10 hours, 2 truck loads, and 8 family members and friends later…we are in the new house!
Thank you all so much for hangin’ in there with me while we’re getting settled in. I don’t think I’ve ever been more exhausted in my entire life, though I’m sure it’s nothing compared to how Ben et al. are still feeling after the marathon box and furniture moving sesh that started bright and early on Saturday morning with coffee and sustenance from The Dunk!
We fueled up then moved…and moved, and moved (and moved, and moved, and moved!)
10 hours later every item we own had been taken out of our old place, and put into the new one. After our last move I said we would never do it again without professional movers. Ben, who “likes” moving, now agrees. We’re getting too old for this much heavy lifting! ; )
At the end of the day, and after a much-needed round of showers (it did end up being the hottest day of the year so far!) we celebrated with Chipotle for dinner and fireball shots for the men…which they took then promptly passed out. ; )
Welcome to the new crib!
The two features of this house that really sold us are the kitchen (show ya’ in a sec) and the outdoor living area, complete with a serene koi pond with waterfalls and fountains, and a lushly landscaped yard.
We came from a house with virtually zero landscaping, to a house with maintenance-requiring plants on all 4 sides of the house. I know, what have we gotten ourselves into, but gosh, it sure is calming and pleasant.
We’ll probably have to scale back some of the plants, but that’s a decision for another day.
Oh, Mr. Bullfrog says hello!
The other part of the house that immediately spoke to me was the immaculate kitchen.
Every finish was something I’d pick out myself if I were to build my own kitchen from scratch, and I could not be happier with it. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and SO functional.
Check out my lid drawer – WHEE!
The outdoor space also has a wonderful kitchen, complete with an all-season fridge for quick beer access, a sink with disposal for easy cleanup, and a gas line-fed grill, which means no propane tanks to mess around with.
Last night Ben and I broke ‘er in and grilled steaks and asparagus for our first real home-cooked dinner. I used this steak marinade recipe > on a couple of shoulder tenders.
And tossed fresh asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, then rolled them around on the hot grates for a few minutes.
Enjoyed under the evening sun, with the birds and crickets, it was just bliss. I cannot wait for a thousand more nights spent just like this. Nursery tour to come after the baby arrives! : )
Lovely!!! Those are my cors too! I love you outdoor space! I could just die! Congrats! Looking forward to baby room pics! Now relax!
I’ll have to go back and review the recipe — b/c your new place stole the show :) That backyard is something out of my dreams. Kitchen for my husband; fantastic landscaping for me. ENJOY!!
Your house is GORGEOUS!! Congratulations :) Can’t wait to see the nursery after your little one arrives!!
Your outdoor living area (WITH a ceiling fan- how cool!) is absolutely awesome. And that kitchen? Yup, that would have sold me, too! :)
oh gosh, that kitchen is beautiful! and the outside kitchen is amazing!!
The house looks amazing! You’ll love that backyard with your little boy when he’s old enough to go exploring. The taco dip looks great too.
Congrats!! The house is so gorgeous – the landscaping is breathtaking and the kitchen is a dream kitchen! Wish you guys much luck with it!
Wow, Kristin. Your new house is beautiful! That kitchen…and that yard…gorgeous. How exciting to be the owners of such a nice home with your first baby on the way. Congratulations!
Des Moines has a Dunkin Donuts? How did I not know that? Congrats on the house and that gorgeous kitchen! I’ll be trying the taco dip soon. :)
Yeah! On 8th street right off I-235. There’s a new one coming in Waukee very soon, and I think like, 5 more in the next several years. Wahoo!
My gosh your new place is beautiful! Love the amazing outdoor space. We’re working on getting out outdoor space into “entertaining” shape, but we have a long way to go.
And yes, professional movers are well worth every penny. We used them for our move up to Minneapolis and it was a huge lifesaver.
It is gorgeous! Your kitchen is amazing, but the grill! WOW! I am so jealous!! Nice!
This dipp also looks delicious! Win, win of a post!
I LOVE your new place, Kristin!!! I’m with you, the kitchen and the landscaping would have sold me in an instant :) I would be out on the patio at all times taking in the lovely yard!
We said the same thing after we moved the last time! Luckily since then we’ve gotten married and now own “real” plates and appliances so I have the argument that if they broke due to our terrible moving skills, we’d have to spend a lot of money to replace them!
Your house is gorgeous! Slightly jealous over here with my one bedder! :)
Enjoy your new digs! The landscaping and outdoor kitchen are amazing. I’ve been wanting to make our outdoor space more liveable. Never thought about putting a kitchen sink, etc., outdoors. Got to love summer dining!
Oh my, I am totally green with envy over your outdoor space! We just moved into a Beaverdale house and the exterior and the kitchen are what need the most work!
oh my goSH amazing! That backyard is luscious and the kitchen looks like a dream to cook in!
That kitchen? TO DIE FOR! Love the landscaping too. Glad you all moved in safely and are safe from the storms (and tornados by my house)! Can’t wait to see the food photos from your new digs.
xoxo
Beautiful yard and kitchen! Congrats! We are house hunting now too and these are two of the top items on our list. Wish us luck!
Good luck, Sarah! You’ll find what you’re looking for!
I’m really impressed you already have a recipe posted after your move. When we moved, I’m pretty sure my kitchen stayed in boxes for a few extra days. haha
It was the one room in the house that I felt compelled to unpack right away. The rest can wait! ;)
Congrats on getting into the new house!
It all looks amazing so far!
And I’m officially jealous of your grill, that thing looks all kinds of awesome.
As does this taco dip! Mexican food is my favorite and this looks so tasty, although I can’t have greek yogurt, but I bet avocado would make a suitable replacement.
Totally! A yog/guac swap would be great too!