I Did It...

So last weekend was my first trip by myself in 2 years... and it went great.  The 4 hour drive to Cedar Falls was accompanied by Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, and random phone calls from my mom, sister-in-law, Chris, and one of my best friends, Liz.  It kept me going! :)  My body got sore towards the end of each trip from sitting in the same position for that long, but other than that it was quite enjoyable.  I had so much fun talking wedding talk with my best friend Molly and her mom, Barb.  I needed some quality girl time.

What was interesting for me is the flood of emotion that I had when I returned to MN.  I just started crying, I mean I DID IT.  There was a point in the past year that I didn't think I'd ever be able to travel by myself.  I keep telling Chris how frustrating it is taking "baby steps."  I feel like I have to start my WHOLE life over and learn how to do stuff all over again.  Well as Chris said... this was a "toddler step" and it was huge.  I think part of the reason that it has be so emotional for me is that I have felt stuck.  I'm not quiet about the fact that I miss Iowa terrible and my family and the fact that I'm really, truly not that big on Minnesota.  But I know this is where Chris and I need to be right now... now in 3 years, we'll talk! :)  Its just hard when my best friends are in Iowa or Georgia and honestly, a phone call is just not cutting it anymore every few months.  So... next destination is Des Moines to see Lizzy and Heather! :)  I'm hoping this ability to drive and see friends will stop making me feel so depressed about being "stuck" in Minnesota.  Sorry to vent, but quite honestly this is the "filtered" version of how I really feel! :)

On a brighter note, Keegs turned 3 last week and had a "Princess and the Frog" birthday party.  It amazes me how much time and effort Kelly put into the party.  Heck, she even had someone come dressed up as Tiana.  In situations like this, Chris and I always reflect on how lucky we are to have a sister-in-law that loves our nieces so much and will always be there for them.  Its nice to learn some future "parenting" advice from afar.  Here are some pictures from the party!

Oh... and Mia is getting so big!  Look at her!  We got to see her walk across the floor on Skype last weekend!  Can't wait to hold them and love them! :)