Visitors galore!

Recent days have brought us lots of visitors. First, we had our good friend from Seattle, Scott, here. While Scott was here, we were also joined by another friend of Mike's, Andy. Andy is a friend from Mike's high school days, and he lives in Chicago. Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures from their visits, as we were too busy having fun - visiting the vegetarian restaurant, the local diner, and eating yummy Mexican food. I gather the boys also played some cards while a fussy Natalie and I hung out in the other room.

My good friend SYL and her boyfriend Mr. K were our next set of visitors. SYL, as you may remember, is the super-good friend who made the drive down from Seattle with us in the u-haul (something for which we will be eternally grateful!). SYL and Mr. K were here for an extended weekend last weekend. We managed to show them some good Mexican food, the local coffeeshop, and Mike's workplace. We also ate some super-yummy meals, one cooked by Mr. K, and one cooked by the best friend of Mr. K's father (the best friend happens to live in Texas, so we all went to visit him).We also took Natalie on her first walk to the park. Saturday was really the first day that it even seemed possible to take a walk outside. Unfortunately, we delayed a little too long (having breakfast at Waffle House - for the experience) and by the time we got too the park, it was a little warmer than I'd have liked. Nonetheless, we were able to walk for about a half hour, letting SYL and Mr. K see some cattle grazing.I'd never understood people who claimed they had to "meet the baby." Since, obviously, the baby won't remember them. But it was so nice to have one of my oldest friends here that now I sort of get that sentiment: it's for the parents (duh). So, well, we were touched that SYL and Mr. K used their vacation time and dollars to come and see us.

In other news, Natalie has a new relative (second cousin? first cousin once removed? We're not sure). Mike's cousin had a son, Brody Etai, on Sunday morning. He's such a cutie, and we're so happy for them!Our life with Natalie chugs along. She is definitely smiling more, and we are even getting some laughs occasionally.The entire recent set of photos (no video, alas) is below (and also here):
Today, Mike's parents and my mom arrive, with his sister and my brother following tomorrow. Everyone is in town for Natalie's tree-planting, which will take place on Saturday (let's hope the rain stays away!). Pictures to follow of that, of course!