I'm going to try to sum everything up from the weekend. I was going to do this last night, but Carson wanted to snuggle as he drifted off to sleep and there was no question on who won out. Then I was sleepy, so I went to bed early!
Everything started on Friday. We had a meeting with the Early Intervention Services team on Friday morning. It was so fun to see all of the teachers and therapists again - they all worked with Carson when he was a little guy. They couldn't believe (through pics) how big he had gotten. We quickly settled into the meeting and we all laughed when Grace had her cute and silly moments. We are set up for several sessions per week through EIS. Grace is going to be a busy girl with quite the calendar!
When we arrived back home, Uncle Chris and Auntie Hilary were here. They had driven up from Des Moines late on Thursday and stayed with Grammy. They had a wonderful time meeting Grace. We had a great time celebrating their news. They announced a few weeks ago that they are expecting in March. It was fun to see Hilary's bump! It's hard to believe that two grandkids on this side of the family will be added in such a short time span.
We played a bit and soon it was time for Grace's nap. We visited some more. Soon Carson arrived home from school and he had a great time with Chris and Hilary. We hosted supper here with Papa Chip, Chris, Hilary, Grammy & Great Grandma that night. We closed out the night with visits by the firepit in our backyard and smores!
Saturday brought brunch at Grammys. We didn't stay long - it was raining and the kiddos couldn't got outside. Trav took the kids back home and I did a few errands for the party. By mid-afternoon, Papa Ron and Nana Jane arrived. They were so amazed by how much Grace had grown from the adoption picnic. They also commented on her move from babyhood to toddlerhood. We see that too, especially when I look at pics from early August.
We had a great afternoon/evening of visiting and watching the kids. We all went to our favorite Chinese buffet for supper. We came back and enjoyed a fire and more smores. (I could get used to smores every night!)
Sunday morning we met everyone at church. Grace's girly girl nature came through with her adorable dress. She also wore the necklace our social worker Vicki gave her at the time of her blessing ceremony. She looked like a little angel. She was a little angel throughout the service. Perhaps it was sitting in the front row, watching all of the action and listening to the music. I do think it is unlikely we'll sit in the front row again just to test out the theory though!
The Affirmation of Baptism was beautiful. Chris, Hilary, Danie, and Jamie were up there with us. We included Carson as well. Grace received a blanket from our church as well as a candle to light each year to celebrate her date. At the end, Pastor Josh took her for a walk around church. She sat so well through the rest of the service. Afterwards, we took pics (of course!).
We got back home and Grace took a nap. We got food ready and soon it was party time! We had neighbors, family and friends here. Carson enjoyed Noah and marveled at his tiny hands and feet. It was extra-special that Dave, Rebecca, Sam and Will came from St. Cloud - Rebecca is Ron & Jane's daughter. They are so close to Grace and have been a very important family in her life. She was excited to see them as well! We got to introduce Grace to the Evanson family as well! It was a wonderful afternoon.
We had a low-key evening - it was now the four of us and Papa Chip. We were all tired (but such a 'good' tired)!
Papa Chip left Monday morning. We cleaned up the house and had a visit from our social worker as well as Grace's. All went well!
Yesterday brought a visit from two members of the Early Intervention team. Grace had fun 'playing' (I love it when kids don't realize they are doing therapy). After a bit of a rest, we ran a few errands and then went to TNT Fitness for her physical therapy session. Grace had a fun time - she wasn't too sure at first of the 'floors that bounce' (trampoline) or the foam pit, but she warmed up to everything fairly well and got quite the workout. She was certainly challenged to work outside her comfort zone and it was good for her.
On our way home, she fell asleep within about 5 minutes. She didn't even open her eyes as I took her out of the carseat, carried her upstairs and got her shoes and socks off. She slept for 2 1/2 hours! PT is hard work!!!
We had a fun afternoon - after Carson arrived home from school and got a snack, we went outside to play. It was a gorgeous afternoon. The three of us played kickball (I'd love to know what Grace really thought of me running her around the bases!), on the swing set, and with some outside toys. All too soon it was time for supper and bedtime.
Looks like the rest of this week will be beautiful - we'll be spending a lot of time outside!
That's where everything is at - it was a magical weekend filled with memories we'll treasure forever!
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