{boston}

In my few months here, I've had the privilege of visiting the fabulous city of Boston three times (it's really only a nap away--a little under 2 hrs from South Hadley). The first time, I spent the day exploring and catching up with Eddie, a high school bud from the Coop, who's now attending Boston College. The second, I stayed at a friend's house with her family in Lexington for the long October weekend, and went into the city everyday by train--exploring Harvard Square, the MFA (Museum of Fine Art), etc. The third was another day-long trip in which I shopped and visited the science museum with friend, Gigi.

I will say the Starbucks on every block took away a bit of the city's charm (still a loyal Caribou customer), but the architecture beautifully displayed some of New England's fascinating history. Each trip was a blast; here's a plethora of photos to prove it!

{Apologies for poor photo quality...all pictures were taken with my phone}

{day by day}

Has it really been 3 months?! The passing of time is strange here. In many ways, it feels like I've been in school for much longer. I've developed a day-to-day routine, and its repetitive nature has induced a sense of familiarity. However that feeling doesn't usually last very long; with each new tradition, and every time I get lost in the library, I am reminded that I'm still new here. Mount Holyoke has quickly become a second home, and I am so blessed to get to spend the next 3 1/2 years here.

But most of the time, it feels like life is whizzing by. I can't believe that I'm almost finished with my first semester of college. I've learned many valuable lessons in these short months, and the world of 'almost' adulthood has definitely brought both challenges and freedoms. Until recently, I've done really well with adjusting to living so far away from home. The welcoming community along with the excitement of a busy, new environment on the east coast has kept the homesickness at bay. But now, especially as we approach the holidays and many of my peers plan their trips home to their families (I will be going home with a friend), it's a lot harder to ignore all the feels. It will be my first Thanksgiving away from family and the Midwest, and I can't help but think of what I'll be missing. Though I know it will be different, I'm sure it will be equally wonderful experiencing holiday traditions with another kind, loving family as my hosts. Regardless, I'm excited to be staying in an actual house with delicious home-cooked meals.

{obligatory dorm room photos-a bit late I'm sorry!}

{view of Upper Lake from dorm room: end of summer & prime time New England autumn}

{favorite lunch spot overlooking Lower Lake}

While technology has kept me quite connected to home, I hate that there are certain events I can't physically be present for. Brothers are getting their licenses. Friends are having choir concerts and performing in plays I want to see. Some cousins are getting engaged while others are quickly growing up (like the two little nuggets below). It's crazy to think that when I come home, so many things will have happened--for both me and friends/family in Minnesota. These darling twin cousins of mine will be 4 months older, and will have grown immensely in the process. Every time I get a photo of them and see how much bigger they've gotten, I realize how long I've been away. Homesickness has officially seeped into my being, and I'm counting the days until I board my flight back for intersession (Dec. 16!!). Nevertheless, while I miss family, friends, Minneapolis, and Caribou (it kills me that it doesn't exist here), I will make the most of every day in Massachusetts. Before I know it, my time will be up--and I don't want to waste a second!
XOXO,
    ~Sonia

{photos taken one month after birth, mid-August 2014}

{Setara--left, Negeena--right}

{Setara--bottom, Negeena--top}