On the weekend of October 8 some of the amazing women and men who work hard to make Natural Parents Network the wonderful community and resource that it is got together for a meet-up at two locations across the U.S. — the Midwest and the Northwest. This was the first time that many of the volunteers have met in person after a year of collaborating on this amazing website. Please scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of links so that you can read what some of the other volunteers had to say about this incredible First Annual Natural Parents Network Team Get-Together!
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I have a million things to say about my stay in Seattle, how amazing it was to finally meet in person with people I consider some of my closest friends, and being able to stay with Lauren of Hobo Mama in her home and how lovely a host she and her husband were. I could go on and on... but they say a picture is worth 1,000 words... so here's a novel for you!
These pictures are all photo credited to the fabulous Lauren Wayne.
You'll see why at the end!
The ladies all together for a group shot
Video chatting with the Mid-West Group
(It's not a blogger party if there isn't a lap top on the dinning table!)
I could not get enough of Lauren's little guy, Alrik! Such a munchkin!
Chatting with Amy of Anktangle. Love her! (And her sweet little family too!)
Hanging at Hobo Mama's place.
There's that sweet family I was talking about!
If you couldn't tell from the pic, they're awesome!
Yes she is that cute in person too!
Yummo!
Delish!
Kristin of Intrepid Murmurings and Stefanie of Very Very Fine!
Video Chatting
Multi-tasking while video chatting!
Cuteness!
Lauren's little Mikko was keeper of the kitchen.
Words don't do this pic justice.
Yes, this is how I spent half my visit!
Delicious Mexican food! Sooo yummy!
Mikko was such a champ on this long day, snuggling his sock monkey!
So what's the deal you may be wondering? Did I not take any pictures with my own camera? Of course I did... however, As much as I love my Olympus waterproof point and shoot, it did not compare to the fabulous DSLR that Lauren was toting around. I still love my Olympus for point and shoot convenience and having a grab and go cam. But, I'm officially hoping off the fence and decided to save my pennies up for this little gadget!
The amazing Canon Rebel T1i. *drool*
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To learn more about all the members of the Natural Parents Network team, visit our about page. To become a volunteer for NPN, first please check out what we're in need of, then contact us if you're interested in helping out. Here's information about some of our lovely volunteers, including all of those who are writing about the gathering today:
Northwest Gathering Attendees:
Lauren at Hobo Mama writes Meeting My NPN Friends. Also find Lauren on Twitter and Facebook!
Amy at Anktangle writes Meeting the NPN Family. Also find Amy on Twitter and Facebook.
Arpita at Up, Down & Natural writes Me And My Ladies ~ First Annual NPN Team Gathering. Also find Arpita on Twitter and Facebook.
Kristin at Intrepid Murmurings writes Seattle Bloggy Meetup & Gluten-free Shortbread! Also find Kristin on Twitter and Facebook!
Jennifer at True Confessions of a Real Mommy. Also find Jennifer on Twitter.
Shannon at Pineapples & Artichokes writes Thanks.
Moorea at MamaLady: Adventures in Lesbian Parenting writes The Natural Parents Are Coming! Hide the Stroller!
Midwest Gathering Attendees:
Dionna at Code Name: Mama writes Wanted: More NPN Volunteers in Kansas City! Also find Dionna on Twitter and Facebook!
Jorje at Momma Jorje writes Vacation Weekend with Volunteers. Also find Jorje on Facebook!
Amy at Peace 4 Parents writes The Value of Parent-to-Parent Support, Truth, Love, and Healing. Also find Amy on Twitter and Facebook.
Amanda at Let's Take the Metro writes The Gathering. Also find Amanda on Facebook.
Joni Rae at Tales of Kitchen Witch. Also find Joni Rae on Twitter and Facebook.
Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children.
Rebekah & Chris at Liberated Family. Also find Rebekah & Chris on Twitter.
Fabulous NPN Volunteers who were unable to attend:
Melissa at The New Mommy Files writes Building a Modern Day Village. Find Melissa on Twitter and Facebook.
Rachael at The Variegated Life. Find Rachel on Twitter and Facebook.
Darcel at The Mahogany Way. Find Darcel on Twitter and Facebook.
