Early Christmas in Minnesota

Earlier this month Sean, Cora, Brigita and I flew back to MN for 8 days to visit with our families and celebrate Christmas with them. I was planning on a horrible time traveling with an 11-month-old and a dog in heat, but both our flights there and back were as perfect as they could be. 

Erin and Chris picked us up from the airport late on Friday evening of the 9th and we spent two nights at their lovely new house in Minneapolis. I was able to see my friend Allison for a hot second when she came over during some of our free time in the afternoon of the day after we arrived. Although as my mother says, a little time is better than no time.

Sunday afternoon we celebrated Christmas with Sean's family. A wonderful time was had of fellowship and gift-giving. Cora received some great toys that kept her well entertained while we were away from her big stash at home. 

Varsana and Malia

Cora with Daddy and Auntie Erin

Erin and Chris

the cousins

Malia learning to take pictures with Dad

Granda and Cora

After spending a couple days with Sean's parents, we drove up north to visit with my family. We picked up my brother on the way and also stopped halfway and met Sean's Grandpa Walter and his wife Carol, along with Aunt Mickey, for lunch at a cute little 50's diner. Cora was a big hit and even allowed herself to be held for a little while. 

Poor Nany... we wanted a pic with Cora just before we left but she was not in a very good mood :)

Cora, Daddy and Great Grandpa Walter

Daddy and Cora, Great Grandpa Walter, Great Grandma Carol, Great Aunt Mickey, and Uncle Korry

We spent the next few days in northern MN with my family. We had a little birthday party for Cora where she got to see extended family and Great Grandpa Jim. She absolutely loved her four year old cousin Abbi and wanted to be near her the whole time she was there. 


Cora met all of Gramma's critters. She loved the dogs! She met chickens, cats, fish and, of course, the ponies. We were able to see some snow falling on one of the days we were there but it did not hinder our travel at all!

meeting the chickens

Cora loves Zeke

opening presents with Grandad

It's a rooster!!

meeting the outside kitties with Gramma

Gypsy the pony

Cora and Great Grandpa Jim

I love you, Abbi! Will you come home with me?

Cora and Great Aunt Dawn

Abbi frosting Cora's carrot cake birthday cupcakes

Gypsy the Christmas Pony

Georgia the Birthday Pony

One Year!! pumpkin pie

Birthday/Christmas dress

What a wonderful time we had!