Home to Minnesota!

Last week, I had a great visit home to the Homeland, Minnesota!! It was a perfect way to start my summer! I spent Tuesday and some of Wednesday with my dear friends Audra and Nicole and their new babies, Israel Hope (Audra's baby girl) and Beckett Harrison Russell (Nicole's baby boy). We had a great time going to Panera, walking along the river, playing with the babies...and, of course, what would a trip to Minnesota be without a visit to Caribou Coffee! (I am happy to report that I went 3 times in 5 days--same order each time: decaf non-fat, lite whip Mint Condition!--YUM!!).
This picture proves I can handle twins!! ;)

On Wednesday evening I headed up north to Sturgeon Lake to visit my dear mentor, Doreen. Doreen was the children's director at Redeemer Covenant Church, where I grew up, and we became very close throughout my high school years. I will always be thankful for the godly advice she gave me!! I was able to meet her four children (the last time I saw her, her oldest was a newborn!)--Seth, Annika, Jakob, and Lukas. I am so glad I was able to spent time with this wonderful family!! Being at their home up north made me very nostalgic for northern Minnesota--the lake, pine trees, and cool air were beautiful!

I am also thankful for the time I was able to spend with my Grandma Dolores. I stayed at her house, and we played several games of UpWords (she beat me bad each time!), went to a wonderful gift shop, and spent A LOT of time looking at old scrapbooks and picture books. I credit my love of photos to her!! We had so much fun. My Grandma flew back with me to Texas, and I am happy to report that getting through security and our whole flight went very smoothly together!
On Friday evening, my aunt Vonne, Grandma, and I drove down to my Grandpa Ozzie's grave. My Grandpa Ozzie passed away almost 2 years ago now, on June 21, 2005. His grave was still beautifully decorated from Memorial Day!


I was also able to catch up with Jodie, a friend from Fourth Baptist! We had so much fun talking--our time together seemed to fly by!

I also saw Nikki, a friend from Covenant Pines! She is sporting a cute prego belly! ;) (Sorry Nikki--we forgot to take a picture!).

And, I also had lunch with my cousin Seth, his wife Heather, and my aunt Erika!


It was so wonderful to spend time with my dear loved ones up north--hope to see you all sometime soon in Texas!!