Annie's First Visit to STG...

It was a Wednesday afternoon during paternity leave and we were enjoying some beach time when suddenly it dawned on me that we could be moving to Charlotte -

and I didn't know when I would go home next.

I suggested to James that we could go to St. George for the weekend.

Oddly, he loves going "home" just as much as I do.

He was in!

But he was only in if we could surprise my Mom.

We called my Dad and set the plan in motion.

That night I went back and forth a thousand times.

I was nervous about taking Annie that far away and on such a long car ride.

I decided it was a no-go around 11 p.m.

But 12 hours later I couldn't take it.

We packed up our things and hit the road.

First stop - dinner with my Dad in Vegas.

{He works there four days a week}

He was so excited to see little Annie.

I must admit, I love seeing my Dad ooh and aww over her.

Melts my heart.

Next stop, the Nelson home.

James' close friend Brian and his wife Christina live in Vegas

so we stopped in for a quick visit.

It was great to see Brian but we were sad to miss Christina and baby James.

Then it was on to St. George.

Unfortunately it was getting rather late and we were scared my Mom would go to bed.

So, we called her and played a little phone teasing 

before spilling the beans that we were just an hour and a half away.

She was so excited she started to cry.

We pulled in around midnight - 

so tired but ready to see my parents new house and indulge in some family time.

My Mom was on cloud nine.

The next morning we were ready to introduce our little lady to some of our favorite people.

We were thrilled to have my Grandma, Annie's "Grandma Great," see the little babe.

Annie's middle name comes from my Grandma's mom - 

May Sandberg.

I was never able to meet her but have heard and read about what an incredible wife and mother she was.

Needless to say, Annie's name is rich in heritage on my Grandma's side.

How could it not be?

My Grandma is truly one of the most charming women you will ever meet and this day was no exception.

I adore these pictures of her holding Annie and will always treasure them.

 

Of course one of the first visitors was Auntie Lissa.

One of my life long best friends.

{Sadly we missed Kelsey and a few others that were out of town.}

We knew she and Wess were coming into town -

which obviously played a role in our decision to come.

I am fairly certain she was obsessed with Annie.

Although it doesn't look like it in this picture -

I know Annie was a fan as well.

Oh and Elizabeth, one of my second Mom's.

Like I always say - 

it takes a village to raise a child and Elizabeth was definitely in that village for me.

When she first saw Annie she teared up and couldn't believe it.

I loved that moment.

Reminded me how special this really is.

Thank you Elizabeth.

James and Wess played a little golf and then came over to see the new addition.

This pictures sums up James - making fun of all of us goo goo gaaing over her.

But the best part of this moment was when James asked Wess,

"So what do your think?"

and he responded with something like

"The view of the golf course is great."

James laughed and said,

"Well I was referring to my child but yes you're right."

Oh it still cracks me up just thinking of it.

We love Wess.

I was able to squeeze in a haircut with a darling new friend.

It worked out perfectly cause my Mom was able to hold Annie.

I didn't really think about haircuts.

How do you do that with a little one?

Guess its time I start thinking about babysitters in the future.

That night we headed to Pasta Factory.

I craved it my entire pregnancy.

Those veggie noodles with marinara really hit the spot.

But most importantly those breadsticks.

So bad - yet so good.

Tastes like STG.

Am I right or am I right?

After dinner Kelsee and JK Snow came over.

It was a blast seeing them and Kelsee's darling new baby bump

How did I not snap a picture?

They are always a hoot to chat with and we are so excited about their new addition.

Baby Snow can't get here soon enough.

We followed dinner up with a visit to the Adams home.

Jeff was nice enough to shine up my ring and we enjoyed a good visit sesh as Melissa calls it.

We were thrilled Annie got to meet Cheryl too.

Another one of my neighborhood Moms.

Love those ladies.

The next day Jessica was able to squeeze us in to take a few pictures of our family.

Thank you Jessica!

She took them in the middle of about 5 different shoots

so we were very grateful.

I will post pics soon.

Jessica is always a delight to work with.

That night my Mom made a tasty dinner and James decided to golf.

My parents now live on Sunbrook Golf Course

so James whirled around and picked us up for his last two holes.

I have always loved watching him golf but now it is even more fun.

Check out that view on the last hole.

Man I love those red rocks.

It was a quick trip and a bit difficult with a little one in tow 

but it was definitely worth it.

I love my hometown!

My parents had moved since the last time I was there -

we love their new house and are so happy for them.

But at the end of the day it felt so right to come back "home" with my new family.

We are building a life of our own and creating our own home -

wherever it may be.

Its not right for everyone - but its right for us.

My home is where my family is 

and that knowledge keeps me moving as we pack up and head across the country.