Labor Day weekend

This past weekend Charlotte and I made our first solo trip back to Nebraska for the long holiday weekend. Matt had to stay behind and work, so we braved the road alone. I was a little nervous about a potential breakdown (Charlotte, not my car) and worried that the trip could turn into 6 hours rather than 3, but much to my relief, she slept the WHOLE way. Its a good thing that she got her rest on the ride because I ran her ragged the rest of the weekend!

After some quick lunch at Grandma Debbie's house, the whole Goeser clan, kiddos included, headed to a place called Create in Elk Horn. The owners of Create have donated a large canvas to be auctioned off at the Midwest Heart Connection's 7th Annual Hearts of Hope event. This event raises money for research, support and programs for families affected by congenital heart defects. Create then invited CHD kiddos to come and contribute their artistic talents! Since our little lady is a little young to hold a paint brush, I recruited some of her biggest supporters to help her out. Ben and Aubrey collaborated on a beautiful butterfly and Owen skillfully crafted a big blue blob!

Saturday night we went to Jill and Jay's house to watch the first Husker football game of the season. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't watch a whole lot of the game. Its not very often that Jill, Angie, Lindsey and I are all four together at the same time! Charlotte sported her red Husker gear and is bound to become a big fan.

Sunday was another busy day. After lunch we headed down to Children's to visit some of our favorite nurses. It was strange pulling into that parking garage again and getting back on the elevators that I rode day after day. I can't say that I miss it in the least! The nurses on the other hand, we do miss. They were so great to us while Charlotte was there and were so excited to see her again!

After the hospital we made a quick trip to NamNam and PopPop Ritchie's house to wish PopPop a belated birthday. Aunt Kristen even stopped by to say hello!

Our next stop was not quite as successful. Against my better judgement, I drug an already exhausted 3 1/2 month old to the Carters store with me! They were having a super huge sale and I just couldn't resist. Well....we didn't last long, but I got lots of great deals in what time we did have!

After a much needed nap, it was time to head out to Uncle Jay's surprise 40th birthday party. Aunt Jill wasted no time showing Charlotte off to friends and family who hadn't had the chance to meet her yet. Its a good feeling when the people who have been praying so hard for our little girl and our family finally get to meet her. I don't know why....but my eyes just filled up with tears thinking about it. Everyone has been so incredibly supportive and I love that they get to see her looking so healthy and strong.

That pretty much wraps up our weekend in Omaha. It was great to see everyone and we can't wait to get back again.

One final thing.......HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSEY AND JAY! Hope that you had wonderful birthdays and we were all thinking of you! We are so glad that we could help you celebrate this weekend!