13 months and Walking

Well, this week Natalie decided she would walk. It has been quite the excitement around our house. She is just too cute, and Nick and I laugh every time she takes off. It's like watching someone who's been spun around about 10 times,and then let out of the gate! She is a bottemless pit it seems. She is such a great eater, and we just don't know where she puts it all. She jabbers a lot more these days, and can now identify many different things if you ask her. She can point to eyes, ears, mouth, and nose as well as giraffe, sheep, and monkey (stuffed animals) - when she wants to, of course. :) Her hair is getting longer, but she isn't really a fan of leaving her bows in. She did pretty well with leaving her clips be today, though. Maybe I'm biased, but is she not the cutest thing ever? This Friday, we will be heading to Texas to spend the Christmas season with the Lubkes. We are so excited to see everyone and have a BREAK! I just received a promotion to "Cash Processing and Reconciliation Manager" at Marriott Vacation Club, and have been going full speed ahead. It will be a great opportunity, it will just be insane until I get settled. Nick has been busy as well helping with Advent services and our Boar's Head Christmas production as well as High School and Middle School Holiday Party/Servent events on top of his regular duties. We look back on this year and can help but praise God for all the bountiful blessings he has bestowed on us. He takes care of us and supplies our every need yesterday, today, and always. Merry Christmas everyone!

Meeting Santa

Every year Edi (the wonderful woman who watches Natalie when Nick and I are at work) has a Christmas party and invites all her kids, past and present. Her husband dresses up as Santa and fun is had by all. This works out perfect for us since Natalie might not get to see "Santa" otherwise. Nick and I usually avoid malls like the plague.
Anywho, here is Natalie and Edi:

Natalie with Santa:

Look how much she's changed since last year!

Daddy's Birthday

Nick turned the big 28 on the 5th, so to celebrate, we went over to Tampa and stayed at the Marriott Waterside. N-I-C-E. We got upgraded to an awesome suite. Despite the crummy weather, we really had a great time. We went to the aquarium on Saturday, and enjoyed being together as a family. Here are some pictures from the weekend:
The sweet suite:




Lunch at Perkins:
Natalie enjoyed her fruit and pancakes! We love our little travel chair. It is so handy and we use it all the time.

The aquarium:

Soooo Beautiful

We are just in love with Ali's work and are still anticipating the whole picture set.
In the meantime, here is another to tide you over. :)

P.S. Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. It's been insane around here. I just received a promotion at work and have been going full speed ahead!