Natalie Lynn

When were dating, I loved to see how Phil treated his mom and his little sister Natalie. I figured that would be how he'd treat me and it's been true. I've realized over the years though, that it is easy to love Natalie. Natalie got to come spend last week with us and it was a such a pleasure.

Natalie is a twin and it didn't take too long to realize the differences in the development of the two babies. She is now 28 and though they never really found out exactly what was wrong, Natalie has a lot more things RIGHT than wrong. Having just spent the week with her, I noticed a few of those. Here are some of the great things I observed Natalie do this week that left me smiling:

• She says hi to everyone. Now who of us are that friendly? We should be. Natalie shook countless hands and introduced herself to many new friends. She ought to run for office.
  
• We went to an outdoor concert and Natalie clapped enthusiastically for some teenage girls dancing. They loved it! I'm sure they had no idea anyone was watching, but Natalie was! An instant fan and easy to please.
  
• She was a great match for Micah at air hockey. They both had big smiles as the competition raged on.

• Natalie belongs in a grocery store! We were at the children's museum and I watched Natalie behind the cash register talking to her customers. "Are you sure you need all these groceries?" "Wow, that's a lot of stuff you're buying." Think of the money we'd save if she was the one checking us out.
• Never a dull moment with Natalie. We'd be driving home from one outing and she'd say, "So what's the plan now?" The boys loved it. They think I'm much funner when we have company and I must say Natalie was good motivation for a fun week.
• Natalie is extremely helpful. I loved having a companion in the kitchen to make banana bread or set the table. Not that the boys don't help, but you know...We also enjoyed jamming to the music in the kitchen. She's great at lip-syncing.
• Three words: Slip and Slide. If you haven't seen Natalie slip and slide, you are missing out! I think she had more fun than the boys, or at least just as much. Why can't we enjoy life like that?
  
• Simple pleasures. Natalie has always admired (or at least been curious about) my painted toenails. So I asked her if she'd like me to paint hers. "Yes, I think I would." So cute. I couldn't resist the pictures of her in her new flip-flops and painted toenails. You look great Natalie!

We had a great time with Natalie. When she left for a day with her twin, the boys asked when she was coming back and Micah was sure he heard her voice. I'm glad my boys get the opportunity to learn while they are young that Different is Good.