I forgot a super fast but wonderful 24-hour trip down to Des Moines to see my bf Sophie and meet her precious little angel, William John. His original due date was July 10th, but God decided he needed to make his arrival a couple months early on May 1st. Sophie's baby shower was scheduled for May 10th, so she amazed us all when she said she wanted to go through with her shower only days after having an emergency c-section. Although, when I think about it, it's just like Sophie to put her own needs aside and desire to spend time with her closest friends. We decorated cupcakes and celebrated and prayed for that little new baby and it was such a special time together. It was the perfect distraction for a few hours, and she was able to share with us all the incredible story of his arrival. I think it was just what the doctor ordered.
It was also my first night away from Conrad. I was a bit nervous for Tom given that Conrad was regularly waking in the middle of the night "needing" to nurse, but all went well back on the home front and let me tell you....I came home refreshed and my heart full. It made me really appreciate time with friends without kiddos. I mean, we loooove our kiddos and I love being around my friend's kids, but I'll forever cherish that time with Sophie just the two of us during one of the most amazing times of her life. We sat there in her living room far later into the night than we should have catching up, crying, rejoicing, all while pumping together. Best friends forever!
And not that it's important, but I may or may not have been the first non-family member to meet William. He's so loved!
Then over Memorial Day weekend, we took our first long road-trip out to Ohio for the Barntsen family reunion. Thank goodness for our new van! That made our lives much easier. We broke the trip up into two days, but made the mistake of staying in Chicago on our way out there. Crazy drivers and too many tolls for our liking although we loved staying at the Embassy Suites. That hotel is just meant for people with children. People with children who want a free drink at their happy hour. We changed our route on the way home staying in Rockford, IL instead. Another fabulous suite, kids eat free dinner at Perkins, and no tolls. It was perfect! Really for the most part, it was a great trip. The kids did so well. We just wish we could have spent a week with the fam!
And we're off!
My mom packed Gwendolyn a travel bag complete with surprises and different things for her to do along the way. What a blessing! These puffy stickers were a hit for a good 45 minutes! And she loved her magnetic dress-up doll as well.
Thankfully they were both lulled to sleep fairly quickly. I love love love sleeping baby pics.
And squishy sleeping lips.
We made it to CHICAGO! Time to get our wiggles out.
Embassy Suites hot breakfast anyone?!
Next stop: Mason, OH!
We celebrated Brooke's birthday with a little trip to the spa. Every 3 year old needs her first pedicure, right?
Love this pic of these two picking out their colors.
Conrad didn't sleep well on this trip. At all. It was odd. Here he is in the morning I think regretting his decision to wake up several times in the middle of the night. Good thing he's so squishy and cute.
Brooke, Grant and Gwendolyn reading a book before bed. They did such a great job all sleeping together. On a queen air mattress!
Mimi and I took the three bigs to a movie.
Pool time!
Conrad probably could have fallen asleep like this if we had let him. He was so chilled and relaxed just floatin' in the baby pool.
Notice Sissy's awesome elephant ice cream cone. Apparently you can pick any animal and they'll make it?!
Gwendolyn and Brooke get along so well and have so much fun together. Brookie has such a giving heart and is willing to share anything and everything with Gwendolyn. Two peas!
This guy. Always a ham!
"I hode her."
"All done."
"Family pictures are so tiring."
Lukey and his Ellie.
Cousins!
Two cool girls.
Stopped for some McDonald's on our way home. Ohhh they crack me up.
Stopped for a little scenic walk in Wisconsin.
Should we stop for lunch?
What a fun trip! Lots of driving and time in the car, but totally worth it. Greg and Natalie are super gracious hosts and I'd drive it all over again just for Natalie's menu. Mmmm. She is gifted in hospitality and thought of everything, including "just" a little gift bag with a few goodies including our favorite candy. (I got gummy bears.) So kind and generous! It's so precious seeing the kiddos together as well. Our time together is never long enough, but we're thankful for the time we do get. Already looking forward to Christmas, minus the snow and ice!
