Julia's 3rd Birthday

Our beautiful little Julia is growing up so fast! She celebrated her 3rd birthday in August. We celebrated at both Grandparents houses, spent her actual birthday on the road back to MI, then opened our presents for her once home. It was great to again be able to celebrate with our families. Grandma L. made a yummy homemade cake for Julia and I decided after hours and hours spent creating Julia's Elmo cake for her 2nd birthday that I was buying one this year. Julia wanted a little cake (about 1 in. by 1 in.) and chose Nemo. After all, we were just at the Shedd aquarium and saw Nemo. She didn't get her tiny cake but got a Nemo cake made out of cupcakes - close enough. ;)

Here's a cute, random story ... Cousin Jacob had left a birthday message on our phone on Julia's birthday, I replayed it for her just a couple of weeks ago (about 2 months after her actual birthday) before deleting it and apparently I confused poor little Julia. She thought she had another birthday and was now 4. The next morning she told daddy she was 4, when Jeff told her she wasn't 4 yet, she came running into the bathroom crying (as I was in the shower) saying, "Daddy told me I'm not 4." We explained the situation, and she is now back to knowing she is still 3 and won't be turning four for a while. It's so fascinating to see how her little mind rationalizes and relates to things. She remembers everything and understands so much more than I'd expect her to, but time is such a tough thing to conceptualize.

The first few pictures of of birthday celebrations at Grandma/pa L's. The last pictures are taken at Grandma/pa S's.

Below: Playing with her new train and Nemo when we got home.

Amelia's Baptism Aug. 14, 2010

Amelia was baptised on Sat., Aug. 14, 2010. We had a wonderful day. Her Godparents are Tobin and Karen, Tammy, and Michelle. We spent the day and evening visiting with family and friends. Amelia did great during church, not a peep and didn't cry during the pouring of the water either.

Pfann Family Reunion 2010

Julia, Amelia and I attended our Pfann Family Reunion. Growing up, the Pfann family would host an annual reunion, but it has been over 10 years since the last one. This August the family rented a YMCA camp near Detroit Lakes. It was a great location with a beach, cabins, and rec area. All of my mom's siblings were able to attend, as well as quite a few of my cousins and their families. Amelia was the youngest attending (at 5 weeks), but not the youngest cousin (cousin Ashlyn is one day younger). It was a great weekend; we had excellent weather and a great time visiting.

Julia 'latched on' to Natalie a teenage daughter of my cousin Gary. Everywhere Natalie went, Julia was sure to follow. At first Natalie enjoyed her little friend, but by Sunday, I'm sure she was ready to go home. It's now 3 months later, and Julia still wants to see "Matalie from the beach" and she has been a recent addition to our bedtime "What are you thankful for list."

We look forward to our next reunion in two years. Below are a few pictures from the weekend.

Above: Beach and swim area.

Below: Squirt gun fun!

Below: The next two pictures are of Julia and her best bud Natalie.

Above: Most of my aunts and uncles and spouses.

Above: Most of the cousins that were there for the weekend

Below: Julia playing with her 3rd cousins

Above: Couldn't pass up this onsie for Amelia.

Below: Amelia with Auntie Michelle.