minnesota time.

And finally, David had to get back to Germany to work (what?!) but the girls and I decided to stay and play in Minnesota for a bit longer.  We loved having more time with family and a chance for Evelyn to meet more people from my extended family too!  Here's a few pics of the good times.

Norah's favorite I think - Uncle Aaron!

Park time!

Ummm.... fabric shopping of course! It's not overwhelming at this outlet at all... oh wait, YES YES it is and so much fun too!!!! *This was one of the two carts, but to be totally honest the other cart wasn't quite as full.

There's something like 25 rows of fabric (all kinds) from floor to ceiling in this warehouse. Amazing.

Grandma Karen was in Minneapolis watching Micah for a day so we met for lunch with her and Kristin at Panera!  This was the best shot I had -- I promise you Norah's not farting :)

Thankful to spend some time getting to know Great Grandma Goldie (Papa's Mom)

A weekend in WI with my Spokane girlies was just what I needed (they flew into MN to see me!). It didn't turn out to be everything we hoped for but in the end - I think the Lord can make good what I may see as bad. I ended up being so overwhelmed by being Stateside and seeing these ladies I love so much (and not have my girls to care for) that I had somewhat of a breakdown!  It wasn't fun but it was real and I know my girls can handle real and they were right there with me experiencing my emotions and pain and I was able to start to process some of the past 9 months. I love you Amy, Carly & Amy, thank you for loving me too... even in the ugliest of times.

I got to relax while other people helped me - what a blessing! But, my girls still loved me and would visit me on the couch... not that I was always laying on the couch but hey... American television is so fun to watch when you don't really have it where you live (we have a few options which I'll explain later)!

BLESSED by my time with my longtime friend, Dawnette. She was the co-leader of both Nepal trips I took in 2000 & 2001.

A visit & some coffee with my sweet cousin Bekah :)

An afternoon lunch with (L to R) Me, Dawn, Norah, Ev, Jessica, Nana (my mom), Kim

Aaron, Darren, David (back from Germany!), and Nathan

Swimming in Papa & Nana's association's pool!  Norah was stealing all the attention.

I love this shot of Nana & Evelyn.

Thanks for everyone who made an effort to see us and continue to be in our lives even though it's hard to do that when we're not around - and when we are around it's for only a few days. We just love you all so much and feel so supported by our loved ones back in the States. XO