9 June

Another phone post tonight, as I'm too tired and sunburnt to fuss with one on the computer, which is not yet properly set up.

I've been trying to capture some before and after pictures of the process of making this house into our home, but of course I wish I'd taken even more of the "before" pictures (I think that's always the case, don't you? The contrast seems more pronounced when you can really remember what it was like before!)

So far we've stripped a ton of wallpaper and painted almost all of the interior walls of the house (when we're finished, we will have). We've demolished a low wall in the kitchen, pulled up carpet and layers of linoleum, and are now installing our hardwood floors. It's all so exciting (and tiring!), but everyday I'm actually amazed by the changes to the house.

The kids have met a neighbor girl and have spent hours this week playing outside with her. This is the first time we've lived in a neighborhood with any children in it, so everyone's excited.

Swim season is in full swing. Today we had the longest swim meet ever. All told, it was over seven hours! Exhausting! And we all came home more sunburnt than we meant to. But still, I remarked to my mom today, I love being a swim mom. It's a great sport to participate in, for so many reasons.

I want to knit something. Or maybe learn to crochet. Granny squares are calling my name. But for now, my focus (and money!) are going to the house project. It's all a season, I know. And in just a few more weeks, I know we'll really begin to feel home.

More soon, friends.