Getting settled

Everyday, this is starting to feel more and more like home. (…but don’t worry parents – our real home will always be with you.☺) We’re figuring out where to go shopping for what, and we can get around our neighborhood without staring at the map. I think our house is finally getting to the point where it’s pretty comfortable, which is good because our wallets can’t afford much more comfort. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics below give some indication of how far we’ve come, but there’s all the hidden stuff, too (e.g. silverware, duct tape, clothespins, real glasses instead of disposable plastic cups stolen from a university function, etc.). We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again - Oh the joys of starting with nothing.

Also, our neighbors came over to welcome us the other day. They brought a plate of Lamingtons (little cake/chocolate/coconut bars – you’d love ‘em, Dad!) and carmel koalas and a Sydney Weekender magazine. And the card was an Australian flag that one of the kids made (you can see it on the wall in the living room photo). They have 4 kids that are pretty darn cute – we’ll try to get a photo on here sometime soon. The whole family is so nice, and I think it’s the first time we’ve ever had someone welcome us to the neighborhood. Their visit made my day, and was a pivotal moment in making this feel like home.