Tomorrow will mark our first week in the Dells complete! In some ways it has flown by (especially for Nate who has been working hard with the staff team to teach and make sure everything is ready) and in some ways its been slow as we figure out how to live in a basement with lots of other people and with a work schedule that isn't really set yet. By next week, there should be a more normal rhythm to our days that will include Nate and weekends off to explore the Dells as a family.
Some Highs:
- I am really enjoying Lindsay, the wife of the director, whose family we are living with. We had met the first year we were both married back in 2008 and she has at least been to the northeast but we haven't really seen each other since then, so we have lots to catch up on! (and a fun face, all 3 Nav Rep couples here got married within 3 weeks of each other in June 2008- crazy!)
- The 9 kids between us are REALLY enjoying one another.
- We haven't turned the TVs on since we got here! (for the kids that is- I did see the finale of DWTS and even watched a little late night talk shows that were DVR'r- score! yay for direct TV!)
- We have a GREAT view of the Wisconsin River.
- We have plenty of space, both for our family in the basement- 3 bedrooms, a LARGE living room and bathroom- and the shared space is just as great.
- We got a WI State park pass and went to Devil's Lake this week- just like our beloved lake Wyola- even more beautiful!
- On the way home, we scored bikes for Olivia and Isaac! And since the driveway is flat and we brought our scooters, the kids have spent LOTS of time on the driveway.
- So far I don't think my housemates resent me, and I haven't been doing many dishes which is really nice.
- Meeting one on one for dinner last night with a team leader woman who I get to disciple this summer. I will also get to meet with a single staff woman.
- Not one, but TWO drive thru Starbucks!
Up and coming things to look forward to:
- Date nights on Tuesdays!
- Long alone time on Wednesday afternoons
- House Dinners
- Water parks and vaca fun around the Dells- I think I've priced out and narrowed down all the things I'd like to do here this summer!
Some hard things:
- We had staff meeting at our house the first couple days and for the most part the kids did great but one of the days, I was really upset. I ended up scooping the kids up and going for a drive, wondering why we are even here (and thinking of ways to escape- definitely my default for when things are hard. Since I can't go home- 3 guys living in my house- I was dreaming of going to Canaan...) I came back and its worked out better since then.
- Nate really is exhausted.
- The river is too dangerous to swim in.
Overall Ive said a few times, being here reminds me of Camp. In the actually location, rolling hill farmland where we live, very similar to Camp Sandy Cove in West Virgina. And in things like Walmart is really the only place to shop, is always busy, and is opened 24 hours. And living somewhere else, we are just having cereal for breakfast... we will see if this changes as the summer goes on....
Now for some photos:
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