Sunday, June 19, 2011

Our Tour of South Dakota

So life has been a roller coaster. Literally up and downs. I feel like a start every blog like this, but life does not seem to be slowing down. Life in Minnesota has been going great. I like where we are working and loving where we are living. Brian's family is super awesome.

Two weeks ago we started a journey that was going to last thousands of miles and through many states. First we left and worked in Iowa for a couple days, then headed over to Rapid City. In case you are wondering thats on the west side of South Dakota, 50 miles from Wyoming. About a 7 1/5 hour drive! yay! Leila loves driving!  That night we went to a pre-wedding dinner for Katie Anderson, now Hunter. It was so great to see everyone and meet new people.

We then flew out the next morning at 7 for Georgia to attend Todd and Nancy's wedding. We had an extra surprise,  my mom drove 8 hours north to come see us! YAY! 3 weeks seemed like half a year! It was great to spend some time with both my friends, who i havent seen some since b4 i was pregnant, and my mom! The wedding was perfect! Beautiful reception and a happenin' dance floor! It was especially great to dance it up with my best friends!

It was a quick weekend, then a "short" flight back to South Dakota. Monday morning we had a busy day planned. Started at Julie, Mary, and Katie's Dad, Bruce, house. He has a sweet log house that he has remodeled and expanded. Then we stopped by where Katie had her wedding. Beautiful location. Our next stop was the Winery! I was excited. Julie works there and offered some great tips to buying a couple bottles... like i needed persuasion. We bought a couple and I have definitely enjoyed some so far!

We filled our day with touristy events like Crazy horse and Mount Rushmore. Took lots of pics! Then Brian made the suggestion that we should take Old Tyme Pictures. I thought that was a great idea! So we did... and right before the rain came!


As of Leila and her advancement... she has been learning by leaps and bounds. "Top 99th percentile you know!" She stands up by herself quite frequently and if you hold her hands, she will walk as far as you can go. She is super close to walking. We have our phones out to records almost always.

Brian and I started making the noise with our mouth and finger that goes POP... well leila tries to mimic us and puts her finger in her mouth and pulls it out to make her own noise. Cutest thing ever. She is more and more aware of everything and not only what you say but how you say it. She understands when Brian says no, doesnt mean she listens!!

We have another big week for work this week and then off to the twin cities, then Memphis! I have a feeling life is going to stay this way...

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Ever since I have gone back to work leaving Leila has been tough. Some days are better than others. But today instead of dwelling on the time we spend apart, I am thankful of the time we have together.

This morning was one spectacular moment. Leila was mimicking the kissing noise and made the cutest face. Her whole mouth turned inward to make the squeaking part of the smooch. I have tried to get a picture of it, but it comes and goes too fast. And makes my heart melt.

She has been a lot more talkative this last week and standing up by herself for 30-40 seconds at a time. She is so close to walking its not funny. I am tempted to take the next week off just to be there for the first steps! lol.

Today I picked up Leila around 7:45 and she was in the best mood. So happy and playful. We also had a great bath time while learning our letters and numbers. Its these moments that make life wonderful. If only there were more hours in the day to play!

Here is a picture of Leila standing at Mount Rushmore!! She is also exploring pine needles and dirt!! Looks like a future Scientist!! :)