Fun in Minnesota

Miss L and I have been back in the sunshine state for about 2 weeks now, after a 17 day hiatus across the Midwest. We had a ton of fun, along with some bittersweet moments and several "until next time" {read: goodbyes} to our cherished friends in Minnesota. Here are days 1-5...in Minnesota.

Travel Day: Tuesday

We I had our first near-panic attack as we temporarily set Miss L in my car as J and I transferred our luggage from my car to his. As quick as we set her in the back seat, we gently shut the door to get past each other and CLICK. Yep, Miss L had my keys and hit the lock button. In 1.4 seconds, I think about the 100-degree heat and my sweet princess being locked in the car. Thankfully, J kept his cool and we yelled for her to "hit the button" and with a big sigh of relief - she hit the right button and we opened the door! {Lesson Learned}

We had the best travel day at DIA as one of J's staff members drove us to the airport {no lugging luggage on the bus}, followed by curb side check-in {they kindly overlooked my 59 lb baby named Samsonite} and we went flying through security as J has special "employee clearance" with his role at DIA. The cocktails on the plane were a nice cherry on top, that is, until Miss L spilled her daddy's drink all over his lap! {Lesson Learned for Daddy!}

 Day 1: Wednesday

After a GREAT night of sleep in our own bed/crib, we wake up to greet the movers at 8am, they are nice and friendly. The move becomes very "REAL" when the big semi truck is parked in the cul-de-sac. Us girls make impromptu plans with Kelly and her Miss C for the "foot ponds" in Burnsville {perfect for the hot, hot day!} followed by lunch plans with my cousin/Miss C's daycare provider.

Wednesday evening included a dinner out with friends from my former work at the Club.

Day 2: Thursday

Off to a playdate with our friends {few of them we met in our Mom & Baby Class shortly after the babes were born}.

This group gathers twice weekly during the summer to rotate pre-school type fun and learning activities. This play date's theme was "Bunnies." Bunny faces, hats, the Bunny Hop, carrots for snacks and activities...you name it! These moms know how to have fun - and we were lucky to join them today.

The fun continued Thursday evening with "Ladies Night" hosted by my friend Kelly. Heather and lil' Miss K joined our fun with amazing martinis, delicious Thai food and great conversation. I am already missing these fine ladies. :(

Below is Miss L and Miss C in the Sandbox.

Day 3: Friday

While Jer was at our home with the movers, Miss L and I had lunch with my coworkers from my former job {Yacht Club} - we had a great time and she did awesome considering we didn't leave the Patio until 3pm!

Sniffle, sniffle moments included:

• Miss L running into the Dining Room {former toy room} and asking "Where are my toys?"
• Seeing her nursery empty, aside from the vinyl decal on the wall of the tree, birds & flowers.
• Watching the semi truck leave the cul-de-sac :(

Day 4: Saturday

Fun at the Park with {yet another} Miss C.

Followed by 2-year photos with our cherished MN photographer, whom has captured our family during these exciting and ever-growing years.

We met our photographer, Danielle, at a beautiful park in Edina, MN...ironically, it is steps from the hospital where Miss L was delivered. The park offered a few lakes {of course, because it is the land of 10,000 lakes!}, rocks, steps, greenery, you name it - lots of photo opps! Photos with a {near} 2-year old is quite challenging, but our photographer manages to always surprise us with the quantity of "good ones!"

Below are a few shots mommy took as we explored the park on our own. We finished our day in Edina with a visit to the Creamery at 50th & France. Miss L loves ice cream, just like her daddy and just like her grandpa L!

 

Day 5: Sunday

We enjoyed visiting some of our former neighbors, J left to return to Colorado and we finished our day with an "Ice Cream Social" with our favorite neighbor kids and friends. Miss L enjoyed jumping on the trampoline with the big kids.

 

Day 6: Monday

We had our two-year check-up with our beloved Pediatrician - he says, "she is perfect!"

We had just a little time to kill prior to hopping on our plane, so we grabbed lunch and had a picnic lakeside at the very spot J, me and Miss L picnic'd on about Day 4 when she was a newborn. Then, we stopped at Mall of America {since it is on the way} and Miss L loved watching the fun at Nick Universe.

Enjoying watching the fish from the Dock during our picnic.



A visit to MOA and Starbucks for pumpkin bread {for the babe} and my fave: Pomegranate Refresher



Watching the rides!

 

 

Then, we flew MSP > MDW > DTW. This is the biggest "low" of the trip - over exhausted baby + lost misplaced {gate checked} stroller + extended "stay" at MDW = hell for mommy & baby.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to our friends {and family!} in Minnesota. We are excited to be in Denver...but the memories and people in our Minnesota experience will remain in our hearts forever.