Monday, July 20, 2009

Small Towns

So it's no secret that the first time I lived in this small town I hated it. My kids were too young so they weren't in any activities plus I lived in the country outside of town and so I really didn't meet many new people.

I moved away for almost two years but got very tired of the commute on the days I had the kiddos. See their dad still lived in the small town (long story how we both ended up here but that's another post for another day) so I would drive 40 min to take them to school, drive 45 min to work, drive another 45 min back to pick them up after work then another 40 min home....get the drift??

I moved back down here about 3 years ago and I am so glad I did. This town is pretty damn cool now. It reminds me of the city in Iowa that I lived in from 5th-12th grades. It's small but not TOO small to where everyone knows your business. We have two grade schools (K-2nd, 3rd-5th), one middles school and one highschool. I dig how people take pride in the sports here too. When going to highschool football games, you'll see the stands packed with fans from every age, all the alumni still come! We have the town square where it literally is a block in the middle of town where there is a nice fountain and gazebo, surrounding the square are businesses. During the holiday's they put a huge Christmas tree in place of the fountain and all of the trees and light poles are decorated.

So this weekend we did some fun small town stuff. Friday night we went to the drive in...yup we still have a drive in here!! We saw 'Transformers', didn't really care about the movie, it was more just to go hang out with friends and experience it. Then on Saturday there was a car show up at the square. The kids and I walked up there (I live 2 blocks from the square) and wandered around a bit. Then later that night I went up there again to meet my friend and our girls hung out. We sat on one of the park benches, listened to the musicians who were playing in the gazebo and people watched. Just a nice relaxing evening. There is a huge fair every year too, last night Kyler went and watched the rodeo. This Wednesday is a big parade that kind of kicks off fair week. Miranda gets to ride in it for her cheerleading! I'll be sure to post pictures. One good thing about where my house is, not only can I walk to the square for activities, the parade route goes right in front of my house therefore I can sit on my deck and watch it!!

One last note...tonight is Kyler's All Star games!! *fingers crossed* He has a double header and we have to go to the next town over which is about 30 miles away so we won't get home til at least 11pm! If they win at least one game tonight, they will play again tomorrow night!!

7 comments:

Aleta said...

I'm a city gal, but I really do appreciate smaller towns. There's something lovely and safe and well, if I had the chance and money and opportunity, I'd definitely consider a small town. Yours sounds absolutely delightful!

jmt said...

:) You make it sound so peaceful. And you know....the small town I came from is actually a bit of a rival of yours...but we won't let that interfere here in blogland. LOL But I know the values you mention for your town go for mine as well - and the sports thing too. It's really neat to see all the varying ages at events. I'm happy to hear you've found a real groove for the town.

Lora said...

Having lived in a small town from birth to 18 years, I have a love-hate relationship with them.

Nashville is the ultimate small town wrapped up in a bit of a city. Which is nice. The perfect mix :0)

Visiting you from SITS--have a great day!

Amy said...

I live in a fairly small town too and have my whole life. McDonalds is right around the next block from me... :)

Lisa Petrarca said...

How cool, I miss drive-ins! Good like to Kyler tonight, fingers and toes crossed.

I moved to Utah for 2 years and had a hard time with how slow paced it was. Everyone there told me I talk to fast, LOL!

What can I say, I'm a CA girl through and through.

Multiple personalities.. said...

Stopping by from SITs...

For about 5 years, when I was younger, I lived in a little tiny fishing community in Alaska called Cordova. It had no more than 2500 people in the summer, and dropped down to about 1800 in the winter. You can only get there by plan or boat, and it didn't have a theater. I used to hate it and complaint that there was nothing to do. I'm a city girl now, and I gotta tell ya, I do miss that little small town sometimes. The quiet, the simple joys to be had there. So I totally understand your post. It was so nice to 'meet' you via SITS!

MaricrisG said...

I've always lived in a city all my life but I enjoy it when I go to small towns for a visit. I like the peace and quiet. Now if I can find a small town like Eureka, it will be perfect! LOL