May 12, 2023

I created a blog this spring as an “online journal.” I’ve been enjoying the creative process of it. It’s a scrapbook but with online technology. My friend Nissa has helped me with the tech, thank you! Sharing in a photo journal felt like a better format than social media.

I am actively networking and interviewing for a new job in marketing communications as my contract project with 3M Safe Routes to School wrapped up. Connect with me on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyjhill

Cleo had her 2nd grade field trip to Como Zoo today 5/11/23. She was SO excited that she woke up in the night thinking about it. She really wanted her dad to be able to volunteer. He pulled off a stop in to see her 😊

Today is Equal Rights Amendment day in the house! 💪👏👏👏✅

Lots of lacrosse for Grace. Lots of conference committee on the education bill for Josiah. Cleo Quinn & I visited to Winneconne & Chicago. Fun visit with the Lucas family, my mom & dad. Young life color wars for Grace. Special Hamilton show for Grace, Edison and their dads.

It’s May! Reps. Freiberg, Carroll, Pursell & Hill were guided by security officials for a great photo op with the rooftop golden horses.

Mid April was special as Cleo, Josiah & I were able to attend Governor Tim Walz’s 2023 State of the State address 4/19/23.

I hadn’t been to the capital in a couple of months. It was a good refuel of positive energy to be there that night. The speech was held in the house chamber at 7PM. Note: the house went BACK into session after the speech. Cleo and I headed home.

Grandma Molly was also able to come for a visit that week. She and I had an epic Costco shop and a home organization session of the girls’ clothes 😊 (no photos but they were fun & productive days).

In April the legislature had a few days of recess. Joe and I saw a John Mellencamp with Beck, Charlie & Sarah, Stonebridge Elementary had an art showcase that Cleo & Quinn were in and Grace started her lacrosse season.

April 1st we had a snowstorm 😳 and Grace’s 12th birthday 🥳, Easter with a fun visit from Mark, Sara, Addie, Molly & Leah 🐰🐣🪺

The girls and I got to visit Grandpa Vern & Grandpa Ann in Florida for spring break! And see Grandma Molly & Cileks there too! So refreshing. We missed Dad/Josiah/Rep. Hill who needed to stay back for work at the capital.

Sunday

3/5/23

A collection of February 2023

Legislative Reception at the Minnesota Governor’s Residence.

Governor and First Lady Walz thanked supporters of representatives and senators aka their behind the scenes “plus one.”

I wanted to stay present in meeting people & seeing the space, not many pictures. Very memorable.

1/31/23

Late January: Quinn cast, the “Dad cam” is how we streamed nighttime floor sessions.

Plus, in January we’d sometimes send a picture of what we were up to in the evenings - and Joe sent selfie pics back of happenings at the capital.

Many important bills & many long waits during debates.

Sunday 1/8/23

After church and lunch in St. Paul, we took the girls to the House floor and Dad’s new office.

James J. Hill mansion reception

1/24/23

There are a lot of photos to highlight the 2023 session and our family’s participation in it with Josiah as a legislator. I also want to be real here. These memories & photos are the highlights to remember. Note: there are many unphotographed hours. It isn’t easy. It is important. It takes a lot of dedication to navigate.

The months of January to May with legislators in session have looked like this: our girls and me at home doing our daily routines, activities and commitments. Him at the capital proudly serving, learning and leading with many hours on committees and on the house floor.

The times I have visited the capital it is a special honor seeing the governing processes in action. Surreal and new with different challenges and wins each day.

1/3/2023 Inauguration

This year I’ve collected a lot of photos, stories and videos of our family happenings. I’ve been wanting to create an online journal, so I’m kicking off a blog. Welcome! This feels like a better format than social media.

This is a documentation or “behind the scenes” for Josiah’s work at the capital as state representative. Also a way to record photos and stories of our growing girls. 2022/2023 has been fast paced, at times surreal and definitely worth documenting to look back on in the years to come.

- Emily

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