It's My Birthday!

Oh how we love you, Camden Raye Haile. Happy 1st Birthday!

U-Pick Blueberry Farm

Since it was a beautiful evening and we pass the farm every Tuesday night on our way home from Aunt Carole's, we stopped at the blueberry farm to pick some fresh fruit. We had plans for blueberry coffee cake and blueberry crunch.

And since Camden loves blueberries, the best part of this adventure was eating along the way.

4-H Fair

Camden and I went to the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair. I wanted Camden to experience one of my favorite family activities growing up. Okay, truth be told, I wanted a pork sandwich and an elephant ear!

We strolled through all the animal barns and said hi to the sheep, cows, pigs, and fowl of every kind.





Camden "mooed" and "oinked" right along with the animals. Well, it was loud (adorable) noises anyway!

But then it was time for the good stuff.

Really...can I have some? Would I deny my child one of the best treats on the face of the earth?

Of course not!

Then off to the rides and games. Camden couldn't believe her eyes when we went by the duck pond. Ducks and water....too good to be true! She wanted to stay and watch them.

We haven't ventured onto any rides, yet, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this girl is going to be just like her mom and dad...crazy about amusement parks.

I loved the evening spent at the fair with my sweet darling baby girl.

Give Me Three Steps...

It happened last Sunday. Camden took her first three steps. She's taken a step or two here or there without hanging on to anything, but we haven't "counted" it because they were pure accidents. But on Sunday, Kevin and I got down on the floor, stood her between us and watched her deliberately take 3 steps. Since then, she's gotten more and more brave, taking a few steps at a time.

Yesterday, she walked whenever she could. From her music table to the foot stool. From the loveseat chair to her daddy on the couch. Sometimes she even stood up and walked down the middle of the living room. Granted, these steps are very slow, wobbly, tentative steps. But me thinks she's got it!

Video to follow.

Cousins, Cousins, and More Cousins

In the afternoon of the family gathering, a big game of wiffle ball took place. The teams were divied up and much fun ensued.

Brothers were playfully bickering and cousins were plowing each other over, so Camden thought it best to cheer from the sidelines.

Or simply ignore the activity all together (besides, pulling grass is her favorite activity).

Then some other young cousins decided to take an interest in her. She had to keep alert to avoid the pacifier snatch by Alyssa.

She played with golf balls,

pinecones,

and a wagon.

Aunt Carole uses this Radio Flyer as a gardening tool, but the kids didn't seem to be bothered by a little dirt. Camden, especially, thought it was the greatest thing since corn on the cob! She happily amused (and amazed) us with the strength and walking prowess she displayed in pushing the wagon all over the yard.

She was actually able to push Alyssa without any assistance from anyone - even when the boys wanted to pull faster than her little legs could keep up. She's our little go-getter.

Corn on the Cob

Camden has been very receptive to making the switch over to "big people" food. In fact, she mainly prefers it. As often as possible, we make part of her lunch and dinner from whatever we are eating that day. Summer produce has been among her favorite. She gobbles up blueberries, cherries, and grapes as quickly as I buy them. And I can't forget to mention mango and bananas. Of course, she loves to nibble on any bread item we have. But she also is a good meat eater - at least the chicken and pork loin we've had lately.

When the extended family got together on Saturday to spend time with John and Amy and their boys before they headed home, Camden got her first bite of hot dogs. She approves.


Grandma Pat also helped her eat corn on the cob.

All those teeth sure come in handy!

Prophetstown State Park

After lunch, we met up with my cousin Melinda and her four girls, my mom and Jim, as well as Grammy and ventured out to Prophetstown State Park. As part of the park, there is a 1920's working farm.

The farmhouse was probably Grammy's favorite place, since there were so many antiques that reminded her of her childhood and the things found on our family's farm in Illinois where she grew up. Camden actually felt right at home too and immediately tried opening the cabinet doors in the kitchen. Amy and Alex willingly distracted her.

Then we ventured outside to the chicken houses and the tool barns. In one building was an old Model A Ford that the kids enjoyed exploring.

The horse/cow barn was a highlight. The workers were milking one of the cows and offered to let the kids try. It was a little intimidating for the others, but Camden was willing to give it a go.

And if my little girl could try, I guess I could too.

I must admit, it was quite different - and a little intimidating at first. Emme also eventually stepped up and bravely gave it a go.

Several cows were outside the barn, but peeking in. I leaned Camden out to pet one of the more friendly, curious ones.

As she reached her hand out, the cow leaned in. Camden seemed okay with that until the cow stuck out her HUGE tongue and gave Camden's hand a lick. Boy...the expression on Camden's face was priceless...just before she let out a wail and needed a bit of consoling. Apparently, a cow's tongue is quite rough.

Camden's a real trooper, though, and was up for trying again with the horses.

After the barn, we headed back toward the house. It sure was a treat to have so many helpful hands to take care of Camden.

Emme is a Camden devotee and gladly lugs her around whenever we're together.

Camden enjoyed her day with "the cousins."