The Rissell's

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Minnesota Trip - Day 4

Friday, September 12th

Started off the morning right with a power walk with Kirsten & Jenny. Felt good to get some exercise in, with all this eating.

Girl's date happened at Swede Hollow this morning! When we lived in MN, I loved to meet for coffee at this cute place. Their caramel rolls, quiche & latte's are oh so yummy. We chatted and enjoyed relaxing with the bride-to be!!!! After, Kirsten, Sophia, Abby & me ran by a few shops.

Then Jenny treated me to a pedicure - it was fun to spend some time with her. Even though we stayed at their house, our schedule was so full, we didn't get a lot of visiting time.

Next up - rehearsal! How happy we were to see Lade & Monique. These two set such a fine example for us. Love them both!!! The rehearsal was smooth and then it was dinner at Shamrock's in St. Paul, hosted by Andrew's parents. It was quite the crowd between the two families. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to rest up before the big wedding day!

Grandma Terry, Sophia, Kirsten, Me, Alexis, Hayley & Abby

Hayley & Abby
(see that AMAZING caramel roll.....and my almond latte!!!)

Love this pic!!!
Kirsten, Me, Alexis & Hayley

Being silly outside some shops

Lade, Monique, Me & Josh

Monique, Mom, Dad & Lade

Rehearsal time!

Little Miss

Shamrock's

Rye, Mel & Abby

Me & my sissy

Rye & Mel

Sophia reading the touching card from Hayley

Me & my Dad

The girls LOVED playing with Sidney

Minnesota Trip - Day 3

Thursday, September 11th

The day started helping Hayley move her things into the apartment. We were so glad to see where she lives with Andrew now. Tons of windows and large living room......cozy first apartment for their first place together. We lunched at Noodles and then Hayley & Sophia went to get pedicures.

Later we met at Cherry Berry with Francheska, Danika, Cordelia, Jen and Noah. Randomly, Emily & Alex were there! What a treat! Emily used to babysit the girls and was shocked by how much they've grown. It was a great surprise to see her! Cordelia & Abby were so silly together, just like their playdate days. It was pleasant to catch up with each other and enjoy a sweet treat! Thank you all for meeting us!!!

Then was dinner with the Courteau Family at Elvy's. First time for us to see Lundholm's, Alexis & Susannah this visit. We love all being together! Great conversation......laughing.......food & drinks. I never take these times for granted! Cherish our big, loud family!!

All ready to move!!

Us girls

Within minutes, Hayley made it homey......adding pillows and a throw. So cute!

Andrew, Hayley, Ab & Sophia in their kitchen

Emily & Sophia

Delia was SO EXCITED!!!

Playdate buddies missed each other!

Noah, Sophia, Danika, Cordelia & Abby

Love this shot!

Their true selves!!!

Pre-teens

SISTERS!

Sophia & Noah

Francheska, Emily, Me & Jen (photobombed by Delia)

Uncle Craig & the girls

Andrew & Hayley

Abby & Alexis

Me, Kirsten & Sophia

Pretty ladies!!!

Susannah, Kelly, Alexis, Sophia & Me

Gifts from the girls to Andrew & Hayley

Painted mugs for coffee or tea

HAVE to play Guess Who

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Minnesota Trip - Day 2

Wednesday, September 10th

Sophia spent the day with Alyssa. She misses her, so I'm glad they had a few hours together. Amy was so sweet, taking Sophia & Alyssa to Culver's for lunch and then Petland - where we frequently took the girls when they were younger.

Abby & I met up with Angie, Gabi & Daphne at Lookout Ridge in Woodbury. This was our first time meeting Daphne in person. I felt like I already knew her from all the pictures and stories I hear from Angie. She is spunky, determined and reminds me of Abby. It was so great watching the girls play together. We then lunched at Panera together. Abby & Gabi were so cute together - chatting it up and giggling. Miss seeing them together!! Thank you for making the drive for us Angie!!!

Gabi came back to our "home away from home" for a couple hours to play some more with Ab. I then picked up Sophia at Alyssa's and we made our way to Eden Prairie for dinner with Josh's family.

Thank you to Amy & Joel for coordinating! It works so well meeting at Davanni's (Amy reserved the party room) and having all who can show up come for pizza and visiting. Cute story: Grandma Di recently got a smart phone. Sophia was very excited to set her up on Instagram and show her how the phone works. They bonded over this! Even took a selfie together.......HA! We enjoyed having 7 of the grandkids together. Abby & Phoeby are the same age (just weeks apart and missing almost the same teeth) and Zayn & Sophia are the same age (just weeks apart). Joel and Amy thought of everything - taking care of the pizza for all, bringing activities for the kids to do, cards for the guys to play, brought cupcakes and even gifts. It was relaxing and allowed everyone to just catch up.

Thank you ALL for making this day special & memorable!!