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! : )
erin @hooleywithaz 06.25.2013
oh, it looks amazing! we will be in our house in exactly one month, and i am so excited to finally be able to live with all the things i fell in love with!
Trisha 06.25.2013
:)!!!!
Samantha M. 06.25.2013
Your new house is fantastic! Yay for the move going well and being all moved in. :)
brooke 06.25.2013
Welcome to the neighborhood!!!! I saw you moving in but didn’t want to bother you! You picked a great neighborhood (anyone tell you about the 3 parks off the walking trails?) to raise kiddos! I will definitely stop by and say hi when I see you out again!
Iowa Girl Eats 06.26.2013
Oh my gosh too funny – talk to you soon! :)
Christina (Sisters Running the Kitchen) 06.25.2013
beautiful house!!! just in time for the little one :)
Connie 06.25.2013
Congratulations on your new home, it is just beautiful! Especially love the kitchen and the lush backyard.
Lyndelou 06.25.2013
Glad the move went well and you were still there to oversee it all – my waters broke at 4am on the day our removals were coming at 10am! So glad it didn’t happen to you :)
Brittany 06.25.2013
Totally STUNNING! I could dig it for sure :) congrats…cant wait to see “your touch” to the place! We have always used low fat sour cream for taco dip…so I am intrigued by Greek yogurt as a sub for it. Will def- be trying it out!! :D
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious 06.25.2013
The new house is gorgeous! I am insanely jealous of your kitchen!
And this taco platter – YES PLEASE! I may just have to make it for dinner tonight!
Lauren 06.25.2013
It is so gorgeous!!! I absolutely love everything about it girl! CONGRATS!!!
Abbe@This is How I Cook 06.25.2013
Lucky you Kristin. Everything is gorgeous and I predict more happiness to come. Warm wishes! Keep that frog happy and all will be well!
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body 06.25.2013
The house is beautiful! It looks like something off of HGTV. Aren’t you due in a few weeks? There’s no wonder you would be exhausted. I would have had my feet propped up eating that yummy dip while I watched everyone else do the work if I were in your shoes.
Julie 06.25.2013
Oh Kristin, the house is just gorgeous!! That backyard/deck took my breath away! SO happy for you guys! Are you still near your parents? Can’t wait to see more pics of the rest of the house. :)
Iowa Girl Eats 06.26.2013
We’re 10 minutes away now, instead of 2. It was traumatizing at first, but each time the drive goes a little bit faster! (I realize this sounds nuts!)
Katie 06.25.2013
That backyard is beyond serene & surreal…. I absolutely want something exactly like that!!!! It looks like a private oasis that could almost feel like you’re on vacation in the spring and summertime!
LOVE the kitchen too! Those are the two “must-haves” (functional, well-sized kitchen and patio deck + large backyard) as well when we begin to look for our “forever/for-the-long-run” home!
CONGRATS ON YOUR PLACE! Your baby boy is a lucky one to get to grow up in that beauty :)
Susan 06.25.2013
I looooooooove your new home!
Do you need a maid or a gardener??? lol
Enjoy your new home. I am super happy for you guys!
Michelle 06.25.2013
Wow – your yard is GORGEOUS!! We just bought a house and have been working hard to make the yard more presentable. I greatly appreciate all that gorgeous/peacefulness.
Love this dip idea! Totally trying it for an upcoming BBQ. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Dawn 06.25.2013
Gorgeous kitchen and gorgeous yard! I love that your grill is gas-fed! Propane can be a pain sometimes! We’ll have to try that taco dip soon! Yummy! Can’t wait to meet the baby!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner 06.25.2013
Wow, it looks like a dream house. I have a huge crush on your indoor AND outdoor kitchens.
Amy 06.25.2013
I love, love, LOVED your greek dip platter last summer, and am super excited to throw together this taco one! Congrats on your new house–can’t wait to see how the rest of the rooms come together!
Margo 06.25.2013
WOW & WOW, Beautiful new digs! Congrats! Love that outdoor living space & kitch! A beautiful healthy boy otta round out a perfect summer for you!
Becky 06.25.2013
I loved seeing the baby stuff in the back of the truck…can’t wait for your little guy to make his entrance :)
I would also like to just live on your deck…so fun to have such a great outdoor kitchen (and a beautiful indoor one)!
Plus, I’ll be making this dip sometime soon. The addition of hummus is a great idea!