It's all about Natalie

Well, this is "DaDa" blogging. I know it has been a while but "MaMa" is just so good at this type of thing (as a former newspaper reporter). Anyway, yesterday, on Sat. Jan. 23rd we took Natalie to Busch Gardens for the first time. Natalie enjoyed the white bengal tigers, orangatuans, birds, elephants (especially made "DaDa" happy -- roll tide!), flamingos, etc. We had limited success keeping her in the MacLaren stroller as one can imagine. She did very well walking around with her snacktrap in such themed areas as "Jungala", "Timbuktu" and others. Natalie even patiently waited with DaDa as Jaymi rode the Sheikra roller coaster. When she is 3, we can take her on the "Skyride", "Rhino Rally" "Tree Top Trail" and other attractions.

We just cannot believe how a 20-month old like Natalie is building her vocabulary repeating what we say and when prompted. Her smile is especially cute, confirmed by others yesterday at Busch Gardens. During our afternoon at Busch Gardens, we enjoyed a performance by the frog, ostrich and other critters (performers actually were standing on stilts). Natalie and Jaymi had their picture made with one of the birds. If we could just keep this level of attention when presenting vegetables for a meal! Lately, we are battling a runny rose and sneezing by Natalie. Guess it is either the environment outside or perhaps she picked this up from her schoolmates. This afternoon are the NFL conference championships. Natalie will be looking at the screen calling "Go Go Go! Yea!" and raising her hands above her head when DaDa says "Touchdown". We pick the Colts and Saints to win out today. Go Go Go!