The first two weeks

I've been getting asked a lot from our neighbors and ward members how I've been adjusting to the change, and I figured our families would be wondering the same thing as well.

I absolutely love checking out the fun and new terrain. I feel like we haven't even scratched the surface on the number of things there are to do with kids out here, and we've had a great time with the places we've hit. Top of the list? Probably the Como Zoo in St. Paul. I love the size of it coupled with the quality of the exhibits. Best of all? It's free! Max would tell everyone about the roller coaster he went on. Next to the zoo they have a grouping of amusement rides catered to younger children with a pay as you go deal. He was pretty excited that he was tall enough to ride the roller coaster.

I've been impressed with how friendly the neighbors have been. Our backyard flows into a common area with grass and a park and it's been an awesome way to meet the neighbors. Everyone seems to congregate out there in the evenings and it's been great. People have stopped by and introduced themselves and have really welcomed us to the area. I think a large reason for this is because many of the people in our neighborhood are transplants as well, and can relate.
And, the transplant concept has carried into our ward as well. Mike and I were pleasantly surprised our first Sunday to see a great group of active members, in a great age mix, and some kiddos that were the same age as our kids. Again, people have been so kind to introduce themselves and invite us over, and really count on those around them for friendships and support systems.

The weather is BEAUTIFUL. My mom would probably tell otherwise, as one of the days she was up here, it was very hot and humid during the day which was followed with a severe thunderstorm complete with tornado touchdowns about 5 miles away (the tornado sirens actually went off while she was watching the kids for us while we were at a movie!). We've had some thunderstorms since then, usually in the evenings, and it's definitely a different type of storm than what you'd ever experience in Utah. But, for the bulk of the time, we've had 80s with mild humidity. I feel like we can be outside all day long and never get too hot.

The grocery shopping is tough. I still can't believe that they really can be laid out so differently from one another (and from ones in Utah). Frustrating that it takes me twice as long to do the process, but I also recognize that it's a learning curve and will get easier as time goes by.
Like with any move or big life change, it's tough to balance time for the tasks that need to get done to get everything set up and running and time for fun for the kiddos. I'm just trying to tackle one piece at a time and remember that it'll all get done (eventually).

LOVE having a GPS (thanks again mom and dad). I feel much more confident driving around knowing that when I get turned around I have a map that will help point the right direction again.
Fantastic restaurants. Okay, I've only eaten out twice - but both were great. I had my first taste of walleye and have since declared it my new favorite fish. Then we hit up a burger joint called The Nook (and yes, it really is tiny like a nook), with some of the best burgers.

And, the added bonus? MPLS airport is a great connection airport. Our good friends, Rob, Lorena & Michael (aka Biggie Smalls), were able to book an overnight layover on their way back to Sweden. It was so fun to get to spend some time with them. Max loves the concept of people sleeping over at our house and was so excited that he'd get to play with their cute baby.

And the kids? Have been great. The two weeks of limbo time and sleeping at different places threw Max for a loop, and he'd come looking for us every night. I love my little man and I love the cuddles, but anyone that knows Max knows that once he's awake, his mind is going, and he loved talking about anything and everything. After about a week and a half, I was just beat, and made this incentive chart for him to work towards. I thought it'd take him awhile, but he was quickly motivated and three days later (after sleeping in his bed), was thrilled with his new toy.

Most importantly, Max has really been a great example for me with meeting new people and making new friends. His ease of being in new environments and playing with new kids shows me how easy it really is to introduce yourself and meet those around you.
Alexis is a stud. I think she ran for her room and crib as fast as she could (I think both grandparents told me how at night she'd head off to a car and point to it like she was trying to go "home."). She got a little sick the first day here (I think from the long travel day we'd had before), and has cut some painful cuspids, but has been her usual happy little girl.

Here are some pics: