Midwestern Adventures, Part I

Emmeline, Paul and I arrived safe and sound in Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon after two very long flights. Since Emmeline is walking, she was very squirmy on the plane and wanted to get down off our laps. I packed lots of fun toys and books for her (I even brought some of those awful sugary Gerber puffs that she likes) to keep her occupied, but those things only worked for a few minutes at a time. Thankfully she took a short nap on each flight and that the people sitting around us didn't seem to mind her busybody. Many of them actually joined in entertaining her.
Emmeline has four cousins here in Minneapolis and she has been enjoying their company immensely. Her cousin, Hannah, is about six months older than Emmeline and they are having fun imitating each other and playing with each others' toys. Emmeline still isn't sure about Paul's parents or sister but she is doing a good job warming up to them. Paul and I have been taking advantage of the extra help and have been going out for a run when Emmeline goes down for her early afternoon nap. It sure is easier to run without a baby jogger! We may even sneak out to a late movie one evening after Emmeline is asleep.
Tonight we will be celebrating Emmeline's birthday with Paul's family and also have a trip to their lake trailer tomorrow and the Como Zoo on Sunday. Then on Wednesday we are off to North Dakota to visit my family. My parents and sister Jacy are so excited they can't hardly stand it!
Signing off for now from Minnesota...