What's with this city?

Today, the transplanted heartlanders

Two months ago, our family prepared to relocate from a small town in Minnesota to the big city of Seattle. Raised in Alaska, our two young children have never lived in a community larger than the allowable seating of the Seattle Seahawks' stadium, so this was a huge move for us.

We were filled with trepidation and concern for the quality of life we might be able to find in a more expensive, more populated area. In Minnesota, we enjoyed the tranquility of a small community (we are talking really small: population 1,000). Living on the family farm, we never took for granted the fresh fruit and veggies growing in our yard, the deer in the forest and the fish in our stream; most importantly, the freedom and safety of a rural area.

So why leave, you ask? My husband's work is on the water, the big water. Thus, my husband was forced to commute long distances to periodically visit us. Understandably, this was not sustainable. We longed to live together under the same roof.

So here we are in the big, bad city. But there is something wrong. The picture of our life here has not lived up to our expectations!

The first discrepancy in matching our image to our new reality is the people! They are friendly, helpful, kind and welcoming. Not at all the profile of busy, unconcerned urban-ites! What gives, Seattle?

Next: What happened to the gloomy and cold weather we heard was common here? It's perfect and perfectly not gloomy!

Perhaps the biggest surprise for us is the beauty and wild state of our surroundings. Although we live just 10 minutes away from the city, we have enjoyed nature's bounty (specifically, yummy blackberries) right outside our door.

Residents here for just two weeks, we have still so much to discover about our new home. We are excited to join the ranks of eager adventurers at the Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and the Woodland Park Zoo. There is so much to experience and so much of this beautiful area to enjoy.

Even the tragic events of last week did not overshadow the graciousness and the compassion of the people here.

Thank you, Seattle, for a wonderful introduction and a warm welcome home. We look forward to our future with you!

Denise Thompson of Shoreline considers herself a "resident in training."