Well, it looks like we bought a new house! We had the home inspection today, and NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT! Whew! Let's hope it stays that way!

We had not been planning to jump into anything quite so soon, but after looking at a few and seeing how much work most of them needed, we decided we really like the one we found! (See photo below). Walking through, it wasnÂ’t too hard to picture how most of our things would fit in, because we seem to have most of the same things as the people who already live there (the bikes & wetsuits, the computers, the dog,even the 1 year old!). Other aspects of the house, such as the new kitchen, have all of the features that we would add if we were to design it ourselves (the stainless steel appliances, the undermount sink, even the drawer pulls). The gated front porch is a great feature. I canÂ’t wait to add some Adirondack chairs, a porch swing, and a couple of hanging ferns! We also love the flagstone patio and pathway in the backyard, as well as the magnolia tree. I am going to miss the hydrangea I have been nurturing over the past year (we got it to turn blue & purple!), but hopefully we will find a good spot to plant a new one.

We lived in Delray for a while, and somehow ended up further down the parkway when we bought our current house a little more than 2 years ago. We are now looking forward to moving back to the City of Alexandria, where we will be closer to our friends, our jobs (no more commuting through Old Town with it'’s bridge construction and 25 traffic lights) and even the Rec. Center (Chinquapin) & dog park. A few of our friends are now even in walking distance!

The neighborhood appears friendly and well cared for. The current homeowners confirmed that, and friend Kelly added that a few of Hannah's classmates live close by to the new place. We will miss a couple of our current neighbors, but we are looking forward to gaining back the sense of community with left behind in Delray.

I think we would all be very happy there. It was also the only place we looked at that Harrison seemed to feel comfortable in. It also doesnÂ’t hurt that there is a playground right across the street.

I guess in a way we will be ending a chapter of our lives. The house we are leaving is the first house weÂ've owned. It is where we first brought Harry home to, and celebrated his 1st birthday. It'’s where he learned how to walk. It's also where we've spent hours chatting with friends over dinner and drinks. It's close to where Kevin plays hockey, Harry swims, and I run. But, the floors are crooked, the roof leaks, the dishwasher only opens halfway.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. Alexander Graham Bell (1847 - 1922)

Looking forward to the first champagne toast. Oh, and by the the, we met the dogs today. Turns out there are 2. I heard them barking as I approached. Could have sworn it was Bailey...and it was. A beagle named Bailey who looks just like our chick (maybe with a few extra pounds) and her pal Ginger! Ginger is a rescue and Bailey, ironically, is a 7 year old pedigree. I am assuming they have the same quirks. So, this means the house is not only baby proofed, but Bailey proofed!