first xmas

For our family around the Country, here are some shots of our first xmas in the new house. Thanks to all you all for the wonderful presents and warm wishes. We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The traditional Christmas Eve presents (pajamas of course) . . .



Alex reading Twas the Night Before Christmas (A Goblin's Tale) to me and Addison (and Samantha) . . .


Christmas morning highlights . . .



Alex talking to Aunt Carol (in Maryland) . . .


Addison, our budding Chemist . . .

We're in!!

Well, it's been a long haul, but we closed on December 14th and moved on December 17th. It's amazing that we've been unpacking for a week and we still have SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much to do before the house is "company" worthy . . . oh well, it's great to be in! Here are a few pix for your entertainment . . .

Livingroom (w/ kids watching TV . . . they've been doing a lot of that lately while we unpack!) . . .


Our new pool table (w/ dining table top on for now) . . .


Pool table (and Alex) without table top . . .


Here's a shot of the loft with RED ceilings!!! Sliding doors have been frosted too - very cool at night!


Master Bed - more RED on the ceiling!


Here's our chem top coffee table from my mom and dad with it's new stainless hairpin legs from Ian at hairpinlegs.com - very nice work!!!


Counter height barstools (from Ikea - the price is right and design fitting too) . . .


from the front of the house looking east - moonrise . . .


from the back of the house looking west - sunset - LOVE this house!!!

interior shots

Haven't posted any interior shots for a while, so here are a few . . .

Living room into dining . . .




Screened porch off living (plexi and screen inserts have now been installed in the cedar framing) . . .


Loft area into master bedroom . . .


Master bedroom . . .


Stairs heading down from loft/master . . .


same stairs from underneath . . .


North side or house/yard - haven't shown this lately either . . .

Closing this Thursday!

Yup, finally here! Our closing is scheduled for Thursday morning at 10 AM . . . all body parts are crossed for smooth sailing! A few things will be finished outside after close, but we are READY to get in and completely trust that the agave gang will take care of us.

No good pix, but here are a couple low quality shots from this morning . . .

All cedar has been stained and a little landscaping going in . . .






A shot from the back corner (southwest) looking northeast - fence posts are in and fencing material has been delivered. you can also see some metal edging that will help define the grass (zorro zoysia) areas vs gravel vs patio vs the back native grasses/wildflower area . . .

exterior shots

The house was all locked up today (I guess that means we're really getting closer to moving!!!), so here are some outside shots, enjoy . . .

Front . . .


New Palm Tree . . .


From the front yard/courtyard area . . .


Enrty sidewalk . . .


Looking back at cul de sac and neighbor's homes . . .


South side of home . . .


Back of home - sod to be installed tomorrow (I think) . . .


New Italian Cyress trees on North side of home (and our tankless water heater in the back corner behind AC units) . . .

looking good for an on time close . . .

While there's still a million little things to do, at least they're little. We hope to close the week of Decmeber 10th. Here are some pix of recent progress . . .

Front - notice a new palm tree off to the left


Landscaping begins - metal edging is in to separate grass and pea-gravel areas, a few trees have been planted and sod to come early next week.


Appliances have ben delivered and installed - LOVE the Jenn-Air product line and our 36" gas range!



Closet doors and Barndoor sliders have been installed - glass inserts have yet to be frosted, but that's happening soon too.