Sunday, September 19, 2010

Scoop - With Pictures Of The Back Yard

Hope you guys have had a good weekend. Ours was busy and productive! No other way to be while transitioning.

First, let's cover that finally, at the age of 3, Lainey is in a big girl bed! We sold her crib in Kansas City and moved her into this bookcase bed that I adore. Can't wait to fill it with cute Lainey-esque trinkets and all things girly.

My original intention with these photos was to showcase her "mothering". New houses = lots of time to get acclimated to new surroundings = a daughter who spends more time putting her babies to bed than getting to sleep herself. All in good time.

I love having a girl. This part is so much fun. The squealing? Notsomuch.

We've been running around the house since Friday at noon when the truck arrived trying to get things in order, all the while keeping kids busy and out of trouble. Today, we painted:

Sea shells, of course.

Such concentration.

Did I mention that the truck is empty? THE TRUCK IS EMPTY. Can you believe it, Delts?

Here's Blake being a smart ass, as we honored him with a Griswold-like drumroll upon removing the last box. That sucker rolled down the ramp, as if to mock his sarcasm. Awesome.

Have I mentioned that we moved into a neighborhood plucked right from a real estate website, google earth and all of the other creepy tools at one's fingertips via the Internet? Never saw it in person. Little did we know that a cul-de-sac full of the kindest people ever awaited us.

We planned to hire day laborers to unload the truck. Nope. Neighbors came over to help and emptied about 85% of it. 2 houses have shown up with cookies. Another lady gave me the scoop on everyone and offered a heartwarming welcome full of sincerity. We're blown away. Can't wait to get to know these fine people.

Before that, I have some laundry to do. Upon finding this house, we inquired as to if they had electric washer/dryer hook ups. We were misinformed on the dryer........had to take to Craigslist to find a gas one.....and ended up locating the exact match to our washer. For $100. Nice.

And, finally, part of the house that is resembling a livable space. The back yard. The entire reason we chose this house.

Several spots to sit alone and read or with other peeps. This one provides a view of the San Bernardino Mountains if you peek over the iron fence.

Cute trellis. Just needing some love.

Gardeners arrived today to trim back the plants and trees, paint the fence and work on the fountains. I am in love with the fountains.

Little punks have their space.

We have 2 patios......this one opens up from our master bedroom with French doors. We can see the darling gazebo and mountain view from inside. Lovely.

The other direction.

Fire pit. Blake wants to find some funky old chairs and paint them different colors to sit around the pit. Good idea.

Carter said we can hire out our yard to hold weddings. That kid is always thinking.

The breeze out here is so nice. We are up on a hill, so we get lots of air flowing through. The views are incredible and our neighbor plays Billie Holliday and Frank Sinatra from her yard. Blake and I sit out here and wonder aloud, "How did we do this?"

Shells for the punks to paint and I had to indulge in the Beach Party candle. Had to!

Put the chicken cabinet outside to hold arts/crafts and paints. We do everything at the outdoor table. Haven't eaten a meal inside since arriving.

More views off the back.

Looking toward the house from the gazebo. We're in heaven.

The punks have been riding their bikes and scooters like mad.....we house them on the side of the yard in a concrete area that trails around the house and back to the driveway. Our garage is Batman's domain now since we don't have a basement. Can't be opening it every day. So, this was a perfect solution.


I guess I don't need to tell you that we're loving life here. Seems funny to think that about 7 weeks ago, we were on vacation in La Jolla brainstorming about how to make this happen. We had some luck no doubt......and a lot of help from friends......Katie babysitting......Sass providing our movers with pizza and entertainment......the Delts packing.....new neighbors unpacking.....schools cooperating.......I could go on and on. So grateful!!!!

Hoping to have the house finished in the next day or so.

Carter starts school tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more pics!

32 comments:

The Jones Family said...

It's SO beautiful! We are happy for you guys! Kiss the kids for us.

Lauren W said...

I am in LOVE, I mean LOVE, with your new house. Makes me want to consider job opps out in La Jolla. Absolutely stunning. So happy for you guys.

Jodee said...

Whoooo hoooo! I, too, am so happy for you guys! Everything looks perfect! Can we renew our vows in your backyard? That gazebo rocks! Hurry back with more pictures!

Heather said...

Derek just said, "tell her we are coming!" sitting here sharing the pictures with him....

IT'S AWESOME and BEAUTIFUL"!!!!

Hattie said...

Love, Love, Love it!!! I am so happy for y'all!!! I can't wait to see more of your beautiful house!!!

If the shoe FITZ said...

that backyard is amazing. seriously, awesome..
you are the fastest unpacket i know! you always everything in place in a matter of hours...or so it seems! ;)

Unknown said...

It is to die for---stunning!

Good luck on the first day of school!

Vincent Family said...

WOW!!! I can see why you wanted to move. Your back yard is to die for. I can't wait to see more pictures!!

Cate O'Malley said...

I can totally see why you chose this house - gorgeous backyard (and low maintenance!)!

The Soladay Family said...

I am in awe, Casey. It is absolutely beautiful!!! Love the chicken cabinet on the porch, the gazebo, the kids' table, the wind chime, the awesome neighbors. Y'all did it!

Monica said...

What a GREAT backyard! WOW!

Shannon said...

I'm moving.

donatelli98 said...

Looks awesome - so glad y'all are settling in so well!!

Katherine said...

Looks like everything is falling into place! The backyard is just beautiful! Very happy for y'all and can't wait to read more about your adventures. I hope that Carter has a great first day at his new school!

Brittny said...

hold on, i need to get a towel to wipe up the drool. ok, that's better.

couple questions, first, when can i come visit? or move in? let me know if a neighbor goes insane and decides to move.

second, what kind of entertainment did sass provide? i'm sure it was awesome!

third, is there a military base in the neighborhood b/c if there is, i'm putting it as #1 on our list.

Sara said...

Looks incredible!!! That backyard is awesome and so perfect for the punks.

I love the pictures of Lainey's babies all sleeping on the floor. Sweet Lainey even gave up her own pillow for one of her babies.
Can't wait to hear how Carter's first day of school goes. I hope he loves it!

So happy that y'all have such sweet neighbors too. That is awesome. Makes such a difference in a neighborhood. Good luck with the rest of unpacking. Looks like it's all coming along great.

The Lenzers said...

LOVING the back yard, I would put up camp out there. But I have to ask, are you not worried about rain having your gorgeous cabinet out there? Hope Carters first day of school is a success. And you should go with his idea if the job search is slow....host weddings. You could play the organ and sing and Blake could get ordained and perform the ceramonies. You have the perfect flower girl and ring bearer at home. Hell Carter could walk some brides down the isle if need be. just sayin'

Dee Stephens said...

Love the yard too! So awesome! I so, have to come visit friend!

The Potters said...

LOVE the backyard! And I can almost smell the ocean and the cool breeze from here!

starnes family said...

Everyone is welcome to visit. Come on out!

Furniture will be given a lacquer top coat to hopefully deter any weather damage. If we see pieces starting to fade or crack, we'll bring them in.

Glad yall like it!

The Lenzers said...

forgot to mention....
liking the new signature
Casey in California
I've got to get one of those

aunt caroline said...

You're making me want to visit earlier than November.

Momma to the A's said...

WOW, great backyard, great neighbors, great scenery, great times already ... sounds like you all have found the perfect spot!!

Allyson and Dave said...

I love your backyard. It is just perfect. You are going to take some great pictures and make some great memories there!

merrilee said...

Looks SO LOVELY! Can't wait to see it in person.

Merry Mack said...

Looks like you have found Wysteria lane. Hopefully they are nice and not crazy.

I am in love with your outdoor living. It looks like a dream. I am so happy for you and your family. Sounds dreamy even if you are in throws of chaos.

Coco said...

I can't get over how fabulous your back yard is. Amazing!!

So happy for you guys.

(was this long enough, Blake?)

Blake said...

still not seeing the love. i think that the flame is dying.

The Rand's said...

Your backyard is amazing! Everything looks just beautiful!

Hope Carter had a great first day of 4th grade in Cali!

timmonstimes said...

OMG, I love it! No need to do anything in your house when you have a backyard like that! I forsee lots of preious pictures in that backyard:) So glad you are enjoying it! Wowza!

FROGGITY! said...

rawk on, that all looks amazing!!!!!!!!! you can just feel the breeze from merely looking at the pics!!! congrats!!

Tammy said...

What a great looking place. Enjoy your new adventure.