The Last Flight

This last weekend was our final trip to Minnesota before the baby is here! Considering we are in Minnesota just about every other month, this was a big deal. For a number of reasons it was our last trip, but mainly because my OB doesn't want me flying any more, and Brian now starts the crazy season at Lifetime Fitness (Christmas gifts + New Years resolutions = lots of memberships sold.)

However leaving Denver, and getting to Minneapolis was easier said than done. We booked our flights to leave Denver at 6:00 am on Saturday morning, so that meant waking up at 3:30, so we could leave our place by 4:00. Well we failed to look out of our windows before we stepped out of our apartment at 4:00 only to realize that it was snowing, and had been snowing all night. Denver is definitely not known for quick snow removal, so getting to the airport took about 25 min longer than planned. Thankfully the shuttle was quick, security was quick, and we made it to the gate with time to spare. But of course once we were on the plane there were some delays with de-icing. All in all, we eventually made it to Minnesota.

{Now doesn't that look warm and inviting}

The main reason for this trip was my sister and my friend Kelsey threw me the most wonderful baby shower! It was a combination of family and friends and it was so great to have everyone all in one place. Having everyone come around to celebrate and support Bri and I and baby boy Devane makes us realize just how truly blessed we are. And to top it all off, we received some pretty awesome gifts so if the little bean were to make an early appearance, we now have just about every thing he'll need.  The shower FLEW by, so unfortunately I have barely any pictures to show you just how beautiful everything was, so you can take my word for it and know that it was.

 {My sister hand made most of the decorations. How creative is she!}

{Some of my friends who were able to make it, and the beautiful hostess Kelsey standing up in the back}

That night of the shower we spent at Ben and Kelsey's and got to spend lots of time with them and their precious 4 month old daughter Samantha. Ben and Kels introduced us to the game Just Dance 3 which elicited many giggles, and I'm pretty sure I broke out a sweat. Nothing like a 8 month pregnant lady breaking it down. 

{Brian and Samantha}

 {Hello cutie pie Sam!}

{Samantha and Kels}

After getting to spend time with Samantha, Bri and I left just that much more anxious for our little one to be here. Only two more months, but I feel like the days and weeks and definitely slowing down. We are trying our best to just enjoy this time of being a family of two, but with each passing day we are getting more excited for him to be here.

The next morning, Brian and I took off for northern Minnesota to my parents house, so we could celebrate an early Christmas. Since Brian and I can't fly home for actual Christmas, my family did a great job throwing an early Christmas celebration with the full Christmas meal, all the decorations, and exchanging of gifts. Between the shower and early Christmas, Brian and I are definitely feeling spoiled with all the gifts we received.

 {my mom pulled out all the stops with her Christmas china}

{My parents Christmas tree makes me laugh because of just how big it is, but it really is just beautiful}

This weekend was also the first time that we got to see our nephews Jackson and Mason since they moved away from Colorado a little over a month ago. It's crazy how much bigger they seem in such a short time, but since we last saw them Jackson is now potty trained, and Mason is now talking. They are getting so big! 

 {My family always manages to squeeze in quite a bit of ping pong. Can you see the look of determination of my brothers face, tongue and all?!}

 {Jack sporting my new scarf. Very European 3 year old}

{And Mason sporting my new boots which look more like chaps than boots. This boy LOVES boots, so if there are any around you can bet that he will sporting them}

 {My brother Jake and his wife Brittany}

 {My dad, my brother-in-law Matt, and my mom. Yah we don't know about Matt sometimes....}

{My sister and Jackson}

{Sporting my new apron from Anthropogie which I LOVE!}

 {We had to get a picture with my Grandma and her award winning raspberry pie}

{Mason checking out my belly}

 {my parents and their grandsons}

{little Mase and I}

The next two days we spent at my parents house just relaxing and spending time together. We made a bunch of Christmas cookies, and you can bet that my mom made us take back a huge tupperware container home despite the lack of luggage space. I guess having a ton of cookies in my carry on wasn't the worst thing.

{1 of the 3 types of Cookies we made}

{While the women stayed upstairs in the kitchen baking, the guys could be found downstairs playing ping pong, pool, gambling, or a combination of the three}

{Mason checking out my parents lit up Christmas town}

 {Nothing like a little rough play with dad}

{I think this was Mason saying one of the words he knows really well now, 'nooooo'}

Tuesday night before heading to the airport were able to squeeze in a quick dinner with our friends Scott and Charlie. It was an odd and exciting feeling to say good bye followed by "Next time you see us there will be a baby!" All in all, an amazing, jam packed four days in Minnesota, and next time we will be there, we will be a family of 3. Can't wait!