Evalynn and I took off and headed north to Bismarck with Grandma Cindy to see (Great) Grandma Mary and the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Evie was a great traveler and we did the trip up in one day with very few stops.
(Friday, June 12th)
We stopped by first thing to see Grandma at her apartment. Then we headed over to Aunt Gloria's condo to unload and unwind for the evening.
On Saturday we had a slow morning, Evie and I hit a couple of stores to find some crafts for her to do for the week, and then we went over to visit Grandma.
Sunday evening Aunt Gloria treated us to German pork schnitzel and spaetzle and it was delicious. Evie especially loved her meat, which I appreciated because she's not a great protein eater!
On Sunday we went to visit Grandma and Evie took some activities along. The Frederick crew was in town because they'd been prairie dog hunting, so the apartment was bursting with activity.
An ice cream fire truck!! Thanks, Uncle Vance, for the treat!
cousins Martie, Shawnie, Grant, Lenora, and Evalynn
Evie started Monday with some crafts. Aunt Gloria was gracious to let her take over the island most of the time we were there with her crafting.
Monday night, Andrea and Vance had supper for everyone out at Brad and Renae's.
Evie and I walked to a coffee shop around a couple blocks from the condo on Tuesday morning. I had a latte and she had a scoop of ice cream. Ha. It was a beautiful Christian owned coffee shop and we loved the atmosphere.
Evie and I helped Grandma Cindy, Vance, & Andrea spring Grandma Mary from her assisted living apartment and take her out for BINGO.
We couldn't go in (no one under 18) so while the group played, we went to a book store, thrift store, and got lunch and went to a park. Grandma seemed happy to get to go, though, and we were so happy for her.
She played at Shawnie and Martie's, went shopping with Nannie and Aunt Renae, and was thoroughly loved well.
We all met back up at my cousin, Colton's, house for supper on Wednesday evening. North Dakota was chilly but it was another sweet night of good company and fun memories. Nannie pulled a very loose tooth for Evie and Evie showed her dramatic side.
A year and a day apart...
Girl squad...
Evalynn is telling Grandma about Nannie pulling her tooth...
Man, saying good-bye is just the hardest. Praying I can be half as strong as I've watched this two gals be...
Evie didn't appreciate good-bye either. Evalynn has such a gift for valuing people, appreciating moments and time and conversations. She loved meeting all the family and everyone loved her so readily that saying good-bye was hard. What a gift to love and be loved so that saying good-bye is hard.
We walked Grandma to lunch on our way out and then it was time to turn south.
We made it to Alberta Lea Thursday night and came the rest of the way home Friday morning. Thank you, Mom, for letting us come along. We're so thankful for the opportunity.
While we were in ND....
Xavier worked a lot!
Natalee helped keep up the house and was loved well by our Oskaloosa people...
The teens had a softball game.
And Mia and Zayden spent Sunday - Friday at church camp.
Mike did his first solo drop off and pick up and the campers said they had the best time!
Megan helped get Mia's hair camp ready by braiding it for her for drop off.
So thankful for everyone who helped out our family so that Evie and I could go to ND. Friends invited the teens + Mike to dinner, had Natalee over to break up her long days, offered help to Mike, and were so genuine and loving. Friday brought us all back together....grumpy campers, tired travelers, and everything in between.
No comments:
Post a Comment