Our first real vacation!

Mark and I have been way out of the loop the last couple weeks due, in part, to our first vacation without Dane. It was definitely something we considered for a while before doing, but with Mark's limited schedule, it ended up being now or in a few months. We've both been feeling a little stir crazy with our very repetitive and lonely days lately. My mom and dad were kind enough to take the little man for 6 days, with our Aunt Laura filling in a for a few days. I know it wasn't a huge burden for them to take him, as they loved every minute. I really thought I'd be perfectly fine, but about 5 minutes after we pulled out of the driveway to start the trek to MN, I started crying. I guess when you put what seems like 24 hours a day for 6 months, you get a little attached:) As Dane's personality comes out more and more, we both fall more and more in love with the happy little guy he is. His giggle is the best part of many of our days:)

So after Mark doing a great job of calming me down, we continued on to New Hope, MN to visit some of our great friends, John and Jodie Swee. We met them through fun stuff at Blackhawk Church in Madison, like Frisbee and small groups, and have realized over time that they're like our couple double in many ways. We had some great times, including a delicious meal at Burger Joe's, a wicked game of Settlers of Catan, and even a barfing kitty, thanks to our housewarming gift. Ooops! It was a very good, relaxing time together and with them, something much needed for both of us. Mark was even sweet enough to run out and find a pharmacy for me at 11 at night when my allergies kicked in for the first time in years.

Then we continued back to Madison to see a close friend whose father had passed away after fighting through brain tumors. I've been so inspired by her strength and hope in God, given all the difficulties they've been through this year.

The following day, Mark's dad got us tickets for the Badger game, which was awesome. it went into double overtime, but fortunately the Badgers still prevailed. It was great; excellent seats, only in the sun for the last quarter, so not too much of a bad sunburn:) We had then planned on going to our friend Lucas' law school grad party, but for the first time in our lives, we had to get back to the little one. It was truly a wonderful week, and we made it without any disasters, so that was encouraging.