Midwestern Easter Egg Hunt

So . . . it rains a little bit here in Arizona and everyone freaks out. Instead of making these kids bundle up and participate in a real Easter Egg Hunt outdoors in the rain, Midwestern brought all the kids inside. Needless to say, it was quite crowded and definently NOT what I am used to having grown up in Oregon. C'mon people - Rain won't hurt you. I guess what really matters is that Natalie had fun, and got some eggs full of candy she isn't usually allowed to have. She also got some stickers she enjoyed putting on Daddy!

Natalie had lots of fun collecting eggs with her Daddy and playing with the bubbles she got.

Easter Eggs

Check out the fun Easter Egg Kit my mom sent Natalie!

I think Natalie's favorite part was wearing the little egg hats on her own head. She is such a goofy girl! But, isn't she just adorable?!?!?!?!

Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant

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.

Portland Trip Part II - Mom/Jason

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 out her tongue!

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.

Me and my Baby Girl!!

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!

Lisa's totally AWESOME crab hat!

This was Natalie's first time seeing live crab

We caught 4 keepers and enjoyed the delicious Crab Dinner that my Mom made us!

WE MISS YOU GUYS!!!!!!

Portland Trip Part I - Dad/Scott

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.

She even got Grandpa up in the jungle gym to jump on the trampoline, play Ring-a-round the Rosie, and slide down the slide!

.

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.

Thanks Grandpa and Uncle Scotty - We had a BLAST!!!!!