Apple Orchard

On a much more reasonable weather day, we went with Bobo and Brian to a local apple orchard.

This is the before shot. The bag wouldn't stay empty for long.

She loved running up and down the rows of apples.

There was even time for a quick smooch break between Mom and Mallory.

"C'mon Mom and Dad, we need more apples!"

So many to choose from...

Pumpkin Patch '09

The Held's picked the coldest day of the fall to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween. But since Mallory was obsessed with pumpkins this year, it was a must do.
Mom and Mallory surveying the crop of pumpkins.

After a rigorous search, Mallory finally finds the winner, giving Mom and Dad a thumbs up sign.

All that was left was to take it back to the barn for the weigh in. This one came in at about 17 pounds.

Playing with Donnelly Girls

Back in October, Mallory got together for a play date with her friends, Izzy and Emma Donnelly.

Since it was a costume theme party, Mallory opted for the hula skirt and beach hat.

The Donnelly girls also wore their favorite costumes.

Then it was time to dance around in a circle and sing songs.

The girls certainly earned their naps on this day.

Popsicle

Mallory took some time after moving in to enjoy her back deck and cool down by eating a nice cherry popsicle.
Here she is enjoying her treat and checking out some of the wildlife in our backyard.

It looks as though she also wanted to try some on her cheek, chin, and leg.

Hopefully Mom was able to snap this photo and then come quickly with a napkin to save that Drake shirt from a nice red stain.

Minnesota State Fair

While Dad was thousands of miles away in China, Mallory, Mom, and Nani and Papa took a trip to the Great Minnesota Get Together.

First up, a trip to the animal barn. Mallory was amazed at the size of the cows and pigs.

Knowing that Belinda Jensen is Steve's favorite local news personality (sorry Sven), Jamie made sure to get a photo with her to rub it in.

Mmm, mini donuts.

Mom even got Mallory to sit still long enough to enjoy her first ever merry-go-round ride.

And what trip to the fair would be complete without a bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies. Sadly, they were all gone by the time Steve got back...

Thunder Bay

Not wanting to break our four year streak of international trips, the Helds decided to take a day trip up to Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is about a 2 hour drive from Lutsen.

First stop was a park for some authentic Canadian cuisine (McDonald's)

This would have been a great photo with Lake Superior in the background if Dad was a better photographer.

Mom and Mallory posing in front of one of the many boats in the harbor. Poseidon, look at me now.

The girls even got to climb around an old fashioned train.

Of course we had to stop on the way back and throw a few more rocks into the lake. She got some good trajectory on this one.

Skinny Dipping

In what we hope is that last time in many, many years, Mallory took advantage of the one warm night we had in Lutsen and went skinny dipping.

We walked to the lake, didn't think to bring her swimsuit, so we improvised.

Here Mom is helping Mallory into the water so those cute butt cheeks don't get damaged.

Doesn't appear that she was enjoying herself at all.

After the exhibitionism was over, it was time to wrap up in the towel and cuddle with Mom.

Picking Raspberries

While we were in Lutsen, the raspberries were out in full force. Aunt Nancy asked us to go pick some for pancakes the next morning, so the three of us took off down the Lund Road to do some damage.
Mom is showing Mallory the ropes of raspberry picking.

You will notice that the bucket is empty. Mallory was eating the raspberries as fast as we could put them in there.

Here she is in action: pulling a handful of fresh ones out of there.

"Faster Mom. Chip chop."

Of course the berry picking only held her attention for so long. Eventually this nice muddy puddle won her over.

Lutsen Summer Vacation

Buying the new house put a serious crimp in our summer vacation plans. So in lieu of a warm weather locale, we decided a trip up to Lutsen was in order.

On the way up we stopped in Duluth to check out the Big Lake.

Mallory and Mom also borrowed some bread to feed the seagulls.

We are not sure who she is flirting with here, but Dad doesn't like it one bit.

Back in Lutsen, Mallory showed the rest of the family how to blow bubbles.

And it is hard to say, but I think Mallory snuck one of Aunt Nancy's chocolate chip cookies when no one was looking.

Bachnick Wedding

Back in August, Mallory went to the second wedding of her short career, this time for a friend of the Flaherty's.
She put on her cute blue polka dot dress and made sure that every snack known to man was in her diaper bag.

In between the ceremony and the reception, Mallory quelled her hunger by munching on one of the flowers from the wedding.

She also had a lot of fun having her dad chase her around the high top tables.

We got her to hold still long enough to take a quick photo with Mom. They are quite the stunning pair.

Making Smoothies

Mallory has become quite the helper around the house. This includes both helping make meals as well as cleaning up the mess she made.

One morning Mom and Mallory decided to make some fruit smoothies. Here Mallory is making sure all the ingredients get in the blender.

When Rachael Ray needs a replacement in 20 years, I think Mallory could take over no problem.

What meal making would be complete without a taste test by the chef?

Hmm, looks to be a little too sweet. Back to the drawing board.

Mallory and Bailey

Back in August, Mallory and Jamie went down to Iowa to help Aunt Jill pack up and move down to Texas. While most were busy with the moving truck, Mallory helped by keeping an eye on Bailey.

Bailey is about three times bigger than Samson, but Mallory held her own.

Although she found out it isn't quite as easy to attempt to pick her up like it is with her own dog.

Driving Range - It's Cold

Before one of Steve's golf tournaments, he decided to get some practice in. Naturally, Mallory jumped at the chance to hit some balls.

Only in Minnesota can you be at a golf course in July in a stocking cap. Why do we live here again?

Not sure exactly what aspect of the game Papa Jim is teaching Mallory, but she did enjoy playing with the bucket of balls.

Jamie is going back to the basics, showing Mallory the proper golf grip. Or maybe it is the other way around.