Visiting the North

Leah and I headed up to Wisconsin for a last minute trip at the tail end of March.  My best friend from high school was having a bridal shower and, since (due to baby #2's due date) I will not be able to make it to her July 2nd wedding, I decided to take a nice long weekend trip to Wisconsin!

It was great to spend some time with my family and I know they were pretty excited to get their hands on Leah.  (It had been about 5 months since they'd seen her in person!)

During this trip, I really realized how much Leah loves going outside...no matter the weather.  Luckily, she has very kind Aunts that agree to take her out into the drizzly cold.  Thanks to Katie and Molly, Leah really got to experience early spring in Wisconsin...and the joys of hot chocolate! Mmmmmm!

My Mom insisted on celebrating my birthday (which is in May) while we were in town.  I did not protest.  I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious steak, mushroom and mashed potato dinner that Dad made and the scrumptious strawberry glazed pie baked by Mom (complete with homemade crust and freshly whipped cream).  Seriously good.

I think Leah liked the homemade whipped cream the best

Just silliness with Aunt Molly!

 Leah got to play with her great-grandpa's beautiful old toy phone.  She was slightly confused by the cord.

 I was thrilled to get to spend some quality time with my one and only KP.  Leah loved it as well.  Thank you Katie for taking Friday off to come hang out with us!!!  I miss you!

The real reason for the trip:

Stef and Andrew - Aren't they cute!?!

Slinger Girls!!

 It was so much fun to see all these ladies.  I wish we would have had more time to hang out and catch up!  I was also thrilled to finally meet Mr. Andrew.  Stefanie is one of the most wonderful, special girls I have ever met and I miss her so!  I will be thinking of you and Andrew on July 2nd!  Happy Wedding to you!!

Another highlight of the trip was getting to see Joe, Katharine and Maureen.

... And celebrating Joe's birthday (he's old).  The Dooley's came over and the Smillies flew in from Massachusetts for the occasion (j/k, j/k - they were actually in town for my Grandmother's 87th birthday.  Sorry Joe.)

At the height of the Happy Birthday song and parade

Gotta love Fleet Farm mixed nuts!

Grandpa Mike spent some time with Leah teaching her how to cut up these velcro fruits and veggies.  She is obsessed.  She got to bring home a set of her own and she practices daily.

Thank you everyone for the lovely visit.  We miss you all terribly and can't wait to see you in August!