Thursday, April 30, 2009

Spring Has Sprung!

Here's a look at our new backyard when we moved in - tail end of "Winter" ... if you can even call it that down here. Anyway, the trees were bare, and we could see our distant neighbors over the ravine. Still a beautiful view out the back door, but we knew it could only get better from here.


Now take a look at that same view from our deck! All of a sudden, the leaves are back, and our neighbors have disappeared! I will say Spring arrived later than I expected. Purple redbud blooms were the only sign of spring amidst the bare branches for several weeks. Then it seems, overnight, everything filled in. While Arkansas has a beautiful Spring, it also has one that I seem to be allergic too. I've never had to deal with red, itchy eyes on a regular basis and violent sneezing that hurts my throat. Please God, let me get used to whatever it is down here that is making me miserable lately. I'd rather not have to deal with this on an annual basis. Although, I plan to milk it for all it's worth and make Kyle cut the grass every time from now on!

Here is a redbud - these purple blooms dotted the streets everywhere down here for at least 2 weeks. I'm hoping these didn't stir up my allergies, but it's quite possible

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Come On In!

The moment you've all been waiting for ... pictures of our new home from the outside looking in! We still have some decorating to do, furniture to buy, pictures to hang ... but it's home.
Our Living Room ... first floor ...

Our Kitchen ... from the Dining Room in the front of the house ... looking at the Eat-in area ...



Our Kitchen ... from the back of the house looking into the Dining Room ...


The Eat-in Area of our Kitchen ... overlooking our deck ... you can see our grill thru the window ...


Our Dining Room ...

Kyle's Office ...


Our Master Bedroom ...


Master Bathroom ... jacuzzi tub, two sinks ... what?!?!?




Master Closet ... holy cow ... I didn't know we had this many clothes ...


Family Room on the lower level ...


Guest Bedroom on the lower level ...



Guest Bathroom on lower level ...


Our Workout Room ... with our new, amazing treadmill!

Kyle's Workshop on the lower level ...

Our Deck on the lower level ... two decks ... what?!?! I love Arkansas!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

The "Naturals" Sky

This weekend, Kyle and I joined some of my Wal-mart coworkers at a Naturals' game, the minor league team that supports the Kansas City Royals. The stadium is new and quite beautiful, but I'll be honest, the game left a little to be desired. While the funnel dogs were something I'd never seen before (yes, a hot dog wrapped in a funnel cake, powdered sugar and all,) the drizzling rain really put a damper on things. I remember the St. Paul Saints games being a bit more exciting. The sky, however, stole the show. Check out these pics as the sun set over the ballpark.


Our friend, Rob, about to enjoy his first ever Funnel Dog!

Bella Vista, after the rain. We were hoping to find a pot of gold since this rainbow seems to end right above our street, but no such luck. We will both be going to work Monday morning ... even Kyle, who is back in Mpls this week.