Land of 10,000 Lakes

This last weekend Mia and I were able to visit the Twin Cities to spend some time with family. Nick was unable to join us, so I braved the flights alone. Mia was good on 3 out of the 4 legs of the journey, so I really can't complain. We also had the sympathy and help of a lot of nice strangers, which made the logistics a little easier. Even so, I knocked into a lot of innocent people in aisle seats with the diaper bags and carry-ons strapped over my shoulders as I walked by with the car seat. I'm obviously still a novice. Since it was Southwest, there was open seating, which worked to my advantage most of the time. Most people were afraid to sit next to the lady with a baby. : )

The trip was primarily to visit my grandparents, Mia's great-grandparents, but we got to see a lot of other family too. My parents, my sister and her daughter, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins were all packed into the weekend. We had a great time & were grateful for everyone's hospitality.

Great-grandma Grace & Mia meeting for the first time

Hanging out with Great-grandpa Walt

It was so fun to see my grandparents and spend some time with them. Although Grandpa Selden doesn't get around quite as easily as he used to, he still has the same old wit. The best part about Grandpa's jokes is that they are instantaneous and he tells them in a monotone voice with not even a hint of a smile. Most of the staff there have no idea he is joking half the time, which makes it even funnier.

Anne: "Grandpa, if you flirt with the nurses, you might get special treatment."

Grandpa: "Well all the nurses here out-weigh me two-to-one."

Grandma: "You need to keep walking and getting stronger so you can come home."

Grandpa: "Why? I do all the same things at home, only it's a different woman bossing me around." (He may have cracked a smile on that one & Grandma just laughed.)

Grandma Selden & I

Grandma and my sister, Amy

It was COLD in Minnesota! We had to break out Mia's fall clothes a little early.

This American Girl doll was about the same size as Mia & even dressed alike. Mia took an instant liking to her.

Several of the Holt cousins at Uncle Tom & Aunt Bonnie's house for brunch.

Proud Grandfathers

My dad & his younger brother, Craig, with some of their grandkids.

Megan (9 months) loved Mia & wanted to hold her hand.

Mia's cousin, Charlotte

(Amy's 4th little girl)

Mia getting acquainted with the cousin closest to her in age.

The beginning of a beautiful friendship, we are sure.