Well, we had our last of the real firsts… we missed our first Jimmie birthday party, which is rather appropriate as the very last thing we did in Canada before we turned to this new chapter in our lives is go to the Tyrell Museum for his birthday. My nephew is now 8 and as he turns 8 we mark our year as uprooted Canadians working on placing our American roots.
After a year we have found our rhythm. A year of homeschooling in a whole new system awaits the yearly test and on we go with a second year already in the works. We have learned about the platypus, enjoyed the penguins and experienced the neighbourhood…
Ken has been working for nearly 6 month and is grounded and enjoying himself along with his beer league soccer (they are first in their league right now) and his weekly boardgame nights with friends from his youth. Grounds have been revisited, memories unearthed and cheese curds eaten.
Echo has grown (some) and matured (tons) and become even more precocious. With her words in her chatter, her ringlets and smile are all over the house.
I have fallen into crochet myself (finally) with the help of reconnecting with my bestfriend from high school (Shandai). I have my all new American baby Lily Bean and a laundry list of Minnesotan landmarks to see. My status is on going and my plans fluctuate but… it is becoming home here. We have home plans! It is good!
A year after we have had to loosen up on our 2 years in the US plan… what with the whole wanting to buy a house (or so I am told I want to… hehe) and Ken’s wonderful job. BUT I have trips north to look forward to, once I have my status cemented of course!
We have had a year of American holidays and learning to celebrate our Canadian (and international) one a little more low key. The change has been different but our horizons have been broadened as has our creativity in keeping our Canadian experiences alive. In the wake of a year away I am proud of how our relationships with those up in Canada have continued strong. And of course all new events to enjoy and create traditions around!
We are not exactly where I imagined we would be a year later but we have a plan to be proud of, memories to hold dear and a present that is glorious. I don’t think I will ever stop missing my family, friends, slurpees, poutine… our every day life in Canada completely BUT it is becoming easier and easier to be here… and to be happy and not missing everything up north as much.
When I look back through this year I see a lot of change, and most for good, a lot of adaptation and growth. We have a future to look forward to with lots more change, adapting and learning to go. I just want to say I love and miss you to everyone back up north and thank you to everyone here who have assisted in the process of making us more at home! 