The sun shines on every dog's butt.

    In spite of the current situation...I am happy.  Though we have no idea when we can get into the house, the kids and I scoped the neighborhood this morning and WOW...we have so much to look forward to!!  In addition to the fact we will have several churches at our disposal every minute of the day across from our driveway (I will probably find myself visiting frequently to pray for strength and courage!) we have a footbridge out our back door that will take us across the river and right to Main St....and Taube Art Museum, where they have Art a la carte on Saturdays.  It's a program for families that combines all you can eat lunch and an art project for all ages!!  There's a coffee shop, a cookie shop, an art supply store, several retail shops, and all within walking distance!  And....on the opposite corner from the footbridge is a trail, similar to Heartland Trail in Park Rapids, that winds through Roosevelt Park to Roosevelt Zoo!!  Lions and Tigers in our backyard, Oh MY!! 
    Before scoping out our soon-to-be new neighborhood we stopped by Sunnyside Elementary.  It took my breath away.  I have always been a sucker for old buildings, especially large, old stone buildings that have lovingly been taken care of!!  And lining the entry walls of this old stone building is this beautiful blonde toned marble.  When I walked in I instantly thought to myself, "Can I come to school here?".  I don't think it's an option, damn.  Anyway, the principal greeted me with a smile and preceded to introduce me to Gavin's new teacher and to tell me how excited they are to have us.  Whew....I needed that reassurance. 
    So, starting Monday Gav will be in one of only three kindergarten classes and Paige will be in Mrs. Hanson's class, one of only two first grades.  I love it.  Small classes.  When the snow melts we will be walking to school every morning and each afternoon at 3.  Maybe my butt has a chance after all.  Oh, that's the other thing...we'll be walking or driving to school every day because Minot has NO BUSES!!  When I told Luke this he said, "Sure.  You just really don't want to get a job, do you?"  Ha ha.  (That's not it at all. :) )  No, seriously, there is no bus service in the Minot public schools.  That's ok.  We'll just walk when we can and enjoy the exercise.
   A few more errands to run today and we'll check into the Best Western around 3.  Time to set up house for awhile.  Do you think they'll let me put my name on a chair at the pool?