Rinn Reflections: A Visit to Minnesota

Thursday, September 5, 2013

A Visit to Minnesota

Emma and I took a quick trip to Minnesota earlier in August. Dave & I so appreciated both my mom and my aunt Bernie for taking care of Isaac during the days I was gone while Dave was also at work.

waiting to board the airplane with my little traveler

Emma and I flew into Minneapolis late on a Tuesday night. By the time we rented a car, drove to a friend's house to pick up a pack and play, and then drove to my grandma's house, it was nearly midnight. Emma was such a trooper! Emma slept in the next morning, but I woke up early to see my grandma! Sitting at her kitchen table, drinking coffee, and chatting is one of my favorite things. My grandma is 93 years old, and she has always been such a special part of my life. I know that I won't always have the treasure of spending face-to-face time with her, which made this visit even more meaningful.

Emma Victoria with her Great-Grandma Dolores

One evening, my aunt and uncle, Barb & Steve, came over for dinner. They brought along their dog. Emma quickly warmed up to him and giggled so hard when he licked her hand. I think it's so cute how she's watching him so carefully in this picture. (Plus, I think she's just about the cutest thing ever!)

Barb & Steve's granddaughter, Helen, is just one month younger than Emma, and she lives in Alaska. They enjoyed watching Emma for an evening, especially since she and Helen are so close in age.
(Yes, Emma is wearing a jacket. The warmest it ever got during our visit was in the mid-70's, and it felt wonderful!)

Emma stayed busy at my grandma's house. One morning, I turned around in the kitchen to find her STANDING on the high chair tray!

She also loved unloading condiments from my grandma's fridge and carrying them around. :)

My grandma and I played countless games of UpWords. I later found Emma playing UpWords by herself...there was only one letter tile in her mouth. :)

My grandma and I also drove over to the cemetery where my grandpa is buried. We talked about some of our favorite memories of Grandpa Ozzie and both cried a little, and then my grandma prayed. It was a sweet time. Even though my grandma is anxious to join my grandpa in heaven, I'm so thankful God is allowing her more time on earth. My grandma has been able to meet and spend time with both Isaac and Emma, and that is truly a gift from God.

One morning, I drove to Princeton to visit one of my dearest friends, Audra. Emma loved playing with Audra's three girls! And I loved having face-to-face time to catch up with my precious friend.

Audra's girls dressed Emma up in their princess accessories...I absolutely love how excited her face is! She loved playing with the "big girls"--and I know what should be on Emma's Christmas list!