The L.A. Dime

After returning from our trip, the preparations are in full force but some of the major items on the to do list have been scratched off…

What’s been done:
- Researched, got quotes from and finalized contract with moving company (they show up on July 27th)

- Researched, got quotes from and finalized contract to move both cars

- Posted Hamlin House for rent, had 2 Open Houses and found renter (moves in August 1st)

- Found a rental for us
- Purged every closet and had a yard sale
- Started boxing up a lot of stuff (thanks for helping Saundra!)
- Researched and narrowed down Pre-K programs for Sophie

Still left to do:
- Try to visit with as many LA friends as possible
- Pack, pack, pack
- Get house ready (clean, paint and do small repairs)
- Finalize school decision for Sophie

- Prepare for and hold kids’ bday party

- Prepare for and hold baby shower for our dear friend Laurie & Gary

- Figure out what to do with our plants and liquor (apparently the moving company’s have strict rules about taking those:( )

Lots of emotional moments these past few weeks and I’m sure upcoming weeks…..I booked a one-way ticket out of LA last night….feels weird…and good…and sad…and happy…

With the goal of finding a place to rent that was big enough for the kids to have their own rooms, an office for Brad and a decent back yard….in a good school district…Brad and I headed to Syracuse 2 weeks ago. After many, many appointments, 3 full days of driving all over the place and getting a little concerned, we had 1 place left to see. I’d been emailing with the owner for several weeks and after a phone call with her, was very excited about her home. It was in the best school district, apparently had a huge backyard, was in a wonderful neighborhood, 3 bedrooms, a big guest room/office area and was apparently painted in Pottery Barn colors. The description did not disappoint….it’s perfect for us so we sent in the deposit that night and signed the lease 2 days later!!

It has wood floors throughout, 2 full bathrooms, a laundry room, a back deck, lots of young kids as neighbors and on a quiet street that I could envision Sophie learning to ride a bike and Clay running after her trying to keep up….. and….oh yes…wait for it….the rent amount includes snow removal!!!