Happy Third of July!

And Fourth, too. Natalie's got her patriotic togs on:

(Thanks to Bubbe and Gramps for the fun dress!)

This week has been busy, but we've made time for lots of snuggling.

 We've also been playing inside a lot since it's been rather warm outside.

Here's Natalie in the middle of one of her favorite game: ten zillion Cheerio pick-up. Except, she never picks up the Cheerios; it's like all the fun is in the dropping of the Cheerios! Say what?!

Another favorite game? Shoes! Either wearing the shoes of others, or, alternately, making absolutely sure that they are wearing shoes, and the right shoes at that!).

Her climbing skills continue to improve - this kid needs to be able to go to the jungle gym!

(Celebrating on the ottoman after a successful ascent. Like a true alpiniste, she has dressed for the altitude.)

(After the tricky Rocking Chair Route.)

Here's proof that we try to play outside:

(Again with the bubbles. Always with the "bobba, bobba".)

Notice how flushed she gets? Once we're outside, I become paranoid that she's getting sunburned because she just turns so pink so immediately. But this is actually heat, not sun. Not sure what to do about it, except short outside bursts early morning and lots of water (and sunscreen, of course).

Natalie has also started "reading" to herself: she'll turn the pages of her favorite books and murmur gibberish. It's totally cute.

Friday night, Mike made pizza. Natalie had a hard time waiting for it to be ready.

Saturday night, Mike made some amazing eggplant fritters. And the tomatoes and basil on that bruschetta? From our garden! (Alas, the combination of hot, dry weather and spider mites, plus the rough spring has been hard on the tomatoes).

In other news, we'll be traveling for a few weeks. (But, random thieves who stake houses out via personal blogs, we have a house-sitter. Ten! We actually have ten house-sitters. And they are all judo champs. You've been warned. Seriously.)

Our bags are packed; see you in a few weeks! Be good!