Bump House

We really like our new home, which the kids have nicknamed the "Bump House".  It's a bit bigger than our Florida home and is 2-stories (a big change!).  The kids love the stairs.  When we were house-hunting they were fans of any house that had stairs.  Ironically, it's Aubree who has fallen down them twice, thankfully only resulting in tears of shock and fear. 

The biggest down side of the house (and it's only a minor inconvenience) is that it's a split-level.  The garage, laundry room, and playroom are downstairs and everything else is on the top level.  On the list of positives, Mark's thrilled to have a smaller yard to maintain without the horrible Florida weeds grass. We also now have two fireplaces that I have no idea how to use. 

Another big change is that, aside from the kitchen and bathrooms, everything is carpeted.  I had to inform that kids that Lila G. Vacuum (who had gotten used to a life of ease in our carpet-less Florida home) had better start earning her keep. 

So, why do we call it the bump house?  Downstairs in the play room there is a 4' x 12' section that is raised about 18" off the ground under the bay window. 

After a few weeks I realized it could also be considered a stage, but by that point "bump" had stuck.  It's one of the kids' favorite places to play (and jump off).  It's also handy for extra seating.

We're still in the process of unpacking, though it was really helpful to have Grandma and Grandpa Winters here to help when everything was unloaded and we made a lot of progress that first week.  Mark also did a lot while the kids and I were in California (at one point while we were gone he remarked, "do you realize how much you can get done when there aren't kids around?!"  No, I don't think I can relate).  Hopefully we'll have pictures on the wall before it's time to move out (I really, really stink at decorating - anyone care to volunteer to come help??  Seriously!).