It's not vacation, it's Home!!

What a beautiful weekend in Minnesota! We were so fortunate to be able to move from one beautiful state to another. 

Erik was able to head north to spend the weekend with Thomas, me and the rest of our families. 

Thomas sure loves his uncle Peter!

 Not quite sure what to think of the noisy four wheeler.

 So fun hanging with the big boys.

 Always happy to be with Grandma!

We had a super yummy fish fry with Erik's family on Saturday night. I absolutely love Minnesota Walleye fried in butter flavored Crisco! Thomas was really hoping Daddy would give him a little sample of fish.

Thomas didn't get so lucky with a taste of fish but he sure liked the crab apples.

After Mass on Sunday morning we had brunch with some of my family at our small town cafe. (can't beat a $3 omelet, toast, bacon and hash browns) From there we headed to the lake for an afternoon on the water.

 Just living the dream.

Hmm. I wonder if these would make a big splash?!?

 Lucky little boy has the attention of all four grandparents.

 So peaceful and relaxing.

 Captain Jack with a little help from his co-pilot.

 Thomas loves Sydney, even after she has rolled in dead fish. Blah.

We were on the pontoon until 7:00 enjoying the company of family and friends. It felt like vacation and then I remembered we live here now!!! So great!

First Friends

Leaving behind good friends is the hardest part of moving away. Over the course of the past two and a half years we have met some really wonderful people (mostly through our awesome church). Perhaps the most special relationship we have formed is with Thomas' pal Maya, who is two months older. I met Maya's lovely mother, Candace, shortly before Maya was born. We hit it off and have become great friends. Candace and Maya made a special trip to the hospital to meet Thomas when he was only one day old, and we have enjoyed many play dates ever since. It has been a joy to watch Thomas and Maya form a relationship and I know, even at their young age, they enjoy each others' company. Thomas will make new friends along the way but Maya, his first friend, will always hold a special place in our hearts. We love you, Maya and Candace (and Brad too)!

Miss Maya and Mr. Thomas

Brad and Erik celebrate their first Father's Day. 

Pool Pals

Pool Party with the Dads.

Swinging at our park across the street.

Miss Maya has always been a little aggressive. ;)

We made it!

We're in Minnesota and loving it. After three days of packing the trailer and U Haul, cleaning the house, and driving to Minnesota we finally made it! I promised Thomas he wouldn't have to get back in the carseat for at least one day and I stayed good on my promise. He is such a trooper but it was so helpful to have Auntie Hannah and Uncle Mathew in the car to feed him and help entertain him. The best part of the whole drive was knowing I wouldn't have to do it ever again! We're so happy to be in Minnesota with all our family.
We're not able to move into our new place for a few weeks so for now Thomas and I are staying with my parents.  Erik's new job (which he started today) is about 3 hours from our home town so he will stay in the cities with our awesome friends, Nick and Sara Torgusson. Thomas and I will miss daddy during the week but will be happy to see him Friday evening.We look forward to moving into our new place, getting back in a routine, and not living out of a suitcase but for now Thomas will enjoy all the love and attention he is getting from grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and I'll enjoy all the help and extra sleep!

Auntie Hannah played with Thomas while the boys packed the trailer.

Mathew loading up the Christmas tree.

Erik and my dad loading the big furniture.

Empty and locked up.

Two Men and a Truck

Taking a stretch break at the Thomas County (NE) Fair.

Only in Nebraska...Alpaca crossing.

Jury Duty

Lucky for Thomas, I had jury duty yesterday which means Thomas got to play with Daddy all day! I kissed them both as I headed out the door but I honestly didn't think I'd be selected to serve and I'd be back home before Thomas' first nap. Wrong! Of course I was selected.
I was terribly anxious about serving on the jury, and when I realized this would be the longest I had been away from Thomas I got a bit emotional.
The entire morning was devoted to jury selection, a long process of eliminating 12 of 18 jurors to be left with the final six. All the questioning involved was stressful to me. Luckily my questions were not the most difficult. After three hours, I was chosen by the defending attorney as juror number six. We were dismissed for lunch and trial would begin at 1:30. When the time came to head to the court room, my head was pounding, I had a knot in my stomach and to top it off the court house was freezing cold. We entered the room from behind the bench, everyone was standing to honor us. We were sworn in and then seated for opening statements. All of a sudden I wasn't so nervous anymore. This was so interesting to me, I felt honored to have such an important responsibility. As I listened to the opening statements I couldn't help but notice the emotions the defendant was experiencing as his attorney explained the terrible situation that had brought us all to this court room. At this point no evidence has been presented so he is technically an innocent man but after the opening statement I know in my heart, no evidence will prove him guilty.
We weren't more than 20 minutes into the trial before we were given a five minute "comfort break." I immediately realized we'll never get out of here if we have a break every 20 minutes. Little did I know it would be time to call upon the witnesses but none of them had shown up. Needless to say, the trial is over! Just like that, the defendant is a free man! And I am free to go home to my precious baby!
I am grateful for the experience and when I receive my next summons, instead of looking at it as an inconvenience, I will be honored to accept such an important civil responsibility.

Under Contract

Under Contract

Oh Happy Day! After six days on the market and four showings we have gone under contract. As if that is not exciting enough, we were offered more than we were asking! It is such a relief to have the house off our hands and this is just another sign that our move to Minnesota is meant to be! Only one week until we hit the road. Now its time to get serious about the packing. We've decided to take this sweet little boy with us!