What a precious weekend

I'm referring to last weekend. :-)

We got a late start to the day on Thursday, August 13 - we had a meeting for Carson that took way longer than we had anticipated. So, we started off on Thursday afternoon and stopped in to see the Maanums near Kensington. Jody and I went to high school together and were best friends all the way through. She and Joel and their two kids live in a beautiful farming region in their new house. It was so fun to see the area. We had a BBQ for supper and bid our goodbyes.

Next stop: St. Cloud! We got in to Papa Ron's and Nana Jane's later than we would have liked. We got settled in, got the kids to bed and visited for a bit. The next morning was busy as we hustled to get ready. We did enjoy a visit from Uncle Dave.

After quick baths for both kids, we were close to being ready: Grace's 'Tummy Mommy' (Birthmom) and Grandma were coming. Nana and Papa took the two foster babies and Carson and went for a walk and a visit to the book fair at the nearby hospital.

Once they arrived, I don't think it could be avoided to have a few awkward moments at first, but quickly Grace just started being Grace and everyone relaxed. We exchanged a few gifts back and forth. Grace played for a bit and then we mentioned there was a nearby park. We all walked over and then Grace played and played. It was perfect for each of us to interact with each other and Grace. We talked a lot about her personality, her likes, her dislikes and some of the 'Grace-isms'. We also took some great pictures in the park.

We walked back to Nana and Papa's, where Jane had (of course!) prepared a light lunch. We were able to introduce Carson to both of them now too. We had a chance to visit some more and we talked about 'Tummy Mommy's' pregnancy and birth experience with Grace. Soon it was time for them to go so we said goodbyes. We had several hours together and it really felt natural. We plan to meet up each summer and we'll continue to send pictures of Grace.

Note - out of respect and privacy, I won't be naming names - even first names - of Grace's Tummy Mommy or Grandma. I also won't be posting pics on the Shutterfly site of our meeting for the same reason.

Now it was time for us to say goodbye to Papa and Nana. This visit was much too short - we all want to meet up again soon!

Now it was on to Albertville for a few stops for back-to-school shopping. Carson is now at the picky stage and I needed his okay for shirts. We got through several stores quickly and found some great deals. It is great shopping for clothes and shoes in Minnesota - no sales tax!

Now we were on to Maple Grove. We checked into our hotel - this was the first time we stayed at a Staybridge Inn & Suites. After we stayed at Give Kids the World last year, we were given an indefinite discount to many Holiday Inn properties, including Staybridge. We had a small kitchen in our queen suite, which was very handy with the kids. We'll definitely be staying at Staybridge again!

Next it was off to rehearsal. The location was beautiful - Elm Creek Park Reserve. After rehearsal, we had supper at Buca di Beppo - YUMMY! After a second day without a nap, we had a very tired little girl. We were all tired - it had been a day full of emotions! We did take them swimming before bed - both kids were exhausted!

On Saturday morning we had another round of swimming. The breakfast at Staybridge was excellent - Grace loved the cheesy eggs! Carson was excited for the Fruit Loops. Once we were all ready, we went to Trader Joe's and stocked up on some yummy essentials. Back at the hotel, we all took a nap. Grace crashed! After a bit, we got Carson ready - he looked so handsome in his tux! He and Trav took a cab to the wedding, so Grace could have a good nap. It was worth the $15! Grace woke up 7 minutes before I planned to wake her - she had slept for 2 hours. This made for a much happier Princess.

We girls quickly got ready and after a swing through McDonalds for a happy meal (did happy meals get their name because they make the kid happy or mommy happy, even though they certainly aren't 'healthy happy'?) we were on our way. We arrived a few minutes before the wedding. Sherryse and Jeff had arranged for a sign language interpreter for the ceremony for Carson and we got to sit in the front row (with parents and grandparents - how do we rate!?!)

Grace ate her nuggets and fries while in her stroller throughout the ceremony. I wish I would have taken a picture of her all dressed up and eating like that. She read a few books and was very content.

Carson took his position quite seriously and Sherryse and Jeff trusted him to carry one of the rings! All went well...no jewelry was lost!

The ceremony was beautiful - not too hot and despite about 20 drops of rain, the weather was perfect.

After a few more pics, it was off to the Chalet - the reception and dance site. We enjoyed our meal and before we knew it it was time for the dance. Since both kids had had a nap, they were full of energy. Carson was quickly being chased around by two younger girls and it wasn't long before they were kissing him. HELLO!!! THAT IS MY SON!!! After a while, we asked Carson the girls' names. Yeah, Mr. Smooth didn't know. Nice.

Once the dance was opened up for everyone, we got the kids out there. Carson danced/chased with his two girls and Grace danced in our arms and on the floor. Both kids loved it. Grace twirled and twirled. She was on the dance floor almost non-stop for 2 hours. Carson continued to be chased around, although he wasn't putting up much of a fight.

The crowning finish of the night was 'The Chicken Dance'. Grace is the absolute best chicken dancer extraordinaire. She loves it and will get her little diaper butt way down. My only regret is that I didn't stop chicken dancing to take some pics and video.

We had two very tired kids, so got on our way by about 9:30. By the time we got back to the hotel, had quick showers and got into bed, it was late. We were exhausted, but had a great time!

In true Grace fashion (she has an amazing internal clock), she was awake at 6:45 a.m. on Sunday morning. We got ready, ate another yummy breakfast and got on the road. We soon found out the Riding on Angels' Wings BBQ that we were rushing home for was postponed due to weather.

It was nice to be home so early - we unpacked and did laundry. Woot! Woot!

Not sure when we heard it for the first time over the weekend, but at one point, Grace and Carson were having a conversation. I don't know specifically what Grace was trying to do. Anyway, Carson looked at Grace and said "Grace, believe in yourself!". It was the funniest and cutest thing. Grace just looked at him and ate it up, even if it wasn't exactly meaningful to her. We've heard him say it a few times since...it is hard not to laugh, as he is so earnest.

I'll try to catch up a bit on this past week later tonight...