Family

This past week we took a trip to south Georgia.  We went with my parents, oldest brother, and his two kids. While I can't say it was an exciting trip, I can say I had a relaxing time and that ain't bad.  I think it was great for Natalie though.  First, she got to see me more (no leaving for work).  How could that not be good for her?  Second, she got to spend lots of time with some of her forever family.  The time with my parents and her cousins was really good for her bonding.  I think her Uncle David just plain scares her, but that makes sense.  Bonding is a two way street though and I am glad those that went got to spend so much time with her.  If that last sentence makes Uncle Jason and Aunts Leslie and Karen feel a little guilty for not coming, so be it.  ;)

I can really see a change in Natalie when it comes to bonding.  She is playing the "scared" card a lot with any loud noises.  We are trying to figure out if she is really scared or not, but regardless, she turns to one of us to hold her.  She will often say "safe" once she is in our arms.  How great is that?  She has also very recently started to tell one of us "miss you" when we show up after being gone for a bit.  That melts a heart for sure.

So, here are a bunch of pictures from the trip.  More than I usually post, but they were too cute to cut out.

Natalie with her Papa

Natalie with her cousin Tyler (look at their hands)

With her cousin Raegan. 

Natalie made her first trip to a "beach."  This is a small swimming area at the lake.  It was a good test though for how she will handle a real beach (trip to FLA next month!)

Natalie and Mama having a good time.

Does this look like a girl that is happy to be in the car on her way back to KY?