...griff and graham: New Year, New House

January brought new news this year...we're moving. We only moved 3 miles away, but it feels very far from our isolated double-wide (ok, it wasn't really a trailer but it was laid out like one) that had unobstructed 360 degree views of this valley. We soaked up the last of the holidays and tried to catch as many sunrises and sunsets as we could. We were also graced with a hot air balloon flying course that often took off from across the street (Griff LOVED it). Our new home is definitely nicer in terms of upgrades, but I'm still adjusting to being in a neighborhood that has it's pros and cons (Pros: neighbors, kids to play with, adults to talk to, doesn't smell like cows. Cons: neighborhood, houses that obstruct the view, a communal mailbox with slots for each home that's down the street instead of my own box at the end of the driveway). There was just something about living on the far edge of town with nothing closer than a 10 minute walk.

I'm typically a little slow to adjust to change, but inevitably I'll end up loving it here just like I loved our isolated house that I initially wasn't too fond of. I wish Griff had been old enough to have memories of that unique place and space. Such a great place for a little boy to play. Griff has loved the new place though. It has tile floor and a floor plan that allows him to push his cars in a circle around the kitchen, into the living room, through what is supposed to be a formal dining room, back into the kitchen. He goes in circles and loves it. He also loves the street out front. It's actually pretty quiet out there since it's not a through street. He's had no trouble adjusting.

Walked himself in his car backwards until he got stuck in the tree.

Helped himself (double fisted) to some cookies when I left the room. When did he get tall enough to reach!!

If the bike room is accidentally left open he's knows and I'll find him in there tinkering with things

One day I'll learn I can't leave my computer on the ground. He knows how to change setting that I have to google to figure out how to set them back.

Sometimes I look at him and he looks like a big kid. This was one of those moments

Here's a series of shots Griff took himself

then he attacked me and snuggled up. I had to catch it.

We got outside as much as we could to enjoy the open roads, even when it got really cold (yes, it gets cold here. I didn't believe it until I moved here and experienced it myself)

We dropped by Gram's work for a visit. Griff decided he'd help her out

Hot air balloons. I was packing up some things when I heard the front gate close...which meant Griff had gone through it because he always closes it on his way out (he's so polite). By the time I caught up to him he had gotten through the front gate and cruised across the parking lot with cozy car and was headed out to see the balloons. Nothing stops this kid when he knows what he wants. At least not without a fight.

Flying over the academy. We could hear them calling out instructions

Graham crackers make us all happy

chips and salsa: Dip, lick, scream, repeat

Sunrise off the back patio. I miss this

Out the front door

To the left out the front door

Not pleased with the dinner selection

MOVING DAY

My entire daily wardrobe (all seasons) including shoes, belts, scarves, bags, and other accessories fit into these boxes with a few hanging items. I'm not sure whether to be pleased with myself or go shopping.

It actually snowed the day we moved. Griff in our front yard checking it out.

I bought this table at Fred Meyer in 1997 for very little when I moved into my first apartment after the dorms. This is it's 14th home. It might be time to get a new dining room table and turn this one into a craft table. But then again, I bet we're still using it when we move next time because I don't see table shopping rising to the top of my list soon (the 4th chair is still alive, it's just not in the picture)