Visit to Montana

The day after Christmas, Kyle and I borrowed his parents' car to drive to Billings, MT to visit my dad and step-mom.  We were really hoping the weather would cooperate and it did.  We had clear roads the whole way but felt like we were going to be blown off of the road in very high winds.  It's a much different trek with a baby on board.  We stopped many more times that we usually would have and are beginning to comprehend that the time that we used to allot to travel is now going to be much longer.  Annika traveled amazingly well and slept almost the whole way.  Sleeping all day was great for the car but definitely threw off her typical sleeping schedule.  It took us a few days to return to a more normal pattern.

Visit from Myrna.  Annika is in her Christmas pajamas.

One big reason that we wanted to make it to Montana this winter was so that my brother Jeffrey, his wife Quinn, and my step-sister Allison could meet Annika.  It was also great to take her to visit her Grandpa and Grandma Bartsch, who hadn't seen her since Thanksgiving.  They were excited to have us all there and, as always, had a plethora of holiday treats and snacks.  Our good family friend Myrna Martinson came to have breakfast one morning and to meet Annika.  She has known our family since before I was born and it's always great to have a chance to catch up.   

We always love to have an opportunity to go out with Ally, Jeffrey, and Quinn.  Thanks to dad and JoAnn for babysitting!

We wished my dad a happy birthday before driving back to Grand Forks on the 31st!  He's great with Annika and loves to have plenty of chances to hold her.