The First Few Days

Supposedly we left the Windy City behind, but in fact, the first few days in Sioux Falls were windier than any day I remember in Chitown. With Pap'o help, we were able to unpack quickly and start to get settled. We checked out our new grocery store, the Hy-Vee (with which Brian was "very impressed." He was also "impressed" with the gas prices - what is it with men and their infatuation with finding the lowest gas price???)

We had also promised Mam'o and Pap'o a trip to Falls Park before they headed back to NY, so we spent a windy afternoon before heading on to our real estate agent's home for dinner. It was so nice and unexpected to have social plans on our very first night in Sioux Falls! Melissa and her husband and son have a gorgeous home - it got Brian and I excited about buying our new home soon. They have about 5 bedrooms, an office, a finished basement with a bar, a pool table, and a sound-proofed home theater with a 100 inch screen...and that is just IN the house! Their backyard has a fireplace, a half basketball court, and a trampoline! Maybe someday, the Guarraci Mansion will boast some of these features... ;)

In the days that followed, we explored some parks (one with a fabulous frisbee golf course), joined Sam's Club (gotta get our free samples somewhere), and shopped at Target for such essentials as water guns, etc. We play in the backyard on a daily basis and are feeling very comfortable in our apartment. Although it has less square footage than our condo, it feels bigger in every room except for the kitchen.

On Tuesday, a couple of Notre Dame alumni invited us to their gorgeous home for dinner. Again, it was so nice to feel so welcomed in a new place. Everybody has been so friendly to us!