Make a Smilebox slideshow

Julia Turns the Big # 1

Julia Elizabeth Cromwell turned ONE on Aug 13th. I can't believe its already been a year. We had a great day. I attempted a birthday cake that didn't turn out quite how I wanted it to but she seemed to like it. We got some pictures taken at Sears and she was a big ham like always. Then we had a birthday party with cake and presents!! She enjoyed every minute of it. She didn't know what to make of the cake but once she got it in her mouth it was all down hill. She would just squeeze the frosting and cake in her hands and then eventually try and eat it. She had a nice bath with her new toys afterward. A big thanks to everyone who made the day so special. She especially liked when Grandma and Grandpa Cromwell sang the family birthday song!!

Julia is growing up so fast. At her yearly check up the doctor said she looked great!! She loves to eat and is certainly not a picky eater. She has a tendency to scream now when she wants her way. Everybody says she has a great set of lungs on her. She doesn't like to be tied down or in her car seat. She just wants to get out and move. Not walking yet but its on the horizon!! Can't wait:) She is finally learning to do sign language and she has a few signs down to help me and dad know what she wants! What a great year its been with our little girl.

(more pictures to come of the big celebration...camera malfunction so I was limited!)

Our Trip to Michigan

Our trip to Michigan was wonderful!! We left for the airport on Aug. 1st. I was worried how Julia would do on the flights but it all went well....the 1st flight it was a matter of just keeping her quite and entertained but the second flight we all got some well needed sleep!! She was a trooper. We landed in Detroit and then drove up to my Aunt Jill's where Kristy and the kids were all waiting for our arrival. It was a great reunion, to see our aunt and cousins and of course Kristy, Kate and new baby Caleb!!

We then drove to the old neighborhood where we use to live in Fenton. Things haven't changed much. The trees are most certainly bigger, the road is still long and dad's fruit trees were huge!! After seeing the old neighborhood we drove Up-North to Frankfort, Michigan. As kids we would go up almost every summer and stay on Crystal Lake. Many great summers spent running up and down the sandy beach and playing all day in the waves. We rented a cottage in Frankfort for the week which was just a short walk away from Lake Michigan and from down town. Its comforting to know that things do really stay the same, just as you remembered it as a kid:)

The beach was beautiful and the weather was gorgeous the whole week!! We spent time on Lake Michigan and playing in the sand and water. Julia was a little uneasy with the sand. She would stand on the beach like a flamingo. One foot in the sand and not knowing quite what to do. It was cute. She did finally get use to the sand and the water and just loved it. We also went to visit my Uncle Chris at his cottage on Crystal Lake. It was great to see everyone. All of our aunts and uncles, cousins and all the new additions/kids to the family. What a sight to see. Our Family is exploding!!! We spent some time out on the crystal blue waters, went out to the sand bar for a swim and enjoyed the beautiful view!! Just breathtaking and a little piece of Heaven here on earth!!

We shopped around Frankfort and visted all the sites like when we were kids. Point Betsie lighthouse, the lighthouse on the pier of Lake Michigan, the cemetary to visit our relatives, Gwen Frostics, a windy day at Elberta beach, Crystal Lake, and the old cottage where we went as kids. It was so nice to make new memories and have family there to make those memories with. Layne wasn't able to come but we sure did miss him!!! Julia probably won't remember the trip but I was so glad she was able to experience a little bit of what I did while growing up. It was a wonderful trip back to the place I grew up. Lots of memories and good times were had by all. Beautiful and Green as always!! I hope to be back soon!

There are more pictures below of our trip :)

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