Week in South Dakota

Last Wednesday, Olivia and I flew back to South Dakota to visit family and friends. This trip was a little different than the week before. I don't think I will ever fly without Pat again! Olivia had gotten a little sick the night before we left, so we went to the Dr before our flight. She was congested and had one ear that was a little red, but not infected; so we got the go ahead to fly. Long story short, everybody in the airports got to hear her little lungs for quite awhile. Even flying wasn't very comfortable for her, which made for stressful flights for me. But we got through them. We got a lot done in a week and felt like we really didn't sit still. The first night I went to a retirement party for a guy I used to work with from the Sheriff's Office-Phil Toft. That was a great time seeing friends and former co-workers. My brother Dan and niece Izabella watched her while I was gone. Thurs night I went to my friend Paula's where a few of my girlfriends met up. On Friday we drove to Brookings to meet Dena and her family for lunch. We then drove to my Aunt Jill's where I met up with my parents. They were anxious as ever to get their hands on Olivia! It was opening pheasant season in SD so it was a big weekend for my side of the family to get together. My brother Heath and Kristi came on Saturday with big news that they are expecting their 3rd child! They dressed Anna and Ethan in cute shirts to announce the news. Sunday was my dad's birthday, so it was special that Olivia and I got to share it with him. Sunday night Olivia and I drove to Mitchell to stay at Heath and Kristi's, and then went back to Sioux Falls Monday to meet friends Nikki and Amy for lunch. Afterwards, we stopped at the Sheriff's Office so I could show off Olivia there. We then flew out at 8pm. I think we're both still recovering from it! We had such a great time and miss everyone and can't wait to see you again over the Holidays!! My niece Izabella and I at Paula's.

Jodie, Olivia, and I.

Amber, Paula, her son Parker, and Olivia. Parker is 11 months old, and just cute as ever!

Dena, her daughter Mia, and Olivia. She also has very cute girls!

My dad playing with Olivia.

Anna and Ethan announcing the big news that they are going to be a big sister..again, and a big brother!

Anna and Ethan playing with Olivia. This is the first time they've met her. Watch out Ethan-you've got some competition!! I can already tell that you and Olivia and will be running circles around each other!

Izabella taking a snooze with Olivia on the couch.

All 4 of the grandchildren were together for the first time so we got them rounded up for a picture.

Becky and Chauncey with Olivia and I-they are 4 weeks apart.

Happy Birthday Grandpa! Olivia gave him a mug with his favorite picture of her on it. I'm glad we got to be there for your birthday!

Grandma and Grandpa getting in their last few hugs and kisses before we had to say good-bye. We can't wait to see you again soon!!