Sorry for the lack of updates…life has been crazy. A year ago Marybeth and I thought about moving but we decided to wait until after the Olympics. In hind site that was a very good decision, moving is chaotic especially with two small children.

In the beginning of April we decided we wanted a big yard for our kids, a good school district and I wanted to live close to my work. That led us to the west metro. Well, in the west metro we did not have an abundance of choices in our price range but that was ok, via the criteria stated above. We fell in love with a house in Orono on .86 of an acre. However, the inspection flagged quite a few items that had to be fixed before we could move in.

 This is the list we were given:

Support beam in garage be replaced

Replace rotting kitchen windows

New steel door

Lots of electrical work

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Guardrail in basement stairs

Screen on fireplace

Fix negative grade around house (which then lead to new gutters)

Sheetrock and fireproof basement ceiling

 We also got our boiler tuned up, well cleaned and my Dad and I laid hardwood flooring.

Man I can feel my wallet getting lighter just typing this list.

 Well, we did it! We got everything done and closed on time. Since the buyers had already bought another house and could not fix these items they gave us permission to have contractors come in and fix these items before closing. This makes for lawyers and lots of extra paperwork. At closing our realtor told us how nervous it made him…

 We also have to give a shout out to Marybeth’s uncle. He owns Fries Electric and he did an amazing job with ALL the electrical that had to be done. Also, Joe Hansmann, our general contractor who got everything done on time and did a great job (even with his wife giving birth to their first child in the middle of everything). Thank you to our parents who helped A LOT!!!

 We could not be happier. Grant loves it here. He lives outside. We have seen a snake, chipmunks and last night a snapping turtle laid eggs in our garden. Samantha is not too happy with the move but in time we hope she will love it too!

His car he LOVES from Grandpa and Grandma Fries