Settling In

Our "new" house definitely feels like home. In fact, it's hard to remember how we used to spend our time, since things feel so different now. One of my favorite quotes is from an obscure little book called Home to Harmony, and it says: "There's danger in thinking joy is a matter of location. If we can't find joy where we are, we probably won't find it anywhere." I think I did a pretty good job of finding joy in our last place, but, that being said, I am SO glad we moved! It is so nice to have the baby's room set up and ready, instead of a closet or a corner of already crammed living space. It's so nice to have counter space on which to prepare food and room for the kids to race, jump, and play indoor soccer on rainy days. We have barbecued at least 5 out of 7 nights a week since we moved in, and we're starting to make friends and discover parks and things nearby. We got a trampoline, which we all love, planted a little vegetable garden and some flowers, and love to run in the sprinkler. This whole backyard thing has brought on a whole new facet of life which is dirt and bugs, and it's so worth it. Luke says he doesn't want to move in a year. Hopefully we won't have to downsize!

P.S. I've had lots of questions about where the backyard actually ends. You may be able to make out the faint outlines of a chain-link fence a little ways past the fort. We are on just over an acre, so it's not too big, but definitely not too small. Bonus: the mowing of the grass is included in the rent.