Hello Minnesota!

I'm currently sitting in our hotel room looking out the window at a very different sunset from the one I saw Saturday night on Eaglewood golf course. Different in the landscape that surrounds it, but just as beautiful in the same kind of way.

The car trip was a success - Kermit managed to enjoy sleeping for the better part of the trip, and I learned for myself why everyone says Nebraska seems to go on forever.

Our first 12.5 hours landed us in Lincoln, NE where it's never felt more muggy or hot. At 9:30 at night, I was flooded with memories of my time spent in Korea, complete with the sound of the cicada buzzing in the trees near our hotel. And, at 7:00a.m. the next morning, I thought Kermit was going to pass out as he tried to breathe through the thick and humid air.

The next chunk of driving took us through Iowa and up to Minnesota. Thanks to our GPS, we were able to stop for lunch in the small town of Williams and eat fresh cooked hamburgers from a little drugstore/ice cream parlor called Cheaper By the Dozen. It was such a treat to see a glimpse of small town USA, and to sit on the corner of a main street that, other than asphalt, sidewalks, and a telephone poll, hasn't changed much since 1901.

Minnesota welcomed us with ominous clouds, a burst of a rainstorm, and a quick reminder that we are a long ways from desert country. And, just like the flip of the switch, we woke up to a nice sunny morning, and even more beautiful day.

A great day to once again become homeowners! We feel so grateful for the ease we've had in both the home selling and home buying process, and are excited about the new neighborhood and new adventures that the area will bring.

Tomorrow the moving truck arrives, and the fun begins. I know Max will be looking forward to empty boxes ready to become the new human tunnel in our basement.

Speaking of the kettles*, they are having a blast of a vacation with the grandparents. We are so thankful for their willingness to play with them while we drove and sorted through the home transition. I can only imagine how different the car trip and move in would have been with the little people. Max has already cheered a loud "whoo hoo!" over the phone after hearing about his new room and the nearby park.

The journey continues! And, as we are now calling the land of 10,000 lakes our new home, I am keeping my commitment to post more regularly!!

*kettles - Max's pronunciation of "kiddos"