MinnesOHHHta!

Three weeks ago, M. and I made family history when we left our kiddos with my parents for three whole nights to make a trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where M. was a groomsman in a friend's wedding. With the exception of the two nights I stayed at the hospital after E. was born, I had never been away from my kids. And, my parents had never taken on the not-so-small task of caring for two small children for nearly four days. But plans were made and 155oz of milk was expressed (yes, I managed to leave E. with milk) and two plane tickets later, we were on our way to Minneapolis, land of the kindest people ever. (Children, I mean no disrespect when I say this) We were free!

Of course, my first 24 hours out-of-state consisted of many phone calls to my parents. But understand, Miss E. decided to go on a bottle strike. She. Would. Not. Take. One. So, my mom busied herself with finding ways to keep E. hydrated, mainly mixing cereal with breastmilk. And finally E. relented and took a bottle. Wew! I received the good word after indulging in an 80-minute massage (a welcome break from my constant worry) and just moments before I departed for the wedding. E. was eating and I could dance, ha! And here's the happy couple and some lovely shots of their post-nuptial festivities. 

The entire weekend was lovely. We enjoyed the company of the other wedding guests - they were such a wonderful, kind group of people (it's so nice when you mesh with your friends' friends so seamlessly and effortlessly). We enjoyed eating late breakfasts and late dinners. There was our trip to the Mall of America, where we youthfully rode the indoor amusement rides (that A. would have so loved!), our humorous lunch at The Weinery, where the floors were covered with debris and leaves from the outdoors. And our rented-bike ride in the city.

Mom, Dad: Can we do this again next year?! (By the way, we can't say it enough: thank you for taking such great care of our girls. We really appreciate it!)