Minnesota picture extravaganza

We had a wonderful visit to Minnesota that seemed way too short. Our trip started off with a visit to Maple Grove Days with Hope, Chad and kids, then to Danielle's for a backyard BBQ - 10 kids 8 adults. Very fun. It is always so good to see my 'girls' and catch up for a short time. We headed up to grandma and grandpa's cabin afterwards so the kids could sleep in the car on the way. We saw at least 20 deer and 1 wolf on the drive. We had a great visit with g-ma and g-pa and Brent, Patti and Nick joined us, too. Very fun to see the cousins interacting.

Eli seemed to age several months in our 1 week visit. New for him: blowing kisses, drinking from a sippy (tipping all by himself), demanding the cup with a emphatic 'bah', na-na-na, guh for grandpa and grandma (repeated in the MSP security line to an older gentleman), his scoot has progressed to a near gallop when he's excited to get somewhere, he is pulling himself to standing, does a great "so big", also does a "I love you 'this much' thing" that is adorable, and has started to push his little scooter to practice his walking. All in the past week or so... My little baby is growing up so fast *insert tears here*.

Our cabin visit included: 4 wheel rides, boat rides, playing with grandpa's old trucks, squirt bottles, making giant bubbles, fishing, record heat/ humidity, visiting Turtle Valley park in town, pinecone throwing, Chutes and Ladders and CandyLand, watching Grinch with grandma (which Ben told me was his favorite thing from the trip), Andy chopping wood, train table, mini-trampoline jumping, lots of good food and wonderful company. My family rocks. I miss them tons.
































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