back to the blog.... no, I haven't forgotten you!

It's been a pretty busy season for me, and I think it's about to slow down! Phew. So I thought I'd take a quick minute to fill you all in on what's been going on around here! I'm sorry I've been so negligent, but I want to make it up to you with a few pictures, and then, after the holidays I though be able to get back to regular blogging... in theory!

Eating.

Cruising.
Hanging out in Breckenridge.



Worn out in Breck.
Hungry in Breck.
Georgetown RR on the way back from Breck.

Playing trains with the big boys.
Hanging with Grandma on Jackson's 1st birthday!!
One year olds have all the fun!
Snow day!!

Halloween party apple-bobbing.
Dressing up for her school Halloween party.
"Eating" candy, (Jackson still puts EVERYTHING in his mouth.)
Natalie's preferred pixie stick method.
Finger (and face) painting.
SOOOOO Big!
Thanksgiving break playdate, (since all of Natalie's old playdate friends all have different school schedules we had to arrange this one during the break.) We managed to pass our stomach bug that we thought was gone to every family in this photo!
Tired baby!
First time sledding... she's a pro!
Christmas.
Natalie the fashionista.
Who's that guy again?
Ahhh.... Santa!!
So that's it! Do you feel caught up? I'll get back to you after Christmas.

ice skating

This winter we tried something new! Ice skating rinks have been popping up at the local outdoor malls and we did it twice... or Natalie did. At both places they let me go with my shoes on. Thank goodness because Natalie doesn't quite have the skill set to be a real ice skater yet! Maybe next year.

Here she is the first time checking out the strap-on skates.

And sporting the sweater that was mine when I was little!
There was one other skater on the rink who acted as both photographer and skating inspiration for Natalie.
Taking a little break. Note the stroller in the background where Jackson lies cooperatively sleeping.
Another night we headed to Pearl street to get in some more skating before the rink there closed for the season. They had real little skates in Natalie's size there!!
Jackson was awake for most of this trip.
Natalie did not want to leave but our backs were getting a bit tired after helping her around the rink that we had to call it a day after about an hour and a half!

Pottery Barn Kids shirt

My DH told me I had to retire Natalie's Monogrammed Pottery Barn Kids shirt. Does it look too tight to you?

Okay. I'll admit it. It used to be a dress.

And it is a size 0-3 months.

And she is 17 months old now.

I'll miss that little dress.

Bye Bye Baby Shoes

Natalie has sure gotten used to this walking gig! She's getting faster everyday (keeping me on my toes), and she's getting to more and more varied places. She was probably overdue for some new shoes.
We've definitely gotten a lot of use out of her old pair of Robeez, and we've got another pair in the next size up, so those will be good for some days, but for her everyday wear and tear, she needed something a bit sturdier.

Grandma came through again and baby's got some new shoes! A little pair of sandals with cute sparkles that somehow go with everything.

And these nice new sneakers with little strawberries on them! Perfect for our little berry lover.

And they even light up when she walks! She's unaware of how this ups her coolness factor, but it sure does draw the attention of the passing crowds! Like she needs it!

Both pairs came from the Clark's store and they were really good about helping us get the right fit. The salesman even told us how he liked to see the sandals with a cute pair of ruffled socks folded over! You can't get advice like that just anywhere!!

Saturday with Grandma

Last Saturday we spent most of the day with my mom, while the DH had a fishing day in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Natalie loves this book I found a a garage sale with lots of dog pictures in it. She picks it off the shelf, and can look at it for ages. Here she is, still looking at it after I came back in from getting dressed.

We started our morning out at the Erie Farmers' Market. Our market is just getting off the ground this season, and is very small... yep. That's the whole thing right there. I think there were maybe eight stalls. Maybe.

But while we were there we were lucky enough to catch the World's Shortest Pet Parade! It was the start of Erie's 'Bark in the Park' festival for all things dog, and Natalie was very interested to see all the dogs walk to the end of the street and turn around to go back. One short block, but we were on it, so it was perfect! What a perfect surprise.

After a successful morning at the farmers' market, we went to the mall to help Grandma pick out some new outfits for the Summer. Natalie was so good in the dressing room. And she is wearing all Gymboree that day, (plus her new Clarks shoes - thanks Grandma!) They have such cute Summer clothes... I'm so glad the weather's finally warming up and she's going to get some use out of them!

After lunch we spent a bit of time playing at the mall play ground... those bigger kids can sure be crazy.

It was a nice day out and about with Grandma. Dogs, clothes, food and fun! What more could a girl want?!

She could be a FARMER in those clothes

Last week I went thrift store shopping with my Nan, (she and her friend go every Wednesday when seniors get half off - she gets Natalie some really cute outfits there!), her friend, and my mom.  

I picked up a few things.  This kid needs more clothes like she needs a hole in the head!  

Anyway, one of my favorite finds was this little pair of overalls.  

They're Cherokee, which I think is a Target brand, but I'm not sure.  

Natalie put them to good use with some yard work.  Of course, the first thing she did was find some mud.  

And sit in it.  

Luckily, they washed up very nicely, and were dry and ready to wear again in a couple hours.  

Not bad for $1.50!