A summary of her first MN visit....

Waaaay back in July, I decided I wanted to fly to MN with Elinor sometime this fall. We knew it would be a "solo" trip- without Pete that is. The flights were purchased for October 19 (Friday) to October 24 (Wednesday). I knew I would be staying at my parents house. Mom offered to host a Gala, so to speak, one for all the people I wanted to see to actually see Elinor and me. This event was planned for Sunday.
The flight to MSP:

Getting picked up by Chauffeur James was a hit! Eli was tired by this point, so accepted a hug and a hearty "Welcome to Minnnesota", then promptly talked herself to sleep in the car on our drive to St Cloud. Uncle Jim and I talked. I love talking with him about anything and everything. The ride felt swift to me, and we were already arriving at my parents house.

Festivities began. They didn't stop until Elinor and I were through security and waiting in the airport. But a lot happened between those two points, so back to the story.

"Everyone" was eagerly awaiting our arrival. Dad came running from around back with his night vision headlight, surprising us all. Mom came out to get Eli. Dad and Jim grabbed all three of the luggage bags (one for each of us people). Upon entering the house, Jody, Andrew, Grace, Matthew, Jenny, Cody, Abby, little Andrew and some Norwegian pickles all said their hellos and gave big hugs. Boy, I forget how Minnesota hugs are different from WA hugs .... yet maybe it's because it's family and haven't seen you in a while hugs.

Sweet Potatoes!

Elinor was given gifts, hugs and pats on the head, back and belly. Everyone was oogling her regarding everything. That was cool to see. Adam arrived later in the evening after Jenny, Matt and the kids went home, and Elinor was "put to bed". Yeah right. She stayed up until 11pm. SOOO much to see and try and comprehend.

Saturday was my nephew Coty's 17th birthday. Happy birthday, Coty! Dad, Mom, Grace, Andrew, Adam, Jim, Eli and I all spent the day at home doing a little of everything that you would do on a fall day in Central MN when you're catching up with your lovely family.  That evening around 3pm, Jenny, Cody, Abby and lil Andrew arrived. Ten minutes later, Jody and Coty arrived! Huzzah! Then sometime later Spencer arrived and the party really started. We grabbed lots of chairs, the card table and other sundries to get the feast going. Naan, pork garam massala curry, white rice, curry chicken wings and lasagna were on the dinner menu; with pumpkin cheesecake for birthday cake dessert. Don't forget to blow out those candles! More parting followed with some laughter in between.

Grandpa Mark

Grandpa Mark and Nami Cathleen

On Monday, Mom had the day off so we hung out for a bit in the morning. Elinor and I met Jody for coffee at Caribou in St Cloud, and we talked for a while enjoying our sister time together.  Next we got Dad from work and subsammies from BoDiddley's and went home to have late lunch with Mom. With our conversation, time passed quickly. Soon it was super late afternoon nap and then dinner plans.

On MOnday night, Elinor and I went to Mark and Cath's for dinner! Yumm. Delicious dinner, excellent frozen yogurt for dessert and good conversation. Thank you Cathleen.  Elinor had had a long day and mostly wanted to be held by me, so that's how it went. You gotta please the little one!

dinner at the Sextons was tough... early to bed.

Tuesday was the last full day in MN. Jody, Mom, Eli and I spent the morning at mom's house drinking homemade chai tea and watching Elinor bounce in the saucer while talking to us.

Verna showed up around noon and we talked for a bit, then went into St Cloud for some lunch at Panera Bakery. What a thumping little "big" place. We went back to Mom's and spent the afternoon sipping wine and talking about everything from babies, growing up, old wisdom of being a grandma, the weather and monitoring it, Elinor, houses and so much more. A delightful time seeing Verna. Thank you Verna!

Grandma Verna and Eli

Everyone is lookin' at something else :)

After she left, Dad, Mom, and I had dinner together and spent the last hours before a normal bedtime enjoying being around each other. I still had to pack my (our) bags and get us ready for our early am departure.

Elinor, Nicole and Grandma Linda

Hey! Hi!

Our adventure getting to the airport started out like this: early morning while it was still dark out alarm. ugh. getting dressed and moving our bags with out waking the baby. Eating breakfast and saying good morning to Mom and Dad. Waking the baby a few minutes before our ride (Laura! my dear readheaded friend from college- who is now a veterinarian in Downtown Minneapolis), so she could give last hugs to Mom and Dad. Laura arrived and we loaded up, said our goodbyes and drove to Uncle Jim's. Since we were getting a ride from Laura who was headed to work- it was early. Next time I'll make Dad drive me to the airport.  We had a good time talking to each other but of course an hour isn't really enough time.

Upon arrival at Jim's, a good morning welcome hug, some tea, and a warm place to stay for a few hours before the airport.

After arriving at the airport on the 24th of October with plenty of time, we loaded the plane first, and waited for our two neighbors to show up.  Two broad shouldered potbellied older men -one with a santa beard in grey-black, one with big glasses and a bald head (huge hat to cover it). Boy oh boy did Elinor like touching their arms and trying for whatever they were up to. We were packed in between them to say the least. Thankfully they didnt' seem to mind little Eli's hands. Half hour or 45 minutes in, she fell asleep where she stayed asleep until after landing, after taxing, after stopping. I woke her up so that we could stand up and get off the plane. Talk about sleep deprivation! But she slept a lot yesterday, and is already napping today for her 10am nap. I think she's settling back into her routine...