Spring is here

It's been an unseasonably warm early spring, which has contributed to me being lax in updating this blog. Well, that and having a toddler around, having Christina gone for board exams, beginning to fret about exterior colors, attending to other important things (such as hobbies) and just general laziness.

So what has been going on since the last update?

The ball continues to roll with the bank. The appraisal came back a little lower due to the square footage dropping, but nothing that will stop our progress. Seems like every 2-3 days something new comes from the bank that we need to sign. But so far, so good!

Jamie has provided us with a selection sheet, and some sample materials and catalogs. Top priority right now is exterior stuff (siding color, stone, gutters, fascia, shingles, windows, etc). We've done a little bit of reading, and Christina stopped by the stone contractors store too. But most of this selection stuff will begin in earnest after we get back form our spring break mini-vacation next week.

The boys and I picked up Subways and drove out to the land yesterday for a little picnic. We walked around a little bit and I think we are going to have a decent sliding hill just off the back of our backyard. Mark says we might have to clear some more trees from the south of the lot (the backyard) to get the grade to where he wants it for a walkout basement. If so, we'll end up with a bigger backyard (good) that should border up against the top of the sliding hill! First priority will be to build a fit pit right at the top of that hill for sure!

The time is nearing that we will be closing on the construction loan and officially beginning work. Can't wait!

Here's some pictures form the picnic day:

Picnic in the truck (ground still a little muddy):


Looking SE from approximately the location of the garage apron. Cleared area is the side yard to the east of the house:


A couple shots looking east from approximate garage apron location, showing the final driveway approach after it turns onto the land:



Dad! The sun is too bright!