For Our Memory Book- Farewell Minnesota

Yes we are excited to be on to another adventure, and definitely yes excited to be in Idaho for a little while as well, but I can't say that there aren't things, people, and places that I will miss here in Minnesota.

THINGS...
* this OLD house...with it's slanting floors, dark paneling, lamplit rooms, the clicking of the baseboard heat in the dead of night, the no tub or dishwasher, the giant fish mounted on the wall, the indoor plants that Ethan destroys....oh you old old house we will miss you! It's amazing how even something so different from your own particular style and liking can become such a place of sanctuary, your home. We may not have been here long, but we've made it ours and it will be missed!

* The beauty of the trees and the lake...I've already been missing them because we can't go swimming and the trees became barren weeks ago, but knowing that I won't see this beautiful scenery again for years, or forever is sad!
*The Town of Ranier's no leash law for dogs...yes there was constant fear of hitting dogs while driving as they own the place, but when you have a little boy who LOVES dogs it's nice to know there will rarely be an outing when he won't be able to find a dog to play with

PLACES
* The town of Ranier...such a quaint and quiet little place, except for the trains, so old fashioned- like something you see on a postcard. Wish I had time to take more pictures for memories, but for now they will stay with me. This is the place my son learned to walk, the place he learned his first couple words and where he bathed in a tote. Things become beautiful because of the people you are able to love there.

* The paper mill...oh wait it is exceptionally stinky, especially to my pregnancy "super-sniffer"  I don't think I'll miss that all too much actually. But the people David worked with were incredible. Wish we could take them with us!

* The little park in town...many a fun afternoon spent sliding, swinging, chasing down dogs, leaves, and sticks,  lots of laughs, snuggles, and all around fun had here.

* The BEAUTIFUL frozen Lake...we haven't been able to enjoy it for long, but it really is a breathtaking view to look out over the frozen water!

PEOPLE
* Our branch...thank you for loving our son. There is something that immediately draws you to people when they adore your child. Ethan has been doted on, laughed at, cooed at, and all around spoiled. It pays to be the only child below the age of 6, and one of only about 6 total at church. Thank you all for your love and friendship.

So there are probably a lot of things I am leaving out...and maybe as I remember them I'll add to this for the sake of keeping a record, but for now I guess here I am closing on another chapter of our life...Thank you Minnesota for not freezing us to death, and for letting us enjoy you for a short time. It certainly has been an adventure!