Thankful

Each day, I am thankful for so many things.  Here are a few of those items on my mind since we returned from our whirlwind trip to Minnesota:

• Our wonderful family and friends who gave us love back in Minnesota.  We miss you all.
• Our wonderful family and friends who we didn't get to see when we were home, who love us enough to understand that we can't do all that we want to in 36 hours.  We miss you all too. 
• My amazing husband who drove every mile of the journey and never complained, managed to entertain kids while driving with funny stories and shared a bag of Twizzlers with me (a road trip splurge). 
• My two big kids who traveled like champs, despite the fact they don't sleep while in the car (what is wrong with them??). 
• My baby who made me smile each time he would practically leap out of the car seat when we stopped. 
• Our sweet little niece who gave me some love and smiles. 
• Our friends who met us at a park yesterday, reminding us that Newton is a great place to be right now. 
• My dear friend who I live 480 some miles away from.  Her voice on the phone encourages me and her journey inspires me. 
• The proud new owner of a pretty yellow house in Robbinsdale.  I hope he enjoys that home as much as we did - although he may not ever have a baby in the living room. 

It is hard to keep the perspective of thankfulness, especially on days like today, when Ella is having a terrible time with transitions, Sam isn't sleeping well and Owen doesn't seem to hear my voice.  But there is so much to be thankful for.  Praying that I remember these little and big things on a daily basis. 

Here are few photos from the Minnesota trip-


Getting ready to swim at the hotel we stayed at in Des Moines

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Grandma Sue with Sam

The kids with their cousin, about to deliver May Baskets

Sam with my aunt Joanne