Honoring Grandma Loyal

We traveled back to Minnesota for Grandma Loyal's funeral last Saturday, and while it sounds odd to say this because of the reason we heeaded back, we had a nice time. It was good to see family and great Grandpa Earl was so excited to see Emmelyn, and the rest of his 17 (!) great grandchildren. We were in Mahnomen for services and later spent some time at Grandpa Earl's in Ulen. He told us many times how glad Grandma Loyal had been to make the girl's baptism in November, which reminded us how blessed we were to have her there. Her biggest worry had been not making it to meet Emmelyn and Tessa, Grandpa said. We were touched by that, and so glad we have the memories of Emmelyn meeting great Grandma Loyal.

Emmelyn's great-grandmother (Melinda's grandmother) passed away today, January 16, 2011. We will miss her good-natured fiesty spirit, and will think back to many fond memories at her lake cabin at South Twin Lake.

We were especially blessed that grandma got to meet Emmelyn in November at the baptism. She held Emmelyn for a long time, and when I offered to take Em off her hands, worried that her arm might be getting tired, she said, "Oh, that's OK. I don't get tired doing this...I've held many, many babies for a long time." And she most certainly did! She loved her many great-grandchildren, always reminding us to "take care of those little ones." She made special homemade pizzelles (a norwegian delicacy) for Emmelyn's baptism. She passed on her lefse recipe at a bridal shower, and I will never forget that and her knack for an awesome krumkaka.

While it's a sad occasion, we are looking forward to heading back to Fargo-Moorhead briefly this weekend to celebrate Grandma's life and to spend some time with family. I am looking forward to seeing many of my cousins --Grandma would have been happy knowing we were all together, having somewhat of a good time despite the sad occasion. My memories of my dad's family growing up are just that --lots of people, food,and fun, all together. We will miss Grandma Loyal.

Emmelyn's new hat

Emmelyn recently got a new hat from her great aunt and uncle in Sioux Falls. It will be great this summer, but I couldn't resist trying it on now.

Emmelyn --1st week of January

Emmelyn's movement gets better every week. She can now roll over completely and can roll right off her mat and across the room if you don't keep an eye on her. She loves her exersaucer and figures out how to play with the toys a little better each week. She is now in size 3 diapers --big girl!