The Apartment and Fantastic 4

You've seen them before: The Fantastic 4. These are the girls I came in with as freshmen and we lived on the same floor (Smith 4) for two years together. 

As we get further into our majors and other life things, we don't all get to see each other much on a daily basis, but we still make a point to get together once a semester. There's something about walking the same stage of life that will never break the fondness we have for each other. I think we all know that whatever happens, we will always be ready to jump in, to love, and to support. So even though we don't live everyday life all together, it's comforting to always know the Fantastic 4 isn't far away. 

Our little afternoon Christmas party in my apartment looked like this: 

Pears, oranges, fresh mint tea with honey, peanut butter cookies, dark chocolate (and of course, Polish pottery).

Giggles. We had a lot of catching up to do, and that involves the good and the hard all in one, but also lots of laughter.

Creative alternatives for gift-wrapping. Because most of the time us college students don't actually have any real wrapping paper. Michelle's newspaper bows were awesome though.

It struck me all of a sudden when I was going through these photos that this is my city home. Now that I'm in an apartment, it feels more real. Czech is still home too, but my apartment is much more comforting than my dorm room ever was. It's still in the city and there's three of us in a one-bedroom apartment in a tall building, but it's the start. Getting to host friends is the most wonderful thing. Honestly, that's one of the biggest parts of why it feels more home-y.

I had a moment when I realized: This is my first apartment. Somehow the photos made that feel more real too. This will forever be marked as the first step of making a home, even just a tiny one with my two roommates, Julia and Kimberly. It's a process (we still have too many blank walls begging for artwork or photos), but like I said, it's the beginning. That is sweet.

Now here's my question for you. I feel like this apartment needs a name. I know the apartment across our hall is nicknamed "The Cave", and there's one three floors above us called "The Nest". Ours doesn't have to be an aspect of nature (though it could be I guess), but do you have any ideas? Whether or not you've been in the apartment, what are your thoughts? I'd love to brainstorm!