Less is More

This past week we got moved into our new home on Rookfield Close in Muswell Hill.  We spent nearly all of Tuesday there, awaiting our air shipment delivery.  We had the air shipment leave Bellevue at the end of December so it would arrive when we did and it included minimal basics - air mattresses, sleeping bags, towels, a basic kitchen supply, camping table & chairs, etc.  Thanks to the recommendations of friends who have done this, it also included a couple boxes of toys and books, along with Valentine decorations.

On Tuesday morning the kids busied themselves with videos and activity books from the airplane ride.

Abby's morning nest while we await the air shipment. 

Then the air shipment arrived and it was like Christmas.  The kids were so excited to unpack their few things.  Each carefully arranged their rooms with their special items, and we put up our Valentine decorations.  Suddenly a barren house began to take shape and feel like a home.

Valentine's Decorations in our front entry.

Danny's room complete with box night stand.

Kaylee's side of her and Abby's room, so neatly arranged.

I've realized over the past several days playing in the house how less can truly be more.  The kids have been making all sorts of different games with so many fewer toys and books than they are used to.   The activities they've made up with one box of ponies, one box of planes & cars, and building blocks have been endless.  We are getting by just fine with cardboard box shelves, a camping table & chairs, and minimal kitchen supplies and it makes me wonder why I so often long for more.

Our family room with camp chairs and box shelves before our IKEA furniture arrived.

A few toys and a lot of imagination.

There have also been plenty of movies on our mini DVD player, and there are definitely things I will be happy to have in our sea shipment in a month or so (I'm looking at you solid table and chairs), but there is a surprisingly large amount that I don't miss. It has been a good opportunity to reflect on what really matters and how very little we really need. 

Lunch in the new house.