Readjusting

Another school year is underway and we're getting back into the swing.  The girls are enjoying school and their teachers, and we're proud of their resilience in being the "new kids" two years in a row.  Nina has finished the Harry Potter series and is now on her second trip through the books.  She's had a lot of fun with memes and silly videos that make her laugh.  Pip has started gymnastics and is enjoying learning.

Ben is getting into a groove in high school classes and is thankful for his department, who has been supportive and helpful as he comes back.  Teaching in the states is obviously different and coming out of the pandemic has led to various issues that make life interesting.  Ninth grade is never the most mature group of people, but social skills definitely took a back seat during online learning.

We've started trying to do a family run around the lake every day after school, to mixed results.  Some days the girls are great, other days, not so much. But hopefully if we can make a healthy habit, it'll become easier.  We went raspberry picking to celebrate Kara's birthday a bit early and we've made a few trips around town.  We enjoyed celebrating the Moon Festival and watched some cool performances.  Kara also found some new games for us to play and we've been enjoying the cooperative game Forbidden Island.  Wits and Wagers has also been a recent favorite.

 

We love our neighbors and can't believe our luck to be across the street from two great friends from school, and then to have Ben's childhood friend, Kyle, move back from 10 years in North Carolina, just diagonal from us.  It is a remarkable coincidence and we've already enjoyed spending time together.

Oh, and the girls got to see one of their favorite bands, AJR, at the Basilica Block party at the start of September.  It was a really fun night and one they've talked about since.

Visiting the old faves

With our long stretch until school starts, we've been going to many of our old haunts in the Twin Cities.  From the zoo to the pool, ice cream, and restaurants, we've been happy to see things again from the older perspective of the girls.  They're anxious to start school and see how things go.  

Back in Minnesota

Well after four years abroad, the Naks have returned to the US. We have appreciated the warm welcome. We've gotten to catch up with family and spend a lot of time together.  The girls haven't missed a beat with their cousins on Ben's side and got right back to playing.  Yoga, golf, bowling, nintendo, parks, cards, and little Benny even cried when the girls last left him.  We had a great time out on the lake where the kids got to fish and swim.  Nina was thrilled to get her library card and just finished her 18th book (Harry Potter 5) and Pip has happily read a few this week too.

We are very grateful for all the help family has provided as we get situated in our new place.  From supplying a tables and vacuums, to helping with the physical move, to inspecting and driving our new car, we're lucky to have parents with the willingness to help us settle.  

We've enjoyed our new neighborhood and seeing things that have changed since we left.  While we were already familiar with the area, it's been lovely to take family bike rides, go to the park, and listen to live music.