Here's what we have been up to...

We have been busy, busy, busy. Last weekend we were in Wisconsin visiting aunt Heather, uncle Dave and cousin Ainsley in Madison. While we were there, we had dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Mock. We had a great time (except all the driving of course). We also got to meet the newest member of the Stephany family, Lily Susan. There are so many great-grandchildren on that side of the family now, we had to take a photo op (see below).

This past week, I was in Iowa for a conference and missed Julia terribly (as you could tell from my Facebook posts). I was so happy to see her on Saturday morning. On Sunday, we went to the University of Minnesota Applehouse where they sell fresh picked apples. We picked up two large bags of Honey Crisp apples (invented at the University of Minnesota). Afterwards we picked up Julia's birthday present (she had no idea it was for her).

We have been busy planning her 1st birthday party for next weekend, Saturday, October 3rd. The menu is set, the decorations have arrived and the cake is ordered. We will also be having a small cake on her actual birthday, October 6th. We are very excited to have all our friends and relatives visit for the occasion!

Julia by all the pumpkins at the entrance of the apple orchard/apple house (9/27)

We washed our windows inside and out this weekend; an exhausting task with all the large windows we have. Julia decided the clean windows were a great canvas for her fingerprints.

Julia enjoying cousin Ainsley's kitchen set. She loved hearing all the sounds and opening and closing the doors.

All the great-grandchildren (Julia's second cousins) on the Stephany family side.

Julia lounging with Grandpa Stephany

Cousin Ainsley "assisting" her mommy with folding laundry

Julia doing a little grocery shopping with cousin Ainsley

Cousin Ainsley enjoying dinner at Biaggi's in Madison

Julia absolutely LOVED her spaghetti and meatballs at Biaggi's with grandpa and grandma Mock. She ate the whole bowl! It is by far her favorite food.

Julia all bundled up after a bath

Julia having fun with her toy phone (she loves pushing it around the house)

Julia climbing on mommy (after tearing through the Sunday ad coupons)

Trying to reach some books (which ended up on the floor immediately)