And we're in.

With only a few boxes and crates left to sift through, I think it can be said that we're moved into our new home.  And the verdict is...(drumroll please)

IT'S WONDERFUL! 

I am thankful that we experienced a year in a tiny apartment, as we learned a lot.  But at the moment, I feel like I'm high on our new place.  Here are some illustrations of how life has changed in the last six days:

1) We now make announcements of where we will be when leaving a room.  Unnecessary before.
2) Helena is scooting everywhere!  We're amazed at how fast she is and how often she's on the move.  Our old place didn't really allow for that much moving; plus there was nowhere to go.
3) Our refrigerator door opens completely; the old was partially blocked by the radiator.
4) The old apartment pushed us out, which was great as we were in the best neighborhood.  The new invites us to stay, kick back, and relax.
5) Helena has room to play.  We have room to play.
6) We have more time together as John walks 5 to 15 minutes instead of commuting for 30 to 45 minutes on public transportation.
7) We had HUGE windows in our last place, and it's hard to believe but our new windows are even bigger.
8) I have a real kitchen.
9) We can sit on the ground with Helena and not have to be contortionists.
10) John's books are unpacked and on our big bookshelf.  Most of the books and the bookshelf were formerly in storage.

There is more I could say about our amazing new home but instead I'm going to go spend some downtime with my hubby.  There hasn't been much of that lately - he's a busy yet wonderful man!

For those Helena fans out there, here's a fun video from when John was assembling the big bookshelf.