So here's the run-down. Our family has relocated to Pocatello, Idaho for a 5 week period. Why would someone voluntarily uproot their family and move to Pocatello you ask? Christian is right smack in the middle of his last year in pharmacy school...the year of rotations. Because he did not attend a Utah school, this one blasted rotation was really difficult to schedule. Our only two options were to go back to Omaha or to go to Pocatello. Why did we choose Pocatello? Well, we're starting to wonder that one ourselves! We are current residents of the Marriot Townsplace and are working our way toward Idaho residency! Did you know that you only have to stay in Idaho for 30 days to become a resident? I found that interesting. Here are the things that we have found to keep us busy:
Anders' favorite thing is to make as much noise as possible to make sure they never put anyone in the rooms on either side of us or below us. It works out to our benefit until we have to go to breakfast in the morning to face all the dirty looks.
I'm sure it would have been fun to go to really go to the Idaho Museum of Natural History, but they decided to close it that morning until spring to rearrange their displays. Bummer! If you've ever tried to park in the ISU student center parking lot, you'll understand how this was a HUGE waste of our time!
We love movie nights! Isn't Red Box the greatest? There's nothing like popping popcorn and drinking hot chocolate and watching a movie together. Well, when you have a three year-old, the fun lasts until his popcorn and hot chocolate are gone and then we're trying to think of something else to do.
Okay, this discovery has truly been a lifesaver! Who knew Chubbuck (right outside of Pokey) would have the best storytime?? I literally take the kids to the Portneuf District Library just about every day. They read stories to the kids, dance, sing, and do really cool crafts. I even signed up for a Library card so we can check out books. The ladies are so nice and know my kids by name. We love it so much!
The other great thing about the Portneuf Library is the Children's Center. They have computers for kids that are loaded with games. Anders has totally fallen in love. I'm sure I'm totally smitten over this place because it has provided us with guaranteed safe, clean, and free entertainment. I could not have asked for anything more!
Here's our other source of free entertainment. The play area in the Pineridge Mall in Chubbuck. I'm not going to complain about the size of this mall because I was just pleased that there was one! Also, we've lived in Logan and have lived with small malls in the past. Plus, their play area was pretty dang good for the size of that mall! I'm happy if my kids are happy! There's just nothing better than sitting back and watching your kids have the time of their life requiring no effort on your part.
Of course, nothing beats swimming in the hotel pool! I am so proud of Anders. He is trying so hard to overcome his fear of water. He will now come off the top step of the pool and even float on his tummy while I'm supporting him! This is HUGE progress!
Pocatello really hasn't been a horrible experience for us. I am really enjoying trying to make the best out of our situation. It has helped me to really appreciate small things that make my kids happy. The biggest lesson I am learning is that attitude is EVERYTHING! We are very fortunate to be staying in such a good hotel with two rooms. I know I wouldn't last any other way. You seriously can't beat free breakfast everyday (and not just your typical continental breakfast), housekeeping, and free access to the pool and exercise room (I'm sure I'll use it once while we're there!). We are now half way to the end of our Idaho experience and cannot wait until we get to look back at these memories we are sharing together...fondly. :)
