That's more like it

We got into the apartment, and it's great! Bekah and Ava met us there, and the kids romped around while I did the walk-through. It's about the same amount of space as the Haddon house, minus the attic and basement (which is a big deal) but plus another bathroom and a gas fireplace. The main living area is just one big open area, overlooked by the kitchen - a good arrangement with the kids. The kitchen is pleasant and functional, more than I'm used to. There's a big wide south-facing window along the far wall of the living room, through which the sun was streaming today. There's a view that is partly the roof next door and partly a nice vista down over the U district - including my new office building! There's the same view from the master bedroom. Jordan's bedroom is in the front of the house, looking onto the courtyard; Aaron's is the walk-in closet off the master, which is more than big enough for the purpose. There's a small and mostly unappealing balcony. Closets. And last but not least there's a generous utility room with washer/dryer and plenty of space for Phil's facilities. It's quite a bit nicer than the other apartments I've stayed in (Olympia, College Park) and I think it will accommodate us very well for the next few months.




Jordan's bedroom:

Aaron's bedroom:

Entry closet:


There is one huge, serious drawback, and that is the construction on the exterior. It is horrific. Look at the walkway. And we have a toddler.

I will never be able to put Aaron down out there, ever, and even Jordan and I are going to have to seriously watch our feet. Not to mention guests. Can this be legal? Even in the name of necessary improvements? We already argued for (and got) a bit of a break on the rent, but that was with the understanding that the walkway in front of our door would be completed when we arrived. This is so extreme that Bekah and I pretty much found it comical.

On the bright side, the courtyard might be sort of cute when it's done. If we're here then.

And if I feel too sad about the situation, there is a Grief Support Community just down the street.

When we had completed our apartment business, the five of us went to the zoo. That drive was six minutes. I practically shrieked with joy when I clocked it. We had lunch, and then since it was on the chilly side, spent our time in the Zoomnasium, a nature-themed indoor playground. It rocked. Aaron ran around going "Pbbbbth" at the elephant (his trumpeting sound) and making fish lips at the fish, and Jordan and Ava took turns hatching out of a big rubber egg.

This afternoon, Jordan is playing with Sam for a change. When Harry gets home from school, the three of them will go with Aunt Kari to the farm where they pick up their box of veggies. Aaron will stay here with me and Grandma Sue, who is aching for quality grandson time.