I admit, going back this time was a bit of a reality check for me. I think it is the first time in a while that I've been back for no specific event. It is always Christmas, Easter, graduation...and this time it was just because. And I think for the first time in a while, I viewed the trip as a vacation rather than "going home." This led me to have a lot of expectations that were a bit unrealistic to keep. I kind of expected everyone to drop everything and have vacation with me. Which isn't exactly doable. Not to mention, there were a lot of things going on with my family that week that really made it a whirlwind. I realized that this trip was really me "coming home" and just fitting into the lives of my parents and brothers and their families...and it wasn't really a vacation persay. That doesn't mean we didn't have a LOT of fun and packed in quite a bit of stuff...it was just different than I had been expecting and it took a little bit to adjust my perspective.
And being honest here, I am jealous of my brothers who live there. I am jealous of the time my parents get to be grandparents to their kids. I am jealous of the relationships that are growing that are happening naturally, whereas it will take intentionality for that same type of relationship to grow with them and Asher...and even then it will just be different. I am jealous that all that family out there gets to experience some of the best years of my parents' lives on a day-to-day basis.
That isn't meant to diminish the fact that we live with a set of grandparents right now, and that is a really special time in Asher's life. He is bonding with them and getting to know them. But it is different and there is a part of me that wishes he had that with my parents too.
Sorry...didn't mean to get depressing there. It really was a great trip, and I am working on remembering to be grateful for the precious time we get with both sets of grandparents and family.
On to pictures!
We overlapped one day with John and Amy and their kiddos
Ash loves Reese. They are so cute.
Asher and T are also getting closer as well. Literally and figuratively.
Us ladies and our babies!
The threesies!
Asher, Reese and Emery
Mimi, Papa and their 7 grandchildren!!
Ok so there needs to be a little bit of explanation to the next series of pictures.
My dear friend Kaeli turned 27 almost 2 weeks after me. She decided to have this really neat and classy birthday party while we were there, which was awesome! When I asked her what the attire was, she said, "Dress up! Think Gatsby or James Bond." When my brother and his wife asked what they shoud wear, I passed this description on.
The four of us may or may not have taken the suggestion literally and almost turned it into a costume/character party.
Ok, that is exactly what we did. But we had fun doing it...even if it was a little over the top!
Joe and Heath as Mr. & Mrs. Bond.
They pull it off well, don'tcha think!?
Ben & I rockin' the Gatsby/20's-30's look.
Here we are with Kaeli and Dustin. They had a photo corner where you could snap pics with fun props with a polaroid camera!
It was fun because both my brothers and their wives came as well
One afternoon, Ben, Asher and I went hiking at Millard Canyon. It is a favorite from my growing up years and it was so neat to take Ben there and make some new memories with him and Asher.
Here we are by the falls
It isn't a hike to the falls without dipping your toes in the water!
Such a beautiful canyon. And lots green because it had just rained a bit.
Love the falls. love his expression.
He enjoyed the whole hike...was such a trooper. He LOVES the outdoors.
This. I could watch him sleep forever. He is just so precious.
Aeslyn and Asher playing together at my mom's house.
Aeslyn was spending some one-on-one time at my parents' house that week so we got to spend lots of time with her. She was so sweet with Asher
Case in point. She would just hang out with him and keep him entertained!
Enjoying the beautiful afternoon in the backyard!
One day Mumzy and I decided to have a delicious Artichoke, cheese and veggie late lunch on the back porch. Asher and Aeslyn were sleeping and it was a really nice time.
Went to the park to meet my cousin Bec and her daughter Jordyn. It was Asher's first time swinging and he LOVED it! It may not look like it from his expression, but I promise, he was enjoying it.
And those chubby legs.
Jordyn being a good big cousin to Asher.
Eating sweet potatoes out in the sunshine...and poopface.
Enjoying Mimi's wading pool. This kid and his love for water!
Little trip to the beach before flying out! He was loving it!
Everyone that passed us on the pier got the biggest grin from this little guy...pretty sure it made everyone's day. He is such a charmer.
Grabbing a yummy dinner before the airport. There were many attempts at this picture. My mom looked great every time. It was the kid and his little goon face. He sucks in his bottom lip and looks like...well...a goon. It does make me laugh every time I see it though!
As soon as we got to the airport, he was zonked. He woke up as we were boarding, but then slept the entire flight home...through two feedings and a diaper change. Then when we arrived home (12:30 am Minnesota time), he slept as I put him in his carrier, took him out and transferred him into the carseat and then kept sleeping through the transfer from carseat to crib...and slept until about 6:15!
It was marvelous!
Overall another memorable trip to California. Grateful for family to visit. Grateful for the means to fly out there. Grateful for a happy baby who travels well. Grateful for the memories made. Grateful for a safe and comfortable place to come back to.
