Kent. Wednesday, we all went over to Alana and Jeff's for pizza with the fam. Last night Kate came over to babysit Natalie while I surprised Joey with a night out to dinner with friends. He thought it was just going to be us, but there were 10 of us! Then tonight I made ribs for the first time -- they were nummy. Natalie LOVED them, as soon as we gave her an entire rib instead of just pieces of meat. We also had swimming lessons and ECFE this week. Natalie suffered a black eye at ECFE, but she's fine! Those toys hurt when you fall face first onto them! Natalie and I are both sniffly so hopefully whatever's on it's way doesn't stay long!

Grandma Lee is safely home in MN after a week with baby Brooke and crazy Annika! Natalie was pretty excited to talk to her today. That's all for now! Happy Weekend!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Lotsa news




Wow, it's been a while...

Natalie is so excited about her new cousin and can't wait to meet Brooke this Christmas!!! Our little girl also had some excitement closer to home: Last night was her first day of school (sort of). She was the cutest and best-behaved little kid in her ECFE class and enjoyed the event (even though she did smash her face in the mini slide). Then today (clearly the most exciting news of all), the little Elmo was in the cheapie bin at Target so Natalie got her very own Elmo! So far she loves it, but it's only been about 15 minutes. Only time will tell if it's a keeper!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Fair Enough








Natalie had a swell time at the fair. She ate cheese curds, cookies, some chocolate shake and a whole lot more. She also got to see Grandma Lee and Grandpa Kent! The Saturday morning adventure took a lot out of her, though, so it's a good thing that she's napping soundly right now...

Monday, August 24, 2009

Wedding No. 453











Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but we spent this weekend at Rob and Angela's wedding, our 7th of the summer. Natalie was able to come to the reception because grandpa and grandma were with us. But she found the toys more exciting! We have one more wedding on Labor Day weekend, and then I think the marathon wedding summer is done! We were able to show Natalie at a young age where her food comes from! Natalie also got to "meet" uncle Matt again, she took to him right away, walking around saying Mah, Mah, Mah!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Cabin Adventures











Natalie and I just got back from a week at Judy's Cabin with the Gustafson Clan. It was mostly just the girls as all our men had to work this week. We had a great, busy time. Joey thinks Natalie grew and learned so much in that week! She followed Ev and Emilia around all week, so she learned a few things about being more brave. She even walked into the lake on the last day -- big step which Evelyn was there to witness!