Play at the Park

Yesterday, Natalie went, for the first time, to play at the local playground outside our apartment. She's passed by a number of times, but she's never been on the equipment. She tried it yesterday and she LOVES it. She especially loves to climb UP the slide (a discovery uncovered by Nai-nai who took her in the morning).

We went again after dinner so Clark and I could see her climbing the slide and she happily demonstrated this new ability over and over and over (and over and over) again. Watch Video 139 of Natalie climbing up and going down the slide at the park.

When it was time to go home, for the first time EVER, when I said to her, "Natalie, pick up" she did not immediately turn to me and raise her hands to be picked up. Instead, as I was reaching for her, she shook her head and moved away from me so I couldn't take her away. Our little girl is becoming independent!

Also, another quick story: When walking (toddling) over to the park, Natalie very boldly decided to try and climb the stairs holding only her daddy's hands. Clark had to help her up most of the way (picture her dangling in the air) and she's definitely not balanced enough to try it on her own, but we were amazed she wanted to do it all. She's really growing up!