Moving to Eagan.. Some Other Questions

You will get used to the snow in no time - Mini van or SUV doesn't matter.

My kids go thru hats and mittens; so buy a couple sets. Schools will more or less require them to bring boots and snowpants because they WILL go out at recess unless it is -20 or something ridiculous like that.

I would say buy all that stuff when you get here but selections is pretty sparse around January because the stores are already putting spring stuff out that early (despite the fact that in January, we still have 2-3 more months of potential cold and snow).

Our church has a great one in Eagan...Crossroads Eagan...http://www.crossroadschurch.cc/ We're "One church in 2 locations" so click on the Eagan links!

We moved to MN in January, too. And lived in Austin, TX before. It's a whole other world up here...but good. Brace yourselves for cold, it's really opposite of TX in many ways. Eagan is a great place. Moving is hard, but it sounds like you're on the right track! Good luck!

I wouldn't wait until you get here to buy the winter gear. Things are pretty picked over by January, and I've had trouble finding replacement snow pants, gloves and mittens that time of year. I recommend getting a really good pair of boots with removable liners. I also attend Easter Lutheran Church and am on the staff part time. Send me a message if you have specific questions about it. Good luck with the move! I've lived in Eagan for more than 14 years and will respond to your other questions, but feel free to send me a message with any other questions that come up.

Hi Kristi! I have a mini Van and I have no problems with it in the snow. The main thing is we all just drive a little slower :) Reading the other advice it sounds like winter gear is covered! Just make sure you have a few extra pairs of gloves! Church- We go to Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan. There's 2 locations, on The Hill is the traditional services and on The Lake is the contemporary service. We love going to Easter on the Lake! My kids are involved in Church classes and confirmation. They also offer a neat non-denominational Benediction Service on Sunday evenings you can check out!

~M. C.

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With winter clothing. My kids hate being over heated so we do alot of layers..Boots are a must.

I know for school. The kids wear their full winter gear to the bus stop and again at recess, and again on their way home. They need to pack tennis shoes in their back packs to wear at school. Label everything because kids lose their hats/gloves all the time.

I don't think it matter's much between a a SUV and MiniVan. Just drive SLOW and carefully. I drive a small lightweight car.

Hi there K.,
We go to Metropolitan Pediatrics in Burnsville (12 minutes from home, on the way to Cyprus!), and see Dr. Harrington. We love her. Park Nicollet and Fairview Clincs are also well known and good.
Our dentist is Dr. Kottas at Eagan East Metro Dentalcare. The Best!
I think I told you we do Piano at Cyprus - pay extra for an afternoon lesson.
The Wise Swim School in Apple Valley - 10 minutes from home - is consistently voted best swim school in the southern suburbs. We take lessons there, but I know they have a team.
Cyprus does Drama Club. Eagan High is a great resource for the summer.
Hair - K. at Danielle's in Burnsville - on the way to Cyprus!
I wouldn't buy winter gear in Texas because I don't think they sell warm enough stuff for her! There is a Burlington Coat Factory in Apple Valley that has thousands of coats. Kohls and Target also have coats. Target is the best place to get boots, hats, scarves, gloves, etc..
AS for the car - either is fine, just make sure that it is heavy and that you have ABS brakes. That is what helps in our road conditions.
We attend a Catholic Church, but from the little I know of you, I would think you would be looking for another type of worshipping community. There are churches on every second corner in Eagan so I am sure you will find one that suits you.
Hope that answers some questions for you.
Merry Christmas, B..

Congratulations, K.! You are going to love it up here! Here are some things I can tell you:
BSF: there is a Wed AM group at Peace Church (Eagan). Peace Church is on Nicols. I think if you go onto their website, you can search where there are meetings. But I think this one is the only one that has childcare available? I may be wrong.....
Church: I attend River Valley Church in Apple Valley, not too far from Eagan. It is Assemblies of God, and very focused on the kids! Check out their website for more information! www.rivervalleychurch.org We also have a Tues am moms group and a Wed night group as well. Both will start up again mid-Jan.
Piano: I know a couple that teach, I'll check with them and let you know if they might be accepting students late winter.

For winter accessories, don't buy the things down there just to haul up here. The end of January is when the stores start clearancing their winter gear, and you can get some pretty good buys. But I would suggest getting 2 sets for each kid - if they like to play out in the snow, you don't want to be drying that stuff every night for them to use the next day. If possible, also plan on buying for next year - at least one set per child. You can save so much $$$!

For a vehicle - most of them up here *new* have the option of all wheel drive/ four wheel drive, if that's not available, then opt for front wheel drive.

I'll try and think of more for you!