Just Checking In.

I thought I'd finally take time, because the twins are napping, to share an update on the Dakes. The move went smoothly, other than the weather when we arrived. It was freezing and wet, and all I had were flip flops. It was a huge change. We got into Mankato on Monday May 10th and our goods were delivered on Wednesday the 12th. I purchased a new 3 piece living room set, at the demand of the hubby. It was no biggie to me to have an empty living room. We all hang out downstairs, which Jason and Jacques have nicknamed "The Cave" anyway. Ours was 10 years old, and ruined by a combo of the kids and dog. It will arrive tomorrow.

All the kids adjusted well to the new house, and swing set. Zachary says, "New House" all the time. We are spending a lot of time outside. It's really nice, other than the bugs. I am hoping all this outside play gets them a bigger appetite and better, easier bedtimes. Not to mention, better sleeping. I already see each kid eating more at every meal. They are excited to get to the table. Today's breakfast took SEVEN waffles!

Lincoln did well on the 1295 mile drive. Not to mention the 4 nights in a hotel. We live on an acre here, with only 8 neighbors, Jacques wanted to try to let Lincoln off the leash to see if he'd stay with us, in the yard, or run off. It was great. He stayed right in the backyard. He even laid down at my feet. That is what we have always wanted for Lincoln. A big yard and no restraint.

Ryan has been coming up to me and saying, "pants" then turning his back to me. And he's poopy. So that looks like a huge step closer to potty training.

Things seem calmer in this house too. There are no more baby gates at my office or the bathrooms. They just pass by. The babies are also a lot less "in your face" all the time. Maybe cause there is more room to spread out amongst the 3 floors. (Not to mention the exercise I am getting going up and down 3 flights of stairs a billion times a day.)

Already the hubby is back knee deep with his soldiers. He was in Minneapolis on Thursday and has been gone since Monday morning and will be until tomorrow night. He spent last night in South Dakota. Then next week he will gone overnight again. He covers area in SD, MN and Wisconsin. Hopefully we will see each other during the holidays.

Life is definitely getting easier to manage. I don't stress over being home alone for days or nights. I feel safer in this house by far, even without our house alarm. I haven't even left the house since Sunday and that's been really nice. Jason enjoys that too.

I am wanting a Keurig Single Cup Coffee maker, so any thoughts on those would be welcome. Or where to buy. I see that Kohls has them or I can order direct from Keurig's website. Normally I would just head out to shop in Columbia, but we are missing a lot of stores here ; (

I see that there is a pumpkin patch here in the fall, and ice hockey games, which this family loves. And of course, a ski slope in our back yard, already looking into a yearly family pass.

I am still reading. I am on my 23rd book this year, and I read a handful of short stories that I don't count in that total. I am on my 4th book this month. Originally my goal was at least 40 this year, I think there were 38 last year, but at this pace, I am hoping for even more than just 40.

Jason has been asking to take an art class, but unfortunately the only one I have found is 1 hr 22 minutes from here. It's on Saturdays, only once a week for 5 weeks for $78 dollars. It's 2 hours. I don't mind that I guess. The hubby and I can take turns, which would be a nice break for me, I could read, shop, grab a latte, and sometimes we can all go. It's right outside of Minneapolis.

Things We Are Missing: Ihop, Chilis, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Starbucks, Bed Bath & Beyond, Books A Million, any fast food chain with a playplace, Sonic.. I'll let you know as the list grows.

I sent out a change of address card to most of you, but if you need our new address, email me. Our phone numbers have stayed the same.