MMoving is always tough and takes more out of me than I expect—especially when remodeling is involved. Our family has relocated many times, and every move I promise it will be the last. If I had to name my ultimate dream for a home, it would be one I could live in forever.
In the three years we’ve lived here we’ve made several changes that have made a huge difference in how “at home” this place feels. It seems to take us about three years to really settle into a new house, so I’m pleased with our progress.
I recently shared a look back at the home improvement projects we completed.
Although I’m glad to be finished with many updates, I love that this house still holds so much potential. There are more projects on our list: updating bathrooms and the laundry room, adding built-ins, introducing more character, and improving the exterior and landscaping. I’m eager to get outside and enjoy the deck and side yard this spring.
We moved into this Seattle home in the fall of 2015, a little over three years ago. The time feels both like a lifetime and like a blink—funny how fast and slow time can pass.
A lot has changed in our lives and in the house since then. This wasn’t necessarily our dream home when we bought it, but given the Seattle market at the time, what mattered most was finding a place where our family could be together.
With our son entering high school and his sisters and our son-in-law already living in Seattle, relocating across the water to bring the family closer together was the priority.
Even if this house didn’t start as our dream home, we’ve grown to love so much about it. It’s bright and airy, clean and cozy, solid and comfortable, quiet and inviting. The view over to Puget Sound, the mountains and the sky is endlessly inspiring. The yard is great for our dogs, and the neighborhood is convenient and pleasant. We’re grateful for the improvements we’ve made—it just feels right for our family.
Living here these past three years has given us the life we wanted. The move has no regrets. It hasn’t all been easy and not everything turned out exactly as planned—some things exceeded our hopes, others fell short. Still, we’re here, and we’re happy.
I can hardly believe that this June our son Luke will graduate from high school, and this fall he’ll head to college nearby—an exciting new chapter for him and for our family.
In the span of a few years this four-year chapter will close and a wonderful new one will begin. Some things will remain familiar; others will feel different. That’s just the nature of life.
Will we live in this house forever?
We really love living here and can picture ourselves staying for a long time. Still, as we move toward empty nest life there’s a chance we’ll choose a different path. Over the past year I’ve noticed a few houses that tugged at my heart, but each time I imagine a change I come back to the comfort of this cozy, family-filled home.
For now, in this season and for the foreseeable future, this home—full of pups and family—feels like the right place for us.
It feels like home.
Happy New Year from our home to yours! Thank you for spending another year with us. Here’s to more home adventures in the year ahead.