Not homeless

We found out Friday that we have a place to live! 🙂 We have been researching the Colorado Springs area for weeks, and have been in contact with numerous locals (friends of friends) to get specific feedback on neighborhoods, school systems, areas, etc, etc, etc. We began our search first looking at apartments but quickly moved on to townhomes. We also decided, since renting from afar, not to rent from an individual owner but to go through a property management company, just to protect ourselves from potential scams and etc. Narrowing down our search helped, especially once we narrowed down what areas we would live in. 

So… after speaking with a really helpful realtor repeatedly, we started the application process on a townhome, and got word on Friday that everything was set up! So we are renting a 2 bedroom townhome. 2 story (no one above/below us), fireplace, washer/dryer, fenced backyard, really wooded area, on the nw side of the city, at the mountains, great view, pool/playground/workout rooms, etc. We are really pleased with it. The realtor we spoke with sent us the mls sheet on the property and all current photos, and then he went and visited it himself during our application process to take additional shots and give a more detailed report. He was really helpful.

So we were relieved not to spend our last weekend here in Seattle either house-hunting or wondering if we should be. Having a definate answer Friday meant we could pack all weekend, which is exactly what we did. We got a lot done. I think I could be totally done in one day (although I won’t be as fast at it with Ryan at work and Faith being with me 100% of the time) and I have 3 days. So I feel good about what is left. I got really tired/sore today, but the next three days should be lighter for me. And I get to sit and rest in the car for days after!

Speaking of our road trip, we are really looking forward to it. We are sort of at the more painful part of moving– the days of  the most physical work plus the more emotional days as goodbyes loom. The road trip is sort of the reward, like even though this weekend was hard and this week will be emotional, we have turned our road trip to Colorado into a vacation, which helps.

We’re driving two days pretty solid, about 6 or 7 hours a day (thats a solid day for a 2 and a half year old we’re guessing), and then we’ll be in the Grand Tetons (national park) and Jackson Hole to play. We’re giving ourselves time to hike and explore and photograph, etc. As we leave we’ll drive 2 or 3 hours. Then one more day of a 6 hour drive. Anyway, that is the tentative schedule. Most of our stops will be in Montana and Wyoming.

We’ll arrive in Colorado Springs during the evening, so we are set up in a motel that night, and will start fresh the next day at the property management office to sign our lease and pick up our key. And then the unpacking begins!! We will have a few days to unpack, return the trailer, and create some quality time/normalcy for Faith in our new place before Ryan starts his new job.

Our neighbor and friend, Anna, here in Seattle has put me in contact with several friends of hers in Colorado Springs. One has a 2 year old girl, and the other has a 2 year old boy and 1 month old twins! I have been emailing with them both and it is nice to have their input and upcoming playdates for Faith already set up. And the mother with the brand new twins also has helpful info about her doctor and birthing center, etc, which I need soon.

Anyway, all of that should bring you up to date on what is going on!! It is a busy time but it is going well.