A House is not a Home

Armed with the keys to Older Daughter and Son-in-Law's new house, after a not-so-fun drive in rain on several freeways, I prepared myself for the worst as I arrived at their place. Last time I was here, the basement was full of boxes and storage, and part of the yard was covered with big dog turds; I couldn't imagine how anyone could clear it all out. I was wrong.

In a couple months the living room will be loaded with kid toys (diggers and blocks) and a big fluffy orange cat may be resting on that window seat.

The bedrooms are ready for cribs and beds, sleepy mornings and bedtime snuggles.

My Older Daughter has lived exclusively in small apartments in Seattle, Los Angeles and New York; she's a fabulous cook who's been cursed with teeny kitchens, unlike this dream one. I can hardly wait to have dinner here!

Upstairs will probably be used as an office, a play area, or another bedroom eventually. Who knows? I'm excited to see what they do with this space.

I can visualize computers and perhaps a couch here with a chair next to the window to look down into the yard. 

However, I do find the stairs a little scary. (steep!)

Since she left home, Older Daughter has never had sole access to a washer and dryer. Although they're in the basement, which has had some water issues, it's better than having to share the laundry facilities with other apartments. It's a luxury to have your very own!

Last time I saw the packed basement bedroom, it was crammed with boxes, so now I can see how spacious the room actually is. It's not very livable space at the moment but it has potential. 

The former owner left her plants, including the lavender. The lawn definitely needs a mow soon! 

Our Little Guy will enjoy running around in this wonderful back yard. He loves to be outdoors. But I hope he has several raincoats since he's moving to a rainy state. :)

The owner left this beautiful plant; the cynical side of me thinks it was just too big to transport. 

And the real estate guy (more cynicism-newly wealthy from his commission) left this bottle of Prosecco which none of us drink. :) It was an extremely thoughtful gesture though. I hope that Older Daughter, Son-in-Law and Grandson are very happy here and make many lovely memories. I'm sure they will fill their home, not only with furniture, toys, computers and beds--but also with love, laughter and joy. 

 

 

Comments

[Kathleen]

What a cute house! If you don't want that bottle of Prosecco, I'll take it. 😉

[Debbie]

YAY! Looks like it was left in good shape for them to just come in and unpack. I hope it all seems real to them now that the keys are secured and they have a clean slate to start out here in WA.

[Catalyst]

And if Kathleen doesn't get it first I'll take it. That backyard garden looks amazing! And I'm sure your daughter will love that kitchen.

[Doug M]

So wonderful! Love the photos, am excited and happy for them! 🙂👍♥️👍

[Arkansas Patti]

Impressive the shape everything was left in. Love that back yard with the privacy fence and plants. The sparkling wine was a nice touch. Maybe they can regift it.

[Pixie]

The house looks nice and clean, a huge bonus, and the yard is gorgeous. I'm sure they will be very happy there.

As for health insurance in the States, it's obscene.

[Ally Bean]

How fun to go through the house now, before it becomes a home. It looks lovely and with that backyard a great place to raise a family.

[AC]

It looks like a really good place. The yard and garden with all of the plants already there is hard to beat.

[Susan]

The house and garden looks fabulous. They will have plenty of space to make it their own custom home. I can visualize all the toys and N playing in his back yard with Ziggy nearby. New beginnings are always exciting.

[Kaye]

Congratulations to them! And to you. So nice to have family move so close! It will be great to travel an hour not many hours to see that darling grandson!

[StoicWannabe]

That's a wonderful home! I bet she loves the garden. The kitchen will feel so much bigger. I like the size and shape of the rooms (the ceiling in the one). I remember the feeling of going from the community apartment laundry room to having my own, and it was just the best feeling. Do laundry whenever you want and without other people's lint, hair, and leftover socks (ick!), not to mention safety concerns. I love that hardwood (?) floor and the purple, green, and white plant is gorgeous.

Did they buy it, or are they renting? Celebration time whichever it is. Congratulations to your daughter and SIL!

[Joanne Noragon]

Thank you for the tour. An easy home to love.

[Karen]

The new house looks fabulous! So happy you will all be living close to each other. There's nothing like owning a home when you have a family!

[Zazzy]

Perhaps they left the garden and plants because someone put a lot of thought and effort into them and hope the new owners will care for them. It seems that the house was not at it's best when you last saw it, but it does appear it's been well cared for. I look forward to the kids getting moved here.

Have a safe trip! Enjoy the bebe!

[DrumMajor Linda in Kansas]

Wow! that's really roomy inside and is very clean, ready for move-in. Ship the wine to Kansas; my DIL loves it. Your daughter might, or she could cook with it. The basement is for tornado time, but I don't think you get many. I had a house with the washer/dryer in the basement; it's precarious on the stairs as we get older, so keep ahold of the railing! That was a nice touch for the previous owner to leave plants. Looks like she can grown anything anywhere. Pots loaded with dirt are heavy. Linda in Kansas

[Tonya Watkins]

Weird, several of the photos had broken links again! (It's been a while since that was happening). But, nobody else mentioned it. I don't understand why or how it would only be on my end?

So exciting that the house is READY for them! When is their ETA? Such a great house!!

[Donna W]

They are really moving up! I'll bet the washer and dryer will be wonderful, after having to go to laundromats for so long. I'm glad your grandson will have a wonderful outside play area, too.

[Deborah Weber]

How lovely and exciting! I think the garden left intact and the large planter are lovely welcome-to-a-home-where-much-happiness-can-grow gifts.

[Jenni Elyse]

What a lovely house! I hope they love living there and make many fond memories.

[Wendy]

I;m back again ;-) Good grief, I find myself away from my computer more than ever now that I can get out in the evenings and rake and clean my yard.
What a nice home they have there and how nice to have to have the room to spread out a bit.
I'm sure you are just waiting the time they can get moved there.
I think you are probably in NY now, and so have a wonderful time visiting with your family and celebrating little man's birthday.