Absence - Where have I been? Wait....where have you been?

I've been so bad about blogging....but I haven't been the only one (you guys know who you are....those bloggers I depend on for weekly entertainment!!!). But I have good excuses -
Second weekend of Oct. - home to New Mexico for baby shower.
Third weekend of Oct. - Minneapolis for Brother in Law's wedding
Got home from Minneapolis on Sunday the 17th and had to fly out to MD that Monday - Friday. Then I flew out that next Sunday for Ohio, came back Monday night and left again on Wednesday for MD. I was exhausted!! I wanted to cry on that last trip to MD - really not looking forward to the plane ride and hotel....but everything went well. And it's always so GREAT to see our friends in MD!!! I couldn't help but cry when I left....on top of being super emotional already, saying goodbye to friends and knowing I probably won't see them for a long time....I just really miss our friends in Maryland.
This past weekend Tony flew to Duluth to go deer hunting with his dad and brothers. (And he did get a deer!!) My mom flew up to stay with me and we had a wonderful time!! We got to go to a couple of Crap (craft) fairs, which were actually really good! We mostly just shopped and ate out. It was great - but too quick and there are never enough hours in the day.
On Sunday after I took my mom to the airport I did one of the activities I love most in the world - I went to Barnes and Nobles and got some coffee and read magazines!! It was so relaxing. Then I went home, turned up the Frank Sinatra Christmas CD and started to put out my Christmas decorations. I know it's kind of early, but I figured I better do it now while I still feel up to it.
We started Lamaze last week. It's not just a lamaze class - they teach you all kinds of things, like the stages of labor and all that good stuff. The video's were not for the weak...and I am weak! I wanted to throw up but then started laughing and couldn't stop. Of course Tony only egged me on by making comments. But the best part about it is getting to spend time together during the week. Things are always so crazy, it seems like we always have something to do, so the class is really nice in that respect. We are also going to take a baby prep class in a few weeks, which I think will make us feel less anxious....perhaps.
I can't believe it's going to be Thanksgiving next week!! We don't have any big plans - we are just going to stick around home and I'm going to cook. It's always nice to have that day together just to eat and relax.
I'll try to be better about the blog and updates! Hopefully tomorrow I'll remember to take a pic of the belly BEFORE I put on pj's (which usually happens the minute I walk in the door) to post for my 34th week.

Three brothers - this was at the rehersal at the church. Tony was practicing reading out loud.

All the siblings - this was at the rehersal dinner in downtown St. Paul. The neighborhood was amazing!! I told Tony if we move to the Twin Cities that this area is where I want to live!

visitors from a far away state - postdate

standing in line for the bus to Coors


on the booze tour


Craig said it was the altitude....hmmmm

(Craig - thanks for the not so friendly reminder that I needed to update the hottest blog on the net with your visit - this is for you.)
In June we got our first visitors, after that the computer broke, and I didn't update the blog to include our fun!
Craig and Cherie had to come out on business, but they flew out early to see us!! It was so good to see friends.
We went on the Coors Brewery tour, awesome. We went to eat at a funky resturant downtown and then the next night they got to experience all that is holy, Little Anitas. We also hit up Six Flags...not as much fun as I rememebered. I also don't remember getting motion sickness as easily. I thought I was going to barf all over Craig on one of the swing rides. After 4 hours we all needed a nap.
It was so nice to see familiar faces. And it meant alot to get to see friends. I can't wait for you guys to come out again!