Oh man, guys...I'm behind the blogging. I know. That's because when I got back from my family trip to Disney World, Keith and I IMMEDIATELY had to focus on moving into our new house! We didn't go too far, just 20 minutes east of Nashville to a budding area called Mt. Juliet. A fast growing suburb, Mt. Juliet has lakes, hiking, a great school system, plenty of amenities, and an overall family vibe that appealed to both of us when it comes to raising a family. See a sneak peek of our new pad below!
Moving week was both exciting and frightening. Even though we were only moving a short distance and still plenty close to our friends, family and favorite hangouts, it felt like a completely different world. However, that's kind of the point of moving, right? A change for the better? I realize that in the last two years I have done two things that society has very big opinions on: getting married and buying a house. Even though I feel like I have always marched to the beat of my own drum, I can't deny that I was tempted and very much aware of what society told me I should do in both instances. All the articles, blogs, friend's horror stories, unrequested opinions...it can be overwhelming for anyone (just wait until we actually have our first kid, right?) So to say I could 100% ignore all of that would be an outright lie. I heard voices in my head during the house hunting process, ones that said I needed this or had to have that. In the end there were only two major points for us:
1) Keith wanted a new(ish) house in a neighborhood where it would be safe for dog walking and our future kids.
2) I wanted a good school system. Seriously, that was my only "must have". That was the one battle I was gonna pick and the rest I was going to take with an open mind.
We ended up in a four year old house on top of a hill in our new neighborhood, perfect for watching sunsets on the back patio. Our master bedroom is on the second floor, which makes it super fun to just leave the blinds open 24/7 for starry nights and morning sun. The old owners left all their West Elm curtains (SCORE) and we actually have a pretty flat backyard that passes my "soccer test" (meaning if it's flat enough to play soccer on, you're good.)
And every day I discover something new that makes me excited to be here. The back entrance to the neighborhood empties out to houses on acreage speckled with cows and horses (Starbuck was more bewildered than amused). There are farmer's markets and crepe places and coffee houses with names like "Billy Goat Coffee Cafe". Everything we need for daily life (groceries, bank, etc) is right outside our neighborhood, all while being a short drive to good ole Nashville. And since Keith and I work from home, it's extra manageable since we don't have to commute every day. Our new house has become our new work space, too!
And as for Disney, let me share some of my favorite pics from the trip. It was great to be with my family, and I knew a good time was had when my brother mentioned that on his first day back to work he was thinking "I'm sad we're not waking up and deciding which park to visit."