Living in Arizona obviously has its perks. But, one we almost missed out on was the Mesa Arizona Temple Easter Pageant. Luckily, we were able to attend this year's pageant with our friends, the Robertson's! Natalie liked the live animals that were in the show, and we all had a great time eating dinner and watching this amazing, spiritual, and beautiful pageant.
The last half of our trip to Portland was spent with Grandma (My Mom), Mike, my Brother Jason, and my soon to be sis-in-law Lisa. We thought we'd make a Birthday Trip out of our weekend, so we headed to the Beaches in Oregon! Oh how I love and miss the beach!!!!
We started our trip exploring the Ocean and letting Natalie run around in the sand. Can you tell who is visiting from Arizona?!?! I look even more prego than I really was at the time, but at least I was warm. Natalie was so cute all bundled up as well . . .
I absolutely LOVE this pic of Natalie sticking her tongue out. She's so stinking adorable!
I think walking on these rocks was one of Natalie's favorite parts of the beach. She took grandma almost all the way out to the end, and back. Aren't they so cute together :)
After exploring the beach, we took some time to get a few pictures of us all enjoying ourselves.
That's the gang there! Lisa, Jason, Mike, Grandma, and of course, Natalie. Can you tell Natalie is having so much fun! She was so happy and excited to play at the beach.
Oh, and here's me and my baby girl. She means the world to me. I just wish Daddy could have been there with us. But, we had an awesome time!
That night we all stayed at a hotel in Tillamook. Of course we took a trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory and got lots of squeaky cheese! Yummy!!! Grandma decided to spoil Natalie and got her some Chocolate milk . . . now her favorite drink of choice. Oh that girl - She is like her Grandma in so many ways!
After a good nights rest, we got up bright and early and headed to Ghirabaldi for some crabbing! I LOVE crabbing, and miss being able to go during the Spring months in Oregon. But, we had a wonderful time, and Natalie loved the boat ride!
Mom and Mike Natalie's first look at a live Crab
Check out Lisa and Jason - hard at work pulling in our Crab rings!!!
The kids! Lisa's totally awesome Crab Hat!!
Yummy Crabs!!! We caught 4 keepers - they were so re so Yummy!
The beginning of April took Natalie and I to Portland as it would be the last time we could fly without having to buy Natalie a plane ticket. Unfortunately, Nathan had exams in school, so he was unable to make it. However, Natalie and I had a great time with my family.
Natalie loves airplanes so we arrived at the airport an hour early to watch some of them land and takeoff. I am surprised at how well Natalie did on the airplane rides, and how much she seemed to comprehend. When we took off Natalie would look out the window and say, "mommy we are going up, up, and away in the sky." She sure is a cutie-pie!
When we first got to Portland, we spent a few days with Dad celebrating Natalie's up-coming birthday. I can't believe she is going to be 2 years old! But, as you can see, we had a blast, and Natalie sure kept her Grandpa and Uncle Scotty busy.
After playing and playing, we decided it was time to eat something. Natalie loved her birthday dinner, as she is not normally allowed to have soda-pop. Can you tell she is enjoying it?!?!?!
Finally, we headed back to Grandpa's house for Cake, Ice-Cream, and Presents. I think Natalie was a little distracted with the presents to eat much Cake. Grandpa and Uncle Scotty sure did spoil Natalie with gifts. Grandpa got her some Elmo Jammies (still her favorite jammies), and a soccer ball (which the entire family has enjoyed). Uncle Scott got her a small power-wheel, or as Natalie calls it, "a motorcycle". She loves to ride it to the mailbox with us, and even takes it for a spin in the backyard.
Thank you Grandpa and Uncle Scotty! We had a blast and Natalie loves her Birthday Gifts.
Okay, so most of you know this whole citizenship thing has been a headache in
and of itself. Well, now I am here to say that I am getting a headache over the
whole passport thing. I finally get my US birth certificate (they said they
couldn't find it at first) and apply for a passport. Well, now I am sitting here
every day wondering if my passport application has been accepted. I check the
mail every single day, hoping my passport and birth certificate will be in
there. But . . . another day - another No. If I have to go through the
entire naturalization/citizenship process, I might cry. Seriously - I
might cry.
I just want my passport!!!
Alright - that is enough whining. I just had to get it out :)
The
last weekend of Spring Break, we gathered with a group of friends and
went camping here in Arizona. It was a lot of fun, and we had plenty of
activities for everyone to stay involved.
Hiking with Daddy and Mommy
Playing at the Park
Swinging with Mommy
She might be the Athletic type?!?!
The Duck Pond
Of Course I brought crafts for the kids!
We had fun making our hats!
Natalie got a little sun but she made a good sun visor
We drove to a Ghost Town. It was awesome!
The drive there was beautiful
Nathan and I loved this house. It looks so much like a witch's house
