Apple Time

Last weekend Claire and I took a trip to Rockford to visit with Nana Barb and Papa Joe. They have 2 dogs, that Claire is very fond of. When I told her we were going there, she immediately said; "Papa. Doggies." So far on every trip there, we've gone for a walk or two with Papa and the doggies. This trip was no different.

The highlight of the weekend was an outing to Edward's Apple Orchard, where I picked apples as a kid and enjoyed their freshly made apple cider doughnuts. I did a little research online and discovered they now have ponies, hayrides, a petting zoo and a big play area that I was looking forward to exploring with Claire.

Our first stop was the pony ride. Claire's first. She was rather quiet while riding, but really seemed to enjoy it. She was eager to tell her dad all about it when we got home.

Hanging with Papa

We also visited the small petting zoo and then lunched there before purchasing some apples and doughnuts for the ride back. The weather held out and we enjoyed our fall activities.

Lucian and Spencer attended a Wisconsin Badger football game on Saturday. Lucian planned the trip to expose Spencer to the University of Wisconsin and hopefully peak his interest. They toured the campus a little and stayed after the game for the famous "5th quarter." I'm sure this will be the first of many campus visits as he narrows down his college choices.

Out on the Town

Claire's 2-year wellness check-up was last week. She is doing very well, aside from still not eating vegetables. Here are her stats:
Weight: 30 lbs. 6 oz. (90%)
Height: 36" (95%)
Head circumference: 50.5" (95%)

We invited my parents up for a marathon baby-sitting adventure this week. Lucian and I had an advertising event to attend Thursday night, so they watched her while we attended our local industry's awards show and cocktail reception. Our daycare was closed on Friday, so Claire spent the day with Nana and Papa at our house. They went to the park and took walks. Claire said she had a good time.


Sat. evening, Lucian and I had 2 parties to attend. The first was an Oktoberfest party where we got to see our cousins that recently moved to Denver. After that we hung out with advertising people again at a hair cutting party. Yes that right. A friend of ours was bet that he could not cut his hair for 6 months straight, ending with his birthday this weekend. He made it and we shaved his head at a celebratory party. Why not, right?


We are looking forward to a trip to Cancun, Mexico in Oct. for my sister's wedding. After 2 trips to Kinko's for Claire's passport photo and trips to 2 post offices to drop the dang thing off, it arrived in the mail this week. It made me realize how close the trip is getting. We can't wait. Mexico, here we come!
And a random note, Claire used her potty this morning and tonight! While changing her diaper first thing this morning she asked to go and sit on it and really went. That is a first at our house, although she has done it at daycare and Nana's. Then tonight before her bath she asked again and succeeded. I hope it's a trend, but we are staying level headed. She'll let us know when she's ready.

Claire is 2!

I feel like I have been saying Claire is "almost 2" for ages now. Most non-parents or strangers don't want to hear "she's 22 months," even though I still keep track of it that way. Claire's spoken and acted like a 2-year old, to me, for quite some time. So, in my head, that is what she has been. But now it's official. My baby girl is 2. And she can even tell you herself. My how time flies.

We had family over to celebrate on Saturday with a late afternoon meal and birthday cake of course. It was so fun this year to watch Claire understand some of the things that go along with birthdays. She was very excited to have everyone sing to her and blow out her candles. And since she is a lover of desserts, especially chocolate, the cake was a very big deal as well.

She got a few samples ahead of time

The weather could not have been better. The kids played outside and we all hung out on the deck.

Claire did well opening gifts. She was very happy about some Elmo pajamas, her very favorite character at the moment.

She also received an American Girl doll that was a big hit.