House Hunting

This afternoon we spent 4 hours looking at houses. Our lease ends in June, and since it's a good time to buy, we felt like we should take a look around. I love looking at homes. Unless I'm actually considering buying one of them and making a long-term commitment to living in it. Then it's not as fun because you're also considering all the long-term implications of a mortgage, home value appreciation, etc. I've also found searching for homes in this part of the country to be a lot tougher than Houston. We knew when we made the move here that the cost of living was significantly higher than Houston, but wow. It's a lot higher. Case and point.

Houston area $204k

• 6 br, 3.5 bath
• 3558 sq. ft.
• Built in: 1998

Seattle area $220k

• 3 bed, 1.5 bath
• 1,340 sq. feet
• Built in: 1955
  

Awesome.

As we wander through houses built in the 50s, I remind myself of all that I love about this area.

Houston:
Seattle:

I'll take my mountains, beautiful lakes, and miles of hiking trails. Really, with so much to do outside, why would we need much house anyway?

And, really, really, I feel so blessed to be in a position where we can even consider buying a home AND to be extremely comfortable in the beautiful house we're in now. I'm mindful of the fact that so many others, like thousands in Japan, do not even have a place to call home right now. We truly are blessed.

THE COUSINS!

I married into a really cool extended family. I knew that before, but then Matt's cousins came to visit and I remembered just how fun and fabulous they really are. They only flew in for a few days, but we made the most of it. Lucky for us, Seattle had the most AMAZING weather while they were here.

We headed to Ipanema Grill in downtown Seattle the first night they were here. DELICIOUS. We also saw the gum wall that evening. Not so delicious.
Saturday was a whirlwind Seattle day, much like the ones I remember from my childhood. How many Seattle sights can you cram into a day? Well . . . we did a lot! First we drove to the top of our hill to enjoy the views, which could not have been more perfect.

Then it was time to hit the city. After eating our way through Pike Place Market, we wandered through shops along the waterfront, drank hot chocolate at Starbuck's, and fed the seagulls.

Isaac and Danny rolling down the hill near Pike Place.

Sean & Danny at Beecher's

Then it was off to Seattle Center. International Fountain? Check. Pacific Science Center? Check. Laser show? Check. Space Needle? Check. Tired kids? Check.

We didn't head home until we found the troll under Fremont bridge though. The cousins had energy to hit the mall later that night. Matt and I, not so much.
Sunday was filled with church, waterfalls, and playing games - PIT and Wacky 6's. Despite losing often, it was loads of fun.
And Monday, it was already time for them to fly back to real life. Sean, Katie, Isaac, and Calie - YOU ROCK! Thanks for a fantastic visit. We can't wait to see you again!