a sight from the past

We thought it would be harder, but it wasn't so bad: Natalie is finally done with her pacifier. We usually only let her have it when it was naptime or bedtime, but it came to be her go-to plea whenever she got hurt or didn't get what she wanted. We'd hear her say "pacifier!" and then run into her room and come out with it hanging out of her mouth.

So when she was comfortably adjusted to her "big girl bed", (i.e. the new toddler bed that has replaced her crib) we decided that the old pacifier was looking a bit worn out. And sure enough, it broke shortly thereafter!
A pair of scissors might have had something to do with it, (as recommended by Nat's pediatrician). Natalie hung onto her broken pacifier for about a week, and then her dad mentioned to her that since it was so broken, and since she was a big girl now, maybe she might have to throw it away soon. She said "OK", and went right to the trash and dumped it there! We weren't sure if she understood the implications of her action, but figured now was as good a time as any. That afternoon at naptime we settled for a story with her blanket and no pacifier. She started to ask for it and said "paci- I throw my pacifier in the trash can".

And that was the end of that.

a good garden day

Natalie and I have spent a few afternoons this week getting our garden plots ready for planting. This has included pulling out old plants, (and carrots) and lots and lots of weeds! We made the mistake of adding lemon balm to our compost two falls ago, and are still paying for it with the invasive little bugger popping up just about everywhere in the yard. At least it smells good.

Anyway, this morning we laid down some fresh dirt and finally got planting. We're a bit late on our lettuce and spinach, but right on schedule for many other things. DH had to tighten up our boxes a bit before we could really get going.

And Natalie needed a lunch break partway through.

We moved her meal where she could see better, and she also got a power tool lesson from dad. It's never too early to learn these things.

And then we finally got around to the planting. Now in the ground are peas, carrots, spinach, lettuce, potatoes, and onions. More to come around Mothers' Day.
And the rain that had been threatening us all morning held off 'till the last seed was going in! A perfect day in the garden, (followed by a perfect nap!)

Easter in Austin

We've been back a week and are finally getting in the groove again. The house is clean(ish) and the laundry is (mostly) done, so I have time to blog - or at least post pictures from the trip! Natalie loved waking up and feeding Turt and the fish at Mama Sally's house.

Here she is taking Turt for his morning constitutional.
The next day, after spending a relaxing evening at the Lake House, we enjoyed a very tasty meal at the Bluebonnet Cafe.
Followed by a piece of mile-high meringue pie!
On the way back we had to take advantage of the fields of bluebonnets for a photo op. Apparently the same weather that's been making this one of the worst allergy seasons in years has also made it one of the best years for bluebonnets in Austin. There were people stopping for pictures along all the highways every sunny chance they got!

The next day Natalie enjoyed her first Easter egg hunt. She was excited to hear about the Easter Bunny sighting by Papa Ev, (and more excited to discover what the easter eggs had inside - dinner that night was pretty much a wash!)
After all the chocolate was gone, we were able to talk her into a boat ride.

And then dad did some more fishing.
The next day we started it out right by grabbing some frozen yogurt after breakfast! This was the smallest sized container you could choose, but we didn't fill it up.
When we got back to Mama Sally's house, it was time for the Big Easter Egg Hunt. Natalie wasted no time and began opening her chocolate as soon as she found a couple eggs.

Then the girls (her cousins) helped her check out the rest of her loot.

In our room at the house Natalie enjoyed filling daddy's boots with old toy cars. The really old beat up ones she told us were "old" and "died". The things this kid picks up!
Easter morning at church, flowering the cross with her cousins.
And then after church.
Later on Easter, a nice trip to the park to burn off some steam.
And then a visit to Chuy's - our Austin trip must. Natalie survived this week almost entirely on sweets, chips, and tortillas. I can't really blame her - the chips and tortillas in Austin beat our Colorado versions hands down.

Our last full day in Austin was spent hanging out at Zilker. Another great park and a ride on a train that Natalie is still talking about. For example, tonight I asked her what her favorite part of today was and she told me it was riding on the train with Daddy and Emma.

After the train ride, Natalie insisted she wasn't too tired to visit the animals. So we went to the Austin Nature and Science Center to check them out. We saw Martha the Coyote, and Conan the Bobcat as well as a number of other rescued local critters. It was very cool. When we left she was asleep before we left the parking lot.
The next day we wrapped up our trip with a relaxing morning, and some tasty Tex-Mex before a trip to the airport. DH got his boots shined up, and Natalie got to watch. She's been fascinated with the shoeshine booths every time we've gone to the airport.
So thanks everyone for a great trip to Austin! We can't wait to see you all again. Come out and visit us soon. We miss you already.