We had a very relaxing Father's Day. We woke up and made breakfast like we do every Sunday. The morning was spent opening some gifts and just hanging out. That afternoon we went to my parent's house to enjoy a dip in the pool and homemade lasagna. It was a beautiful day outside, and both Nathan and my dad fully enjoyed it.
Nathan's card from Gabriel.
Nathan's card from Natalie.
Natalie excited about her gift for Daddy- Sid the Science Kid DVD- Nathan's fave.
The book we made Nathan.
Natalie getting ready for the pool, while carrying around the syrup.
Grandma and Natalie
Natalie fell asleep while in the pool with Poppa.
Me and my Dad
Smelling the flowers.
Being a nut!
Gabriel retrieving the snake skin from the top of the roof.
Natalie and I had our first play date with a friend of mine from work. Janice brought her boys, Conner and Cooper, over on Friday to play outside and enjoy a day without rain. The kids played inside for a while and then ventured outdoors where they played in the sprinkler, kiddie pool, and water table. After they had enough fun outside, they came in for some hot dogs. It was a great day, and we will hopefully do it again very soon!
Natalie and Conner. Natalie checking out how a big boy plays with her toy.
Cooper playing in the sprinkler.
Dunking himself in the little pool.
Conner figuring out all of the secrets on the water table.
Natalie and Cooper sharing!
Prior to their arrival, Natalie discovered her old duck robe. When Natalie first got her robe she really didn't care much for it. Now she is totally obsessed with ducks and couldn't get enough of it. I had to pry it off of her so she could take a nap. Why is it that I can't get her to wear a hat while in the pool but she gladly kept the robe hat on?
Natalie thinking, "Holy cow, there's a duck on my head!"
She loves the duck!
She wanted it off...I took it off...right after she wanted it back on.
Have I mentioned Natalie learned how to climb the bunk bed ladder???
On Thursday we went over to my mom's house for a pool party. My mom invited some people she works with, and they brought their kids too. Natalie and I had a great time, and while Natalie napped, I got sun for the first time in forever. Of course, I am still peeling! It was great to see everyone since I never get to visit anymore!
When Natalie woke up from her nap, she was ready to party! She sat outside and ate but also enjoyed watching the kids play and dancing to the music.
My girl
Natalie with Kyley. I used to watch Kyley when she was a tiny baby.
The kids- Michael, Jenny, Kyley, and Natalie (not paying any attention)
It's hard to believe Gabriel is 11 already. I have known Gabriel since he was just four years old, and the last 7 years have flown by! This year for Gabriel's birthday, we didn't have a big party. Instead we are going to Discovery Cove at the end of the summer. Gabriel has wanted to swim with dolphins for years. The deal was he had to save up half the price of his own ticket. After Christmas and birthday money and working a couple of days at Grandparent's houses, he did it!
Nathan and I still wanted to make Gabriel's birthday was really special, even if we weren't having a party. In order to prepare for his birthday, we (Nathan mostly) blew up well over 125 balloons and stuffed a treat in each one. When Gabriel woke up on his birthday he was streamered in his bedroom and the loft was filled with balloons.
Preparing for the big day.
Natalie loved all of the "balls".
When we were blowing up the balloons, Natalie had a field day running back and forth through them. She loved them!
His shock that morning.
Rolling around in all of the balloons.
Natalie still thinking the balloons are all for her, while Gabriel was checking out his candy.
Our morning started off with a quick breakfast, and we left for the zoo. We have annual passes, and Gabriel decided he wanted to spend the morning there.
They were awfully brave to stand right under the bird!
In front of the rhinos.
Cooling off in the fountain.
Trying out the Merry Go Round. Natalie looks like she is really riding it!
Going down the slide at the play area.
Natalie being a big girl with her brother.
Gabriel wrestling an alligator!
Because we were there so early, the animals were super active. We saw the cheetah (Nathan's fave)walking up close and personal, the monkeys were playing around and rolling down the hill, and this elephant was drinking water and we could hear it going into his mouth from the trunk. It was pretty cool!
After the zoo, we left and went to Dave and Buster's. D&B is like a really cool adult Chuck E. Cheese. It has yummy food, a bar, and great games. When you go during the day, it is the perfect place for an 11 year old! While the boys played, Natalie and I walked around and explored. Natalie spent most of the time walking under tables throughout the place. She was even given a monkey stuffy for being "cute"!
Racing each other.
Natalie giving it a try.
That night we ate dinner with the Grandparents at a Japanese Steakhouse. Although the food was good, the show was great! Our cook did a great job and was very entertaining! I didn't take any pictures because after such a tiring day Natalie was not in the mood to sit still. Until next year, Happy Birthday Gabriel!
