Willow - 12 months

On July 18th the Dali Lama visited the Buddhist Temple by Oregon; we couldn't go, but Andy visited the temple with Willow to see what it was like. Mandy went out and helped Leo find a wedding ring so that he and Andrea could be married. They had a ceremony/celebration on July 20th, though I think their official marriage date is earlier than that. The night before we had Mom & Dad and Zach over for our first family dinner in our dining room. In July, we got four kitties, Patches, Curiosity, Superstition, and Boo, to help with mice; Willow loved our kitties. Mandy spent time helping Dad paint his apartment in Milwaukee, which gave Mom time to bond with Willow. Mandy and Willow got to spend time with Vivian and Evie at the zoo and at a great restaurant called the Taste of India. Willow acquired dancing skills this month. She also started walking with a walker Luke gave us. She has now successfully said "dog," "woof," "book," "baby," "duck," and "bye bye." Lynae came by to see Willow and the house as well. In August, we were finally able to have our first date without Willow; I wonder when that'll happen again. The culmination of Willow's 12th month was her birthday party. Willow's actually a whole year old!!

Willow - 11 months

While Gavin and Aga were still in town, we spent time with Mom and Dad on Father's Day; we had dinner together at the Flat Top Grill in Hilldale. It's a little pricey, but the food is pretty good, and they accomadate for allergies. Willow started really crawling this month and finally was able to sit up from laying down on her own. On June 21st, we went on a family strawberry-picking trip at Kirschbaum's. They really do have the best strawberry selection. Last year Willow was a little less aware that we were picking strawberries. ;) In July, Willow pushed through her top two teeth. On July 5th, we invited our friends and family to see our new home. Willow learned how to clap and charmed everyone who could make it.

Housewarming Party at the New House

Pending...

Willow - 10 months

Willow pushed through her first tooth on May 16th and the second on May 20th. We visited Bob & Karen with Aga, Rhadei, Mom & Dad, and Zach. It was nice to be with family. Mandy found out her cousin Eric was in the army and shipping off to Korea. We spent an afternoon with Aga, her mother, and Rhadei at the zoo. Willow is still trying to get up on her knees and stay there. She is also trying to pull up. May 31st was our 5-year Wedding Anniversary. It's hard to believe we've been married that long, but it also feels like we've been together forever. Our marriage has been wonderful. We had a family cookout in the backyard to meet Laura. Willow really liked her. In June, we got the keys to our new home. The 7th of January has previously just been Lynae's birthday. This year it was a very big day. It started as our moving day. Mandy got a call after arriving at our new house from Gavin, in California; Aga had drove herself to the Birth Center and had her baby, Logan. I drove back to Madison to pick up her mother and Rhadei and went to the Birth Center to meet my new nephew. Mom and I (Mandy) drove Aga and family home. Mandy ended up not being very involved in the moving process. Andy and Mandy ended up driving around with a tired baby waiting for Gavin's airplane to come in. After dropping Gavin off with his family, we had a short nap before having to get up and return the moving truck early in the morning. What a day!!!!

Leaving Craig Avenue

After living at the Craig Ave house for five years, we finally decided to move. We had to leave behind our Aspen and Crabapple trees, many bulbs and plants in the flower beds, and the home we brought Willow home to. Somehow, I don't think she'll remember it much though. It was sad, but we were ready to move on.

Logan Aiden is Born

On an extremely busy day, the day we had chosen to move our major furniture and boxes to the new house, Logan Aiden decided he was ready to be born. Mandy was so glad to be able to see him on his birthday. Gavin came in later in the evening and was able to spend several days with his family in Wisconsin before they had to leave us. Willow was fascinated with the new baby. Logan was chubby and incredibly cute.

Gavin, Aga, & Rhadei Come to Visit

It seems like since I (Mandy) have gone to college, my family hasn't spent much time together. It's not like we don't see each other, but it seems like someone is always gone. We were sad to hear that Gavin, Aga, and Rhadei were moving to California for three years, though it is nicer for Grandma. When they came back for a bit this spring/summer, Gavin only stayed a day or so. We were able to get most of the family together before he left. Gavin taught Willow to kiss.