I’m writing this blog from my car, parked in downtown Whitefish, as I am pirating unsecured wireless access from one of the local businesses. Phew! We’ve survived our first week in a new state and house. And what a week it has been! We still do not have internet or phone in the house (that will happen a week from Wednesday). I apologize, but I won’t be able to post any pictures until this is set up Also, Doug has been battling with the satellite tv mongrels (aka Best Buy and Direct TV) who sold us our package, promised we’d have local channels (the major networks) plus a plethora of cable channels. Turns out our home is part of the 2% in the country who cannot get local channels. SO the solution was either getting the networks out of NY or LA. No thanks, needless to say it has been a very costly and time consuming problem. But on to more exciting things.

The boys – they are taking in the sights and making a name for themselves. We trained them early to wear sunglasses, so almost everywhere we go, we get comments. My favorite was an older man who told them they were very “Hollywood”, kind of funny. We’re making daily trips to the awesome park they have in town, the City Beach which is located at one end of Whitefish Lake and we recently joined an athletic club where they get to play while I get a breather, oh, and work out. The club is called the “Wave” but Will insists on calling it the “Storm”.

The two biggest mishaps of last week would be when Jack locked himself in the condo Doug was renting, along with my purse, keys and cell phone. I was get putting Will in the car and didn’t realize Jack as tall enough to lock the deadbolt. So, long story short, a kind neighbor suggested I check in the club house on site and see if they had master keys. Of course they did and Jack was freed within 5 minutes. Thankfully he entertained himself by opening a bunch of the cabinets in the kitchen, turning on the stereo and going poop (in his diaper). I on the other hand was frazzled and close to having a serious meltdown. Also, I’ve discovered the town dump – WOW, as Doug says the 80’s called and they want their idea back. So much trash in a big pit, it’s amazing. There’s no curbside recycling in Montana, so you have to make a conscious effort to take recyclables to drop off locations. Biggest surprise, they do not recycle glass anywhere! Anyhow, I went to the dump for the first time and was watching the other dumpers and reading ALL the posted signs, most important “no salvaging”. I pulled up to this row of large dumpsters and proceed to toss the trash in, just like the other people. Only I forgot I had my car keys in my hand and threw them into the dumpster with the trash!! Thankfully I spotted them fairly quickly and the dumpster wasn’t too full, of course I totally looked like I was salvaging AND I was in flip flops (so gross!).

Whitefish highlights – kids, lots of them everywhere. Riding bikes, in stores at the parks, it’s great. This is definitely a family friendly area. Also, the scenery is amazing, you almost forget it’s there, but every time I take a moment to look around I’m thrilled by the beauty. Being outside, a lot. The boys may be little blondies by the end of the summer. They are getting some color on their skin so they don’t look so pale. We’ve met other families who’ve made the same sort of move we’ve made and all say it takes about a year or two to really feel settled, but it’s worth it. Here’s hoping for the very best. Much love to all our family and friends. We miss you so much!!