A Great Weekend with Julie and Tess!

Had an absolutely wonderful weekend visiting with Julie and Tess! It was bright and sunny the entire weekend which made up for the c-c-cold -33oF temps. Julie’s house is cozy and bright which is something I really like. I’m a windows kinda gal.

Sunday morning found us heading to The Cheesecake Factory for brunch. Yumm! Did I have cheesecake for breakfast? Ummm…no….but I did make sure to take a piece home for snacking on later. After breakfast Tess settled into her carseat for a nap as Julie showed me around her beautiful city. What a pretty city with little lakes and rivers throughout it.

We headed home where Tess enjoyed playing as Julie and I chatted and flipped through scrapbooking magazines. Once again I peppered her with adoption and China questions as they came to mind. She was great and had lots of useful information for me. (Uh oh…can’t remember specific examples right now but just remember filing a lot of information away in my head for later.) We also went through some of the legal docs that she’d been given in China. How neat to hold Tess’ actual Chinese passport and see her sweet little picture in it.

After lunch we hit the road once again – destination Target! (What’s a trip to the US without at least 1 trip to Target?) I was able to pick up some gifts for my SP as well as a couple of things for myself. I looked for a canvas picture I’d seen in Washington with Dawn the previous week but wasn’t able to find it. :o( You know, one of those things you look back on in your memory and wish you’d picked up? That picture was one of those things for me. My parents are in the US until later today so I put a call in to them Tuesday to see if they could find it. If they do I’ll be sure to post it here as I really liked the pic and it would be perfect in Hannah’s nursery. Ya snooze ya lose I guess!

After Target I was introduced to the Mall of America! Can you believe this Canadian gal didn’t even know I was going to the city infamous for this great mall? Whoeee is it big! And fun! It houses an indoor amusement park similar to the West Edmonton Mall. We only dented the surface of the mall it in the couple of hours that we were there.

Taking a little break from our shopping I was introduced to Julie’s infamous Caribou Coffee drink – Light White Cinnamon. (Hmmm…think I’m missing a word in there but oh baby, is it yummy!) Tucked away an Oreo cookie sandwich treat with my coffee and it was a great afternoon snack.

Once again I found myself buying up a supply of liquid soaps at Bath and Body Works for myself and my friends. We need these stores in Canada! Let’s just say I bought 8 more + a hand sanitizer and I’m thinking the luggage handlers at the airport who have to move my suitcases are also voting for moving these stores to Canada so that my suitcase doesn’t end up heavier because of all the soap I keep buying! I now have a variety of scents tucked away and should be set for the next 2 years!

Sunday evening we enjoyed a quiet evening at home playing with Tess and visiting. Just like Julie was told in her referral info, Tess loves her baths! She happily plays in there for as long as Julie allows her and splashing just adds to the fun!

Monday was another bright sunny day. Julie had introduced me to a great iced tea that was delicious! (Have some brewing at home even as we speak!) She popped out to the grocery store to purchase a couple of boxes for me and Tess and I enjoyed some playtime together. More fun with the Fisher-Price activity table and her pal 'Taggie.' A girl after my own heart, Julie showed up with Caribou Coffee when she came home. What a great treat!

As I packed up to leave it was hard to believe our visit was almost over. Had such a great time! I guess Northwest thought we needed a little more time together too as they cancelled my flight and sent me home a few hours later than expected. No problem! More time to spend with my new friends and it was all good!

Julie, THANK YOU!!! I had an absolutely wonderful time with you and your beautiful daughter! You are an AMAZING Mom and Tess is blessed to have you as her Mom! I thoroughly enjoyed the time we shared together and learned so much from you. Looking forward to the time when we get together again…with a new playmate for Tess…my Hannah!!

And Julie...yes that silly song is still in my head...and it makes me smile and think of you and Tess each time I hear it! 1-2-3-4-5......LOL!!!!!