Plenty of Boxes, But Not For Living In

Well, we made it. No, I am not talking about our fun-filled friday morning, although we made it through that with flying colors.

I mean that we made it. . .into Notre Dame's student family housing! We have a little less than 1000 square feet now, and in a month we'll have to fit everything into 500. But it will be good to get rid of some things that we really just need to toss out.

Originally I wasn't a fan of the idea of living in on-campus housing, but after talking to some people, I think it will be a great experience. The Village, as it is called, offers many, many amenities we would not be able to have anywhere else. Here are few of the things, in no particular order:

• Garden plots, with mulch, tomato cages, and any and all garden tools available in the community center.
• A football field-sized recreational play area, complete with at least two enormous playgrounds, cook-out locations, and picnic tables. Anytime the weather is decent, kids are out playing with each other.
• Free internet
• An ongoing clothing/household items exchange
• Clubs for the moms, such as cooking, reading, and cake-decorating.
  
• Lots of free family events, such as: parents' night out--with free babysitting, picnics, music performances for the kids, "field trips" such as blueberry picking, and many other other kids activities.
  
• An indoor playroom (among other things) in the community center, so we can still "get out" during the cold weather.
• You can check just about anything out from the community center--vacuums, sewing machines, tool sets, books, DVDs. . .and you can book the community center for parties!
  
• The outside doors to the buildings are security code enabled during the night hours.
• A free shuttle that runs to campus--important because it's a mile to campus, and Joel's building will be clear on the other side of that.

Most of all. . .it's super cheap, i.e. perfect for our student family budget.

(part of a playground, and garden plots up to 200 sq ft!)

We can be happy anywhere we live, but I am extra happy we got into this housing. We had a choice between space and lifestyle, and we chose lifestyle. We will have a great experience, and we won't feel isolated in the cold weather months (something I've heard is a common problem) because we can make lots of friends.

But, we are sad to be leaving such a wonderful area. DC has been good to us, but most of all, we have been blessed to be in an incredible ward. Thanks to all of you who have befriended us or helped us out in any way. We are lucky to know you!