We're back!

After a three week hiatus from Arizona life, we've returned and gotten back to reality. Our trip was incredibly fun! Emma was able to meet so many new people and see so many that love her so much! One of my favorite things about Minnesota is that both Jonathan and I have family there. After Emma and I arrived, we spent 4 days in Savage with my family. 

Getting ready to play in the rain!

Those days were full of games, fun, and a baptism for my youngest cousin, Abby. We also got to go to Matt's Bar and have the BEST juicy lucy in the city! I really love my family and it's so nice to be able to see them. 

The cousins at Matt's Bar

Shelby and Heather took us up to Coon Rapids for Emma's welcoming party. There were so many people there and Emma was whisked away to meet all of them after her nap. At many points in the party, I was asked where she was and I had no clue. However, seeing as how there were so many people that loved and adored her, I didn't think that anything would happen and enjoyed the day talking to family and friends. It was nice to have a 'break' from being the primary care giver.  Emma was so good all day and really slept well that night.

Great Grandma Geri Schley

Emma also got to meet her Great Grandparents, Geri and Louis Schley (her middle name sake) as well as Great Grandma Betty Campbell. I think it's so special that Emma has all of her great grandmas, but am also sad that she only has one Great Grandpa. I know that both my grandfathers would have loved this little girl. Grandma Geri just adored Emma and they got to hang out for quite a bit. I think she was getting tired once Grandpa held her, but he still called her a sweetie.

Great Grandpa Louis

Great Grandma Betty just couldn't get enough of Emma. It's her first great grandchild and they had an amazing bond. Emma was very alert to her voice. 

Great Grandma Betty... GGB

Emma also got to meet her Aunt Elizabeth for the first time. Uncle Jason is the godfather... or codfather as we like to call him.

Aunt Elizabeth

Emma spent lots of time with Grandma Janet and Grandpa Jim. J and I got to go out on lunch dates and to a Twins game, which was nice. I appreciated being able to get away with my husband alone and being able to leave Emma with her grandparents. Grandpa knew how to make her laugh, that's for sure. And she had many morning conversations with Grandma.

Grandpa and Grandma Schley

Emma also got to spend some time with Ava. For all intensive purposes, Ava is Emma's second cousin, but really they are just cousins. (It gets too complicated) Ava and Emma spent time together at Uncle G and Aunt Kristina's house for pizza and again at the zoo. They are a little more than 10 months apart, so for now it's not too interesting for either of them, but soon they will be summer play buddies. It's more fun for the parents to get together :)

Emma got to do so much and meet so many people. We are so lucky to have both sides of our family who love us enough to deal with us for three weeks!

Great Aunt PamCakes and Great Uncle Gary

A day at the lake in her suit from Lauren!

Ain't she sweet?

Getting back to Arizona and in the swing of things has taken a few days. But, we're back in routine and getting ready to start this school year. I am also getting ready to start my half marathon training. I have the dates I need to run and will be getting a gym membership to aid me in some of those runs since the heat can limit outdoor exercise. By December, mama's gonna look hot.