Thanksgiving! Part 1

We have arrived back in Grand Forks after a whirlwind trip home. It was VERY busy but more importantly, VERY fun! I unfortunately was sick half of the trip which now my poor baby boy has brought home with him...I am working on uploading all of our photo's today as well as tending to a very sick Elliott...Post to be finished soon!

Here we go people! The much anticipated (well, at least to me...Haha!) Thanksgiving post! It was a very busy week like I previous said and was so much fun. The week flew by so quickly, too quickly and we cannot wait to be back (weather permitting) over Christmas!


SUNDAY: We left for home on Sunday around 1 p.m. The drive went surprisingly well and we stopped mainly for our adult selves and only once for the little guy. He did great! He slept the majority of the trip down, fussed when he was hungry and then talked a little bit and slept the remainder of the trip. That night we stopped at my parents house to see my brother Josh, sister in law Erica, and my niece and nephew Reagan and Luke! I haven't seem them since March and Evan probably hasn't seem them for probably 9 months! Here are some photos of the kiddo's meeting and hanging out with Baby Elliott!

Little Rea with Elliott..."Bay-beeee"

Luke playing with Elliotts Carseat toy...E loved it...Rea observing from behind

After we introduced Elliott to his Uncle, Auntie and Cousins, we headed over to Evan's Mom's house and introduced him to Grandpa Jim and the "girls" aka Maggie and Sammy...the sweetest puppies you will ever meet. The "girls" LOVED baby Elliott and had no idea what he was...it was so funny to watch. Maggie, the older of the two dogs had some strong mommy instincts come out and when Elliott let out a cry, she ran over to check on him and make sure he was okay. She also was "crying" with him at one point...it was so funny hearing her howl at the same time Elliott would cry...if only I had caught it on video!!! Here are some photo's of Elliott meeting Grandpa Jim and the "girls".

"Get him out!"

Grandpa Jim and Elliott

Maggie and Sammy checking out the baby...

The girls were unsure of baby...moreso Maggie who is sniffing Elliott!

Checkin out the baby! Fun Fact: Elliott rolled from belly to back probably 5 times for Grandpa Jim while we had this initial visit. Can you say showoff?! :)

MONDAY: I woke up extra early (7 am) to hop over to Shannon Park Elementary where my mom works to have my mom introduce Mr. Elliott to the staff. He was told how handsome he was MANY times! Evan also came along on the visit and saw his mural on the side of the library wall in Shannon Park...He was SO proud! We both discussed how Shannon Park had a smell that we remember from when we went to school there...that was SO long ago. We started Kindergarten 18 years ago. WHOA.

After we left Shannon Park, Ev-Elliott and Myself, and Josh-Erica-Luke-Reagan all made the trek to see my Grandma Anna. I haven't seen my Grandma since Memorial Day and I had missed her so much. I knew she was VERY eager to meet her 2nd- Great Grandson/ 3rd Great Grandchild and boy oh boy was that statement true. Her face lit up when I handed Elliott to her and she immediately kissed him! She also sends rapid fire (what I like to call it at least) kisses to him. It's when you make kissing noises rapidly and repeatedly...its her thing! Haha! Here are some of those pictures!

First Sights... :)

Kisses!

I know Elliott doesn't look top notch in this photo but I love it for my gramma's face. She is overjoyed. What an amazing sight...and I love being able to look at this picture and see my reaction to her reaction to him. A memory I will never forget thanks to a wonderful husband photographer! :)

Elliott was in his food coma after having his bottle...I LOVE this picture more than words can say!

Smiles for Great Gramma Anna!!!

Meeting Great Grandma Anna was amazing for Elliott...He loved her! After we left Great Grandma's, we then met up with two of our best friends Eric and Sarah at Fuddruckers for Lunch. Great Food and Great Company...A lot of laughs were shared and Elliott was able to finally meet an honorary uncle and auntie!

Fascinated by Eric's glasses

Love from Auntie Sarah!

He always has his hands like that when he sleeps! Silly boy! Lovin' hanging out with his auntie and uncle!

We left Fuddruckers and made our way over to Inver Grove Heights to visit with my Aunt Vicki, Uncle Dan, and Cousins Dani and Matt! I hadn't told those guys that Josh, Erica and the kids would be coming to and then eventually my mom! It was a full house! Elliott got to hang out with all of his cousins and Luke and Matt played and played. We were able to watch some footage of Dani's school play and Matt's football game...Man! I have some talented cousins! It was just delightful visiting with them!

Smiles with cousin Dani!

We were at Auntie Vicki and Uncle Dan's house when Rea climbed in Elliotts carseat...then she wanted to hold the baby. He looks like a giant! Haha! What a sweet picture.

Almost ending the evening...  we ventured out to Lakeville where Evan's folks moved! They just built a new house and it is gorgeous! Elliott was able to hang with his lovely aunties for awhile before we finished the night and headed to applebees to meet Uncle Ryan!....Monday was BUSY!

Ryan has a new friend! Baby Elliott!