October 31st, 2009 - 1st Halloween!

Nati had a great first Halloween!  I was looking forward to dressing her in her butterfly costume for months!  She was so cute in her wings and tutu! 

We went to Uncle Josh and Auntie Lea's house for some early trick-or-treating and chili dinner.  Because it was a costume party, Cielo and I had to come up with a costume last minute.  I decided to be a butterfly with Nati and Cielo was a butterfly catcher.  Nati didn't really understand the purpose of tick-or-treating seeing as she can't eat the candy yet, but I think she enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up in costumes. 

The two butterflies!

"Why are we dressed like this? It's too hot to be a jack-in-the-box"

"Much cooler being a butterfly catcher like Uncle C!"

Ready to go trick-or-treating!

"Hey Cuz, what's in that big pink bowl?"

You can take a cool shadow picture when you go trick-or-treating before the sun goes down!

After trick-or-treating, we went to help Auntie P and Uncle Guy pass out candy to the kids.  Nati had a great time hangin' out with Uncle Guy.

Waiting for the kids!

Happy Halloween!

Big Bubble Bath!

Nati has officially outgrown her little pink bathtub.  She was happy to play in the mommy and daddy's bathtub with jacuzzi jets which made her bubble bath extra bubbly!  Daddy put his swim shorts on to act as lifeguard for the big event!

Another Sunday Dinner!

We had Sunday dinner at our house this week and introduced Jacob to the jumper.  Now that Nati is mobile, she no longer likes to be confined so we are passing on the jumper to Jacob.  He seemed to really enjoy the new activity and the cute boy in the mirror!  We were also thrilled to have Cousin Logan and Mac visit from Las Vegas. 

Showing Jacob how to jump!

"Who is that cute boy in the morror?"

"Can I have the camera....please??"

JW with all the ladies!

October 18th, 2009 - Nati Meets Elmo!

"My Gym" had an event this weekend with a surprise visit from Elmo.  Nati was a little hesitant to approach the adult sized Elmo, but once she learned he knew the "My Gym" songs complete with clapping hands, she was much more at ease.  We spent some time sitting close to Elmo, but Nati never got too close.  Soon she was off to play as she does best!

Singing with Elmo!

Nati liked Elmo best from a distance!

A little too close for comfort!

Getting into...

EVERYTHING!!  Now that Nati can get around more easily, she wants to explore every inch of her new world.  She learned very quickly how to open cupboards and is trying hard to figure out how to open the gate to the garage.  She loves to take everything out of Mommy's purse and Daddy's dresser drawer, but doesn't always put it back the way she found it.

"What? I wasn't playing in the cupboard!"

"I'm going to figure this thing out pretty soon!"

"But Daddy said I could!"

"Well, Mommy didn't stop me!"

October, 13th 2009 - 11 Months Old!

Nati is 11 months old and we celebrated by giving her her first bubble bath!  She wasn't quite sure what to do with the bubbles, but after a few handfuls, she was splashing away as usual.

October 11th, 2009 - Check the Teeth!

Nati's teeth are finally visible and upon trying to get photographic evidence, we got ourselves in a very unusual position!

New Walker!

While we were gone, Daddy got Nati a new walker to help her build her walking skills.  It also turns into a cute little car...  Nati loved it!  We took it over to visit Jacob and the family because we hadn't seen them for over a month.  He is getting so big!

Nati using her new walker!

The perfect "Nati-sized" car!

"I missed you Cuz!"

"See you soon!"

October 8th, 2009 - Uncle Walt's CD Release!

Back home safe and sound, just in time to support Uncle Walt at his CD release party.  Nati loves music and especially loves listening to Uncle Walt when he plays live.  We enjoyed the great music while Nati put on her own show practicing her walking with Nana in her cute little outfit!

Uncle Walt performing his new songs!

Nati Bug working the crowd!

The shiny Almanza family - it was hot in there!

Eating Out!

Cielo had a last minute conference in San Diego, so Nati and I got to stay with him in Mission Valley for a few days before returning home.  Nati got used to eating out while we stayed in the hotel, we went to Ruby's Diner with Daddy, Red Lobster with Grandma Jan, Jeannie and Uncle Pat and Yummy Sushi with the Bunch family.  Nati was always on her best behavior and even tried some new foods!

At Ruby's playing with the Kid's Menu!

Dinner at Red Lobster!

Checking out the fish tank at sushi dinner.

See you Next Time!

It's always hard to say good bye when we have so much fun with family! But we know we will see eachother soon!

Love you Auntie and Uncle!

Have a good day at daycare Cousins!  Love you!

Learning to Clap!

During the Charger game, Nati and Auntie Kim created a game which resulted in Nati learning to clap! Auntie Kim taught her the "big one" where she streaches her hands out wide. She was quite thrilled at the reactions from her audience at this new skill.

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Girls in Jammies!

Nati and Peyton really enjoyed hangin' out together this visit.  Nati is getting old enough to interact and engage in some of Peyton's "pretend"games.  Peyton has a kitchen set in her room and she made Nati a variety of foods which she immediately attempted to eat!  They read books, played outside and just enjoyed being together!

Temecula Pumpkin Patch!

We went to the local pumpkin patch in Temecula with Uncle Mike, Auntie Kim and the kids.  We found some "Nati size" pumpkins but had to put them back because I wasn't about the pack them in my suitcase!  We had a great time, but didn't stay long seeing as it was over 100 degrees... way too hot to be out in the sun!

Nati found one she liked!

Too hot to smile!

Waiting in the shade while Peyton is in the petting zoo!

Sept. 26th, 2009 - Race Day!

In honor of my Dad (Papa Mickey to Nati), we run the Bootcamp Challenge each year as a family.  I hope to continue this tradition for many years to come, until Nati is running by my side - or rather until I am trying to keep up with her! 

Helping Uncle Pat get ready for the run!

Thank goodness the race is over!  Peyton wanted to know if we won - "almost", I told her!

It's exciting to see our family growing! Hopfully Cielo can make it next year!

Fun with the Bunch Boys!

Nati had so much fun playing with Carter and Spencer... and I think they enjoyed having her there too. 

All giggles playing with Spencer!

Watching the boys play video games.

Giving Carter a good beat-down!

Rearranging Auntie Lolo's videos (for the 10th time)!

** While drinking from a glass of water, I heard a "clinking" sound and to my surprise, Nati had two teeth just popping thru her gums!  I couldn't believe they came thru without any fussing or runny nose as I anticipated.  Just lucky I guess!