Surprise!

Wow, the last post, so long ago, was on the eve of hosting friends from Wasilla, figuring out my new schedule with hours at the radio station....and a trip to MN with Miss A! Now, I've run out of reasons for not blogging.

My wonderful, loving grandparents celebrated a Golden Wedding Anniversary in early July and a reception was in the works for months by my Mom and Aunt. Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa! You know we love you lots! The idea was hatched to finally bring the babe to her MN family, join the celebration and try to surprise my grandparents with our presence in the process. I think it worked! It wasn't the longest trip ever but solid days of family time to love on baby girl.

Of course she traveled like a champ again. This was her first plane trip not for my work. I was a bit worried about these flights as she's getting more active, but she still slept in my arms and we had good seat space around us. One flight attendant gave me her theory (from her personal experience and by asking parents on all her flights) that women who fly a good deal while pregnant will have easy-going babies on planes. Babies on her flights that have more difficulty, she says the parents share they never flew while pregnant. If that's the case, then I know why our traveling is so smooth.

Moving along, we announced ourselves to our grandparents the night before their party, during a nice dinner. Miss A was loved on by her grandparents, met her Uncle and Auntie, and of course great-grandparents!

You couldn't imagine a more excited Uncle and Auntie! 

So much fun watching them all together finally.

Grandpa Joe loved telling her stories, singing silly songs, and taking her exploring around the house or around the yard and flowers.

It was certainly warm, sometimes in triple-digit heat, and it was a change for her take naps in just a diaper or onesie. I definitely loved the temperature change and baking in traditional summer heat (for a couple of days, anyway). 

She really liked meeting the family pets. She'd follow the doggies roam around her.

At Grandma and Grandpa's Anniversary party she found the biggest Vikings fans to cheer with!

As many people would know, my parent's lawn is in excellent shape despite the scorcher days. I think Miss A won Grandpa's heart because he didn't make a fuss when she sat in the grass and started ripping it up! haha. She loved watching cars drive by with Grandma. Very observant.

And we cooled off at Steve's pool and at Lake Elmo beach. Our family friend Steve has this perfect floater for babies. Miss A loved it and kicked her legs around. I wish we could do more of this in Alaska. She could be a legit water baby.

Thanks to my family for babysitting, for the gifts, time off from work, loads of good food, and love. My brother Kyle even treated me to an amazing all-you-can-eat belated birthday sushi dinner in downtown Mpls. Visiting with family at the party was a true gift. I think A misses batting around helium balloons with her great-aunt Diane. So good to see you all!

*Amy

Get-Together

Some other things to mention from MN last month...I timed the trip to coincide with the Minnesota State Fair! The second biggest fair in the country (after Texas) in terms of offerings and attendance. I was soooo excited to go, get my food on, wander familiar areas and discover new booths. Even better was my company that day---cousins!

The Fair isn't called the "Great MN Get Together" for nothing! This is a Fargo, Twin Cities and Alaska reunion. (thanks to photographer, Robert)

I graced the Facebook world with a photo of me diving into a disgusting amount of fried cheese curds. I won't go there again, but the overdose cured my craving (at the time). There wasn't even a wait at the booth.

We didn't see the baby animals but I couldn't resist. Our familia did sit by the Grandstand and enjoy the awesome sounds of Heart's opening music act for that night's concert. The Wilson sisters rock. It was a HOT day and we navigated our appetites and crowds like champs. I haven't lost my Fair connection.

Then I enjoyed another non-Sitka activity: mini golfing! My bro, sister-in-law and I went to a course with real grass, real sand bunkers, water hazards and flags in the hole. It was a hole-in-one time! And those two better golfers putted to a tie for first place.

And no visit back is complete without some spent in Roseville. Love you Grandma and Grandpa!

Got my summer bake on, time with fam, lots o eating, relaxing and visiting. Perfect and needed.
*Amy

Bebe says Thank you!

Sitka showers are happening as we get to the windy, rainy, dramatic fall weather season. Last month in MN, I was part of showers of another sort. Baby showers for Guppy Gorn, as my sis-in-law wittily coined!

I planned a trip to MN on the spur of the moment and following my announced plans I was generously offered a couple of baby showers. I am so touched and had so much fun with amazing women, and some very sweet girls.  I know the Gorneration felt the love, and she'll certainly see the love when she arrives and has many wonderful clothes, helpful items, books and treasures to make her life awfully sweet (and helpful for her parents). We are so fortunate!

My friend Sara hosted a gathering of some college gals and family. I miss these girls! It was fun for all ages!

How can one not feel supported for big changes ahead when surrounded by strong, smart and beautiful friends? A heartfelt thank you to Sara and her mom, and a big Congrats to her too for expecting her second baby! Her due date is just 3 months after our bebe. We are a growing crew.

And then my dear mother and sis-in-law put on a family shower that put me into such laughter I began to over-heat! Thank you for all the special touches and hard work. Even my loving mother-in-law came all the way from mid-Wisconsin to join celebrating her future grand-daughter. I returned to Alaska feeling all sorts of good energy, love and happiness. It's good to be with family.

Our "guppy" is showered with love.

*Amy