A DREAM HOUSE!!!

We are not reeeally house hunting guys. BUT Ernesto has a little hobby called RedFin. He likes to look at real estate. Once in a while he shows me something interesting.

This mid century ranch came on the market less than a month ago, and I loved the look of it. Of course, it needed updated, but that sounds fun to me. (crazy, I know!) We were out one day and drove by. It was on the coolest street, a cul-de-sac with a handful of other midcentury homes. So cool and just minutes away from Virginia Highlands/Midtown. (ie: ideal location for us)

I called our realtor and we met her the next day to see the inside. Yes, EVERY room needed redone, but it had a FULL FINISHED BASEMENT. (a dream for our next house) Unfortunatley, there was only one room in the house that had any mid century appeal (vaulted ceiling and built ins in the living room).

We walked away thinking, "this could work" but not "let's buy it!" It was cool, but we were not totally in love.

(**House went under contract after two weeks on the market)

While driving a little bit north and looking at some other houses, Ernesto pulled into a driveway. He said

"You gotta see this house! It has been sitting here untouched for several years. I wonder what is going on with it."

Now THIS!! THIS is a DREAM HOUSE!!!!

It was LOVE. AT. FIRST. SIGHT!

The windows!

Walking around the side revealed a full walkout basement and a HUGE yard. (Almost 1 Acre!) The back has a little room of windows popping out...which just needs something more to look complete right? (A covered porch and patio maybe?)

This is what this house looked like prior to 2010.

What a transformation!! Obviously the owner had a great plan to renovate this house and turn it into a modern marvel, but most likely ran out of money. (??) I couldn't stop thinking about it. We contacted our realtor and she actually was able to locate the owner and found out he is willing to sell.

Since it is not listed for sale, our dilema has been, what price would we offer? The comps in the area are for FINISHED houses and an empty lot. (and are right at the top of our budget) We needed to know how much it would cost to FINISH this baby, which is why we are meeting with a contractor next week. Yes, we are serious! If there is any way at all that we can get this house, we are going to do it!

Ernesto is sick of hearing me go on with my ideas for this house...but it's so fun to dream! I don't have my hopes up THAT much, because it does seem like a long shot (too good to be true) BUT.... would you like to do some imagining with me?

Let's start with the front entrance.

Right around the corner from these HUMONGOUS windows is the front door. (which is obviously a dummy stand-in door)

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I don't like that the door doesn't face the road, but I can get over that! Look at the ceilings! This would be the most light bright HAPPY space ever!! I think I was standing in the living room when I took this shot...looking into dining area and kitchen I believe.

Yes, I am making up a blueprint in my head, why not? I just can't stop imagining living in this house. We would live happily ever after! Ha! This is standing in the kitchen looking back into the living room.

This is the kitchen. Imagine counter and cabinets under the windows on the walls and a HUGE island....

...facing out to this view!! OMG! Yes, my one acre lot!

Ridiculous!! Yes, this is still in the city of Atlanta if you are wondering!

I never thought I would like a carport so much, but this one is pretty cool.

The entrance through there leads into a laundry/mudd room...and into the kitchen.

Could I handle this vaulted goodness (with skylights!) in my master bedroom? It would be tough, but I'd like to give it a try.

Let's take a look at the basement, which adds over 1000 square feet! Also notice the vintage metal railing, the only original thing salvaged when they gutted this 1963 ranch. I LOVE it!

It is already framed out to add a bath, 2-3 rooms and a great room.

That would leave a good size room (probably unfinished) for storage right there where Ernesto is pointing.

How this gem has sat untouched for years is beyond me, but Im sure there is a reason. Which is why us buying this house is such a longshot, but worth a try right?

So do any of you have any guesses on the cost of finishing this place? Wiring, plumbing, insulation, drywall, wood flooring? With those things completed, it would actually start looking like a home. Then the fun could begin with picking out floors, a kitchen, bathrooms, and light fixtures. Oh my! It would be totally crazy and exciting if it worked out. Like I said, I don't have my hopes up TOO high. I have a feeling the seller is not very motivated, because surely he has had other offers. Well, he is about to have one more!! Ill be sure share more details as it unfolds....or just crumbles.

 

 

 

Arnold Week in Ohio!

This past week we flew to Ohio. This was the first time Marcelo needed a ticket (he's not a lap child anymore) and he was excited to hold it himself!

ALMOST all of my family was there and it was pretty fabulous. When we found out my brother Tim, (who lives in the Keys) was planning a trip to Ohio we made sure we were there too. (Unfortunately, we don't get to see him and his family too often)

Per our usual, we had such a great time together. I know, we are SOOOOOOO lucky to have each other.

My mom's garden was looking beautiful and the kids played outside A LOT! Except for when it was raining. Which was...A LOT! On one of the rainy days we all went bowling

These four cousins play really nicely together and I love hearing their conversations. So funny!

Movies were watched and sleepovers happened.

It was almost too cute!

The older cousins held the younger ones. Marcelo looks scared of Tylers new haircut (given by uncle Bill), but I'm totally digging it.

We hiked the trail to the library on the lake [by my parents house].

 

We sweated out a couple Crossfit workouts with the master.

This is me relaxing AFTER my workout.

We laughed our asses off at this website, How-Old.net. Take your picture and it tells you how old you really look. LOL. WARNING: It causes tears of laughter. My sister-in-law told me about it because she was really upset that it kept giving her grandma ages. It was so funny, break this out at a party if you really want to create a stir.

Are you ready for the funniest one of all?

Unfortunately I forgot to take screen shots of the girls. My first reading was 47. BUT! I took my hair down [from a ponytail] and I got a 36!!!!! That's more like it!

The grill master smoked up a pork butt (all night) and salmon too! We had a feast! Rain or shine, Paul's Shuttle gets the job done!

Lots of salsa was consumed and my bother Tim and Neto made a killer batch of pork tacos.

A lot of napping this week was done just like this...

They didn't seem to mind. Thank god I have great sleepers!!

We will be flying back up to Ohio next month for my nieces birthday party and a family reunion. This will probably be our last time on an airplane until the Christmas lights are up! Can you believe that is coming so soon? It hard to even say when it's still 90 some degrees here...but I know all too well how time flies.

 

 

A Couple Days at Callaway Gardens

After 2 days of being on my feet non-stop (from party-prep) I was ready to relax! We did just that on the beach on Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens. We have been there a couple times before. Once on a day trip with my parents when Mateo was a baby, and another time we spent a couple nights when I was about to pop with Marcelo - our last trip as a family of three.

 

Ernesto bought a golf package and we took my parents (who were in town for Marcelo's birthday) as a late father's day gift. My dad bet Ernesto that we would not be out of the house by noon (Ernesto said 7am! ha) but we actually left by 9am, so I thought that was pretty good.

After the hour+ drive, the kids were excited to reach the beach and like I've said before, when they are happy, I am happy.

No waves, and practically bath water, Robin Lake is a great place to spend a day!

Here I am showing off my 22 week belly.

On a side note: I feel pretty good about how I look here guys, but when the skirt came off that changed. I was like a sausage stuffed in this non-maternity one piece. That suit saw it's last beach/pool until next year. Now that all of the sugar cookies, cake and ice cream from Marcelo's party has set in, I will definitely need to buy a maternity suit.

Everyone was pretty tired. The sun just does that to you right? We ordered take out BBQ from Three Little Piggies and ate outside the Mountain Creek Inn (which is right down the street from the park entrance). They have a tranquil courtyard with tables.

Tranquil, that is, until we arrived.

The koi had to do some fancy swimming to keep up.

We stayed at this Inn back in 2013 and we really liked it. The package Ernesto bought was for two golfers in one room. It was probably not intended for four other family members to tag along, but we are a close family. Yep, we did it...all six of us in one room!

Of course, the boys did not nap that day, and Marcelo was so overtired that he couldn't go to sleep. At 8pm, my mom and I loaded them up in the car. We were going to buy some breakfast items, and in 2 minutes, both were out like a light. Whew! So much easier. Unfortunately that didnt last long, and Marcelo woke up screaming 2x during the night. I had to take him out to the car. UGH! That NEVER happens and of course it was a night we were sharing a hotel room! No bueno - Sorry padres!

The next morning this guy woke up as happy as can be. We woke up tired, but can you be annoyed with a face like this?

The guys had an early tee time, so my mom and I headed into the Gardens. First stop, the butterfly garden.

The boys now know what a gift shop is, and it is never much fun to venture in with them.

No Marcelo, I am not buying you four squishy catapilars! Mateo had about 5 things picked out, but we finally narrowed them down to two bug catching kits.

These were at total hit, and although overpriced (as most gift shop items are) wood buy for a couple hours of entertainment. The boys kept their eyes on the ground waiting for a bug to walk by. They were a great team!

What we ended up finding were tiny frogs. So exciting!

We captured 4, but after an hour or so they started really slowing down in the cages, so the boys agreed to set them free.

We sat through most of the birds of prey show, before needing to escape. They are not quite ready for bird lectures yet. Watching the fish and turtles is more their style. Anything where they don't have to be quiet is more their style.

Oh and running with no restrains.

These troopers fell asleep like clockwork while my mom and I strolled arouNd the art exhibit inside.

We sat in rocking chairs chatting until the guys were finished golfing and joined us outside for more adult conversation. We made our way back to Atlanta that evening and my parents flew home the next morning. Although they may not want to share a hotel room with us again (always an adventure!) I think they had great time. I know we did!

If you live in Atlanta, Callaway Gardens is definitley worth a trip. Check it out.