There is something no one tells you when you move away.  Going home can be extremely tough.

The first time we went home, we tried to give everyone a place to come and meet up with us.  It was so awesome how many people came out, but we felt like we didn’t get to talk to anyone.

This time, we tried to do things in smaller groups, but we felt like we were constantly checking the clock and rushing to our next “appointment.”

There just isn’t an infinite amount of time to see everyone you want to see or do everything you want to do.  I’m a planner, but I don’t control anyone else’s calendar.  You sometimes have people that are upset that they didn’t get to see you.  It’s impossible to make everyone happy.

That’s my confession this week.  Going home stresses me out.

Now that I’ve said that, I do want to say that even with the stress, we still have a blast seeing everyone and being back in Minnesota.  I want to share all the awesome parts about our trip home (and my favorite pictures of the weekend.)

Being back on the boat and hanging with the nieces.

Watching my nieces draw portraits of people.

Hanging out with our nephew, Sawyer, who gets so much bigger and blonder between each visit.

Time with the sissies that included laughing, mimosas and a few pictures.

Meeting Molly the Bulldog puppy and her parents (my bro & his GF.)  She is 12 weeks old and I don’t know when I will see her next, but I can assure you that I won’t be holding her again.

Being in town on my mom’s birthday and getting to go to dinner with her and my Grandma… plus getting my Grandma to take her first ever selfie.

Girlfriend time.  A few nights during the workweek after Justin went back east, I got to spend a time laughing and catching up with my girlfriends.  I love getting to just be there with them and here all about their lives and what they are up to.  No pictures here because we were too busy just being together.

Family time with my aunt and uncles was also a great treat.  I missed a family wedding this summer and I was so bummed because I don’t see the whole family very often, but they came to my parent’s house and hung out for an evening and I got to hug them all.

Hanging with my dad in his beautiful backyard (and that awesome hammock we got him for Father’s Day.)

Now I will sit here and pout because I left the day the State Fair started so I didn’t get to go this year.  I just keep looking at pictures online and my mouth is watering.  I really need to start planning these trips a little better.

Have you moved away?  Is going home stressful to you?

Linking up with Kathy for my confessions.