To Rent or Sell, That's My Question

Time for all my readers to weigh in!

The decision: to rent our house or sell it?

The back story: Nate got a job in California!  We're moving in early June.  There are a few sad parts of this exciting story and one is that we have to leave our house. I absolutely love our house. So does Nate. So does Ries. So does Louisa.  But, do we want to not only accept new jobs in California, but new jobs as landlords?  I'm really not sure how to make that decision, so we've enlisted the help of our favorite relator, Gene.  He is coming next week to list our house.  That way we can let the market decide.

That being said, here are some pictures of our house.  If you know anyone looking to buy a beautiful house close to downtown Madison, send them my way.

Manageable garden and a lovely front porch

I'll never forget the lion above the front door

A new, two-car garage

New cherry cabinets, quartz counters, glass tile blacksplash and stainless sink

New hood, vented outside and Bertazzoni gas range

New Bosch dishwasher

The backdoor and slate sided cabinets

New oak breakfast bar with laptop charging station underneath

The dining room...so many good meals shared here

Bedroom #1

Bedroom #2

Living room

Living room

Upstairs office with sun porch

Bedroom #3 with door to walk-up attic

Happy Birthday to Lou!

Louisa will be turning one on Sunday, April 29. Good thing she won't remember her first birthday party, because I've really slacked on making it the best party ever. There will be a party at our house though, and you're invited! Saturday at 2 o'clock. Lucky for her, I have not told her about the party, so she's sleeping soundly upstairs.  Who would be able to sleep if they knew they'd be having their first taste of pie in 4 days!?  I made a chronological picture collage because I've always been fascinated by how a baby's face changes over the first 12 months. See you Saturday!

"Hello? This is Lou"

It's amazing what these little minds pick up on...

Our Little Ham

I can't say that I've frequently used the word "ham" to describe a person or a child as often as I have lately.  As Louisa's personality is starting to show, that is one the words that most easily comes to mind.  She can be so silly which is so much fun!  This picture was taken on my parent's patio in Washington DC, after Louisa crawled over, head first, the bar she is holding onto.  Louisa and I were staying with my parents earlier this week - I was attending the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Public Policy Workshop and Lou was spending her days being silly with Belle Mare (also known as Grandma Terry). 

Spring on North Baldwin

A party poof from Laura's birthday party on April 1 - it's festive and fun, so I left it up

I love our crab apple tree in the front - the perfect shade of pink

"One little bird, sits near my doorstep.  Singing sweet songs, of melodies pure and true..."

Ries doesn't really have anything to do with spring, but she is famous now!

A permanent fixture, even when Lou isn't sleeping. But yes, she was asleep during this photo shoot

In the foreground, my blue spruce juniper. In focus in the background, a transplanted rose bush that I hope will bloom