After returning from Oregon, Auna and I decided that since we were only foot loose for a couple more weeks we should hit the road. I called around Monday to some friends and relatives in the cities to see what what going on in the big city. Luckily our timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Auna and I headed out around 6:30 Tuesday morning and arrived by 9:30 (Auna slept the whole way - yay!) in St. Micheal to visit the Anderson's. Stacey, Kate, Charlie, Auna and I went to Snuffy's Malt Shop for lunch, dropped Kate off with Grandma and Grandpa and then the babes and us mamas hit Target. Oh how fun to shop for little people. We hung out with Corey that evening and prepared for a big day at the pool. Wednesday morning we met the Engstrom's at the Maple Grove Community Center. We also met some rain clouds. The kids played in the maze until lunch. I was surprised at how excited Auna was to watch the kids run around the maze. She sure needs to see everything these days. Then it was off to the indoor pool. Kate, Joey and Jake played in the pool while Charlie and Auna caught some zzzs. Before we knew it it was time for naps for the older kids and Auna and I were off to the next destination.
We pulled into Prior Lake around 2pm at my friend Becki's house. There we hung out, went on a couple walks, splashed in the pool with Auna and did a bit of grilling. Since Auna is a bit older and more interactive, it was neat to see her play with Becki.
The next day Nanalu (Al's mom) drove up to visit with Auna. We went to lunch at Captain Jacks on Prior Lake and then hit the beach. Auna loves the breeze on her face, so it was fun to be outside with her all day.
Friday afternoon we headed to my parent's house for the night and then left for the cabin Saturday morning. Al met us there and we had a nice time. I was planning on heading home for the week, but Al had plans to go Prairie Dog hunting over the weekend, so I decided to just hold tight with Auna and addie for the week.
My good friend Jodi came for a few days with her two kids Van (8 months) and Myla (3 yrs). We went down to the beach, checked out Nisswa and took a boat ride. It was great to see them and introduce them to Auna. They brought lots of fun toys and miss Auna started to really hold onto them. Of course I had to get her a similar one later that week and she just loves it. What a big girl.
My parents came up on Thursday night. They spent time with Auna, I took a couple naps and we went out on the boat on the 4th. Auna was a trooper. She was up enjoying the sights for a bit and then took a nap. Not bad for 12 weeks.
Now, I am back at work. Things are going well. Auna and Al are working on their routine. I come home each day for lunch, so I am not gone too long from my little peanut. She has really started smiling a lot (oh, that is what she did all weekend every time she looked at my mom). She even had her first giggle. It was so cute. She is still busy kicking her feet nonstop and has now begun to really use her hands. Today she accidentally pulled the cord on a music box that hangs over her bouncy chair. I was in another room and heard it going off. I was amazed she could pull that hard. She is still a great sleeper at night and I am very thankful for that. I couldn't ask for a better baby. She loves to sit up and gets pretty upset in the car seat from time to time when she can't. I can hear her grunting and I look back and she is scrunched up trying to sit up. Not much I can do for her at that moment - sorry Auna. We are enjoying her more and more each day.
