a cherished trip to see family

happy 4th of july! - independance day!
its been a while, i know. i got back a week ago from a long trip with my parents up north. sadly, jordan wasn't able to go with me. he had to be a responsible farmer and stay home. we drove up to minnesota and spent a day with my grandparents whom i rarely get to see anymore; then we headed up to wisconsin as i was in my cousin, brianna's wedding and my dad helped officiate it. fun times! i love brianna dearly and miss my fam up there so it was a great time! beautiful wedding! my sister julia and her 2 kids, story and susanna, met us up there for the wedding (they live in SW wisconsin). then we all drove down to LaCrosse and spend a day with Scott, Julia, and the kids. my parents then left to head back to my grandparents while i got a few more days with my sis and sweet neice and nephew! this was such a highlight! its really hard living so close to family you love so much. we had so much fun playing with the kids, taking them out to do fun things, going for walks, to the park. then i got to babysit one night so they could have a nice date and celebrate their anniversary! the kids are growing and just are more beautiful every time i see them! i could not believe susanna! the cutest thing ever! she flashes you this huge, shy grin! priceless!
sidenote - i LOVE it up there! i grew up in the northwoods and being back up there made me wish i lived there! its so beautiful! i love being surrounded by trees and driving on hilly roads! mmm - triggers some nostalgia.
it was so sad to say goodbye after a few days. i met up with my parents and spent another day/night with my grandparents. mom and i got to take gram out to some stores and just hang out. it was really sad to leave them too. i grew up 5 hours from them and we saw them several times a year. it had been 2 years since i'd seen them!

what a blessing family is. i am so thankful for mine!