Settling into life in North Dakota

On Friday we took Delta to Grand Forks and were well welcomed. To say that we were the center of attention would be putting it mildly. To say that we like it would also be somewhat of an understatement. We like the attention and those providing the attention very very much.

The next morning, despite the frost on the car windows and the brisk chill in the air we were off to the soccer games. John Paul's game is first so Luke watches a bit. Patt and I have been through this drill before and it was good to experience it again.

Luke, second white shirt from left is "fast" like his Uncle Stephen, and wants to be good, so I suspect he will eventually find another sport to enjoy rather than soccer.

John Paul is all about the "well I am not sure" so I suspect World Cup Soccer participant is not in his future either. He is great for team spirit and sure looks good out there and has good soccer poses, like this one.

Matt must be a good coach or has some good players as his team did very well this year. One of his very good players is the blond on the front row named Isaac. Fast and disciplined —  moves well with the ball too.  Patt asked him what his Dad called him since there are two Isaacs on the team and he responded "Get in your position!"  Matt obviously is a good coach.

Because the day had been somewhat quiet for a Saturday and the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks Men's Hockey team was playing a home game, well guess who was going? Us. All nine of us plus Matt's parents Jan and Luther. We qualified for group rate tickets.

Of course the seats were pretty high up. But this is not your wooden seat, cheap upper deck skating rink either. These were leather cushioned seats in a beautiful facility with marble floors and the kind of place most pro teams only wish they had. 12 or 14 thousand seats, I forget, but it is huge.

Three concourses of seats with the second deck being suites. Those eight green banners are National Championships from the 1990s through last year.

Late in the third period, Lydia, John Paul and I went down to the first level for a a closer look at the action.

On Monday, a visit to the school and meeting Isaac's teacher. I did not ask but I suspect she may be Scandinavian too. There are a lot of them in this part of the country.

Julianna checking out some notes at the back of Lydia's classroom while Lydia keeps an eye on John Paul - stage left and Luke poses at Lydia's desk.

And the day ends at the girls' swim practice. Julianna in blue swim cap near bottom of photo and Lydia adjusting goggles in the same lane. They are both good swimmers and have good hard practices.

Additionally we have enjoyed some quiet time while the kids were in school. Including NAP time. (who needs a nap? Patt and I need a nap!)  Especially since Laura asks Patt to go for a walk (while Laura runs) and Luther and I played golf.

Tomorrow starts fall break and we are driving up to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada for a couple of days to see the sights. It will be fun. Patt and I were there last summer on the way home from Colorado and it is a very nice place to visit.