Apr 24, 2013

House Hunters: The Wandering Edition - Ann Arbor, MI. - April 2013

I know I've mentioned it before, but just in case you're new, the Wandering family is moving HERE. In 7 weeks we will pack our things, load up our trucks, and roll just over 400 miles west, northwest. I honestly never thought I'd have a heavy heart leaving this place, but all of those emotions are for another time. Today will be FUN FUN FUN!!!

Wanna come house hunting with us?

Ann Arbor is one of the most crazy rental markets I've ever encountered.  Most rentals are never even listed. so it was KEY for us to find a great Realtor that we felt would be our eyes and ears.  For several reasons we knew we'd only be able to make 1 short trip so we needed someone that understood our needs and would help us make the most of a long weekend. 

Two weeks ago today our Realtor called and along with 7 other possible options there was a property that was about to go on the market that she felt would be perfect. Could we come now...?

So we packed up, jumped in the car, and hit the road. During the time it took us to get there; 2 properties rented, 2 said they wouldn't allow 2 cats, and 2 other were undecided on allowing pets. This left us 4 potential options and really only 2 for sure. So Here we go...

Our Wishlist
3 Beds, 2 Baths, allows cats, covered parking, dishwasher, washer/dryer, yard, and good size living space for inside play on cold days.

House #1:
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 100% pet friendly 1350 sq. ft
Great location near the mall and a few miles from the Hub's work. Newly renovated, very white, petite, and covered parking.  The price is at the bottom end of our range.

Kitchen

Living Room
(E is attempting to help with the finishing touches of the renovation.)

Dining Room - Walk out patio outside that sliding glass door

Master Bath (1)

Master Bath (2)

Master Bed (1)

Master Bed (2)

Laundry and HVAC closet

Bedroom #2 (1)

Bedroom #2 (2) w/ walk-in closet

Main Bath

Bedroom #3 (1)

Bedroom #3 (2) w/bi-fold door closet

Hall bedroom #3 (left) Bedroom # 2, bathroom and Master bedroom at the end of the hall and a small closet (right)

Entry: There's a coat closet and pantry on the left. The kitchen is to the right and the living room and dining room are behind the camera. 
So... I told you it was WHITE!!!

What do you think?  Should we keep it on the list? Stay tuned for
House # 2 and some Ann Arbor FUN!!!
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House #3 and the A2 Fairy Doors
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House #4 and Ann Arbor Fun with Friends


Till next time,
Bon Voyage

Apr 18, 2013

Are Your's Bookworthy™? - Baltimore, MD. - April 2013

How many times have you told a friend "be sure to tag me in that photo when you post it on Facebook"?

We've moved a lot in the last 8 years and there are at least 2 more in the next 18 months. Each move has taken us to a new city and/or state. We leave friends behind and hope and pray to make new ones in the next place we call home. Facebook has kept us together, even though thousands of miles separate us.

Through the lens of Facebook I've seen my best friend's babies for the first time and shared photos of my own little ones first hours. I've captured and posted a "girls trip" to Florida and my siblings being together for the first time since 3 military deployments separated us to the ends of the earth. The question has never been how to I get these photos to them, it's always been 'what's the best way to share these moments?' and "How do I never forget these memories"
Shutterfly has just launched its Bookworthy™ Facebook app that gives us an answer to that question. It helps you create a photo book from your Facebook photos in three easy steps.

1.) Choose your friends
2.) View your photo book.
3.) Share for FREE on your Facebook wall or order for just $10 plus free shipping.

You can find the app by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/PhotoBookApp

I'm in the process of making my first book now so I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Apr 3, 2013

MJ 1st Birthday - Baltimore, MD - February 2013

I know this post is a little late coming. This month has been VERY busy! That being said, let's pick up where we left off... MJ's Birthday!  I'll post her actual birthday stats in the next post.

The actual birthday day started by me sneaking into the girls room to attempt a "sleeping" photo so that I could compare...
(one day old)
(One year old)

Big sister wanted a "sleeping photo taken of her too. (sleeping... ha ha!)

The birthday girl is awake...
And HAPPY about the fun day ahead.

Bright and early we headed out for a morning of fun at a local indoor play place called Kiddie Crusoe.
There was lots of Crawling...
shooting hoops...
playing in the ball pit
Riding FAST...
Climbing high...
Driving fast...
Surfing...
Swinging...
Hanging...
A little break...
A drink of water...
And they're ready for more!

E took her little sister on a birthday helicopter ride.
Then Daddy took E ferry flying.
Much to the horror of all the other mothers at the playground, The Hub has also taught both of our little ladies how to climb slides...
MJ is a natural!

A few photos with the birthday girl...
The Wandering Family...
A birthday lunch at Red Robin...
And to top off a pretty much perfect day, we all played with MJ's birthday present!
Happy Birthday MJ! You are so incredibly LOVED!!!
Till next time,
Bon Voyage!