Like Father Like Son

Spider Man with blinking lights.

That is the shoe that I had to talk Braeden out of the other day while shoe shopping.

I grabbed his attention when I said... "but this one is silver and black and looks just like Dad's running shoes. Don't you want shoes like Dad's"?

Today Sean was heading out the door for a run. Braeden (in his sweet little voice) said...

"Dad, can I go for a run with you? I have new running shoes".

How do you say no to that?

Home sweet Home

"The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes." Harold B. Lee

Here is it... a little tour of the the new house.

I seriously pinch myself everyday.

I think we took a brave step in living with a white kitchen with two boys. Magic eraser will become my new friend.

My antique teapots now have a beautiful home.

Turning on the fireplace sets off the smoke alarm.

Guess it will take some time to burn off the residues.

Down this hall, straight ahead, is the Master bedroom and bath.

Down the hall to the right is the laundry, mud room and garage.

I am standing with my back to the hall that goes to the boys' rooms.

The stairs head to the basement.

Miles' room.

I am thinking Jalapeno Jelly will the the color for the walls.

Braeden is requesting blue walls and the Toy Story theme will continue.

Master bath.

Mud room/drop zone off garage.

This area will be so handy in the winter.

If you come to visit, you will now have your very own room and bed in the basement.

You will also have your own bathroom.

The basement space is awesome.

So much room for the boys to run around.

Also plenty of room for the treadmill and other work out stuff.

It still needs some organizing...

Then in basement, we also have this unfinished space... great for storage!

We are loving the new town of Marion. It is the oldest town in Iowa. The downtown is bustling with business. The town park is home to festivals and concerts in the summer.

We have a trail head that is half a mile from the front door. Sean is loving that he can head out for a run and not have to run on concrete.

We are right next to Cedar Rapids so the opportunities for the boys are endless. Braeden is signed up for soccer that begins in two weeks, Blastball that starts in June and swim registration is coming soon. Story time at the library is great!

Our neighborhood is full of kids. And from what I see... safe. Kids ride their bikes all over the neighborhood, they run with their dogs down the street and everyone plays basketball in the driveways. Neighbors have gone out of their way to introduce themselves and bring over fresh goodies.

This area was voted one of the safest places to raise a family. Schools have great ratings. I am really looking forward to staying put for a long while.

Miles is 18 months old and this is his 4th house.

I am ready to call Iowa home.

Come visit!!