Minnesota

Okay, I know this post has taken quite a while to write. I was having some difficulty with uploading pictures, and I wanted to share those with you as I shared a little of how our trip went.

We started off with everyone discovering what Mommy had packed in their backpacks. They had all sorts of things to do to pass the time on the long car ride.

We were on our way to pick up Grandma in Tampa. About halfway there, Teagen got sick. We stopped at a gas station to clean out the car and clean up Teagen as much as possible. We got back on the road and almost made it to Tampa. We were less than a mile away from picking up Grandma, and Gavin got sick. This was not the way I had planned on starting my vacation. God had other plans. Thankfully we were able to use a hose to clean up the carseats. There was hardly anthing on the actual car. The kids had baths. Before we headed out again, we stopped and got some children's motion sickness medicine. They were fine the rest of the trip. *sigh*

I was reminded of our Savior watching over us and our traveling while we were in Illinois. When we got to MN, I stayed the first night with J & T. Thanx guys, you're the best. The next morning I left for another 2 hour drive to see my parents. When I got there, I was able to unpack and relax a little before my mom came home.

This was it! This was the look on her face when she saw me. I think she was surprised. There was lots of tears and hugs from both of us. We were able to spend lots of time talking about everything. I think I took home more than I came with. I got lots of sewing stuff. It was great to see my mom.

Simon fell in love with Grandpa. He was so comfortable just snuggling.

Simon had so much to take in, but he mostly just sat here and watched all the activity around him. The boys had a great time hanging out with their cousins.

Jameson was very careful with riding his cousins 4 wheeler.

Teagen was a little more relaxed.

Gavin had no clue what he was supposed to do, but loved sitting on it even if it wasn't moving.

Simon had a blast outside, and it was even warm enough for a couple days to be in short sleeves.

There were new puppies to play with. The boys have been asking if we can get one. Sorry, not for a few more years.

We hung out with more cousins and saw a brand new baby. Yay! Simon thought the chickens were more interesting.

We had an easter egg hunt, and it was freezing cold. The boys had to wear jackets.

They still thought it was fun. Can't you see the excitement on that face?

Jameson's jacket was a little too small. It's been a while since we've had to wear those.

This was the day before Easter, and it was really cold. Easter started out a little chilly, but warmed up. The night before Easter, I was sitting on the couch talking to one of the boys, when all of a sudden there was someone behind me. Scott had surprised me. He flew up to MN and was able to spend Easter with us as a family. I was so happy to see him. I couldn't believe it. I went to MN to surprise my mom, and the whole time, he knew he was going to show up and surprise me. I loved it.

We had some cake and celebrated Gavin's 2nd Birthday. 

Simon loves to spit when eating his veggies.

Our return trip was much less eventful. No kids getting sick. We were very relieved to be home. I missed my own bed.

Everything was great. We all had a great time. I wish we could have stayed longer, and been able to see and visit more people.