Walls!

I never quite considered the possibility that one day, I might wax poetic about poured concrete walls. But here I am, and actually it's a great place to be. After the perhaps ubiquitous delays that plagued the first few months of our building experience after we closed, every little bit  of construction that indicates our home will be real is awe-inspiring.

This week we were jazzed to discover that the inspection apparently went flawlessly and that our concrete basement walls were poured and then the area was backfilled in less than a week. We have egress windows and random tubing. We even saw metal trusses on site, which means that we might actually have the full outline of a house by Thanksgiving because vertical framing starts this week!

We also, of course, are realizing that the landscaping is going to be no joke at all. There is so much brush to mow down and grass to grow and general prettification of the area to be done after we move in. I don't care. We will have a house, and that is thrilling. That being said, I have big theoretical plans for a giant garden and an equally giant outdoor living area with a built-in fire pit. Someday.

This wooded area, while a little sparse-looking in late November, will be our view out of the two stories of windows in the great room. Whether they are green, flowering, or covered in snow, it will be so nice to have some nature as part of our every day home decor.

 I spy one of our egress windows! It's so strange to see a 3D version of our house plans.

Nate's standing in our three-car garage. We are realizing that it's going to be a little full once we've parked our three cars, and he's already pining for his someday pole barn.

More side yard and playtime in the garage. The best part of building a house? In my kids' opinions, it's all of the dirt!

In other news, besides vertical framing, we should finish up with our selections this week. Our builder is dropping off countertop and fireplace selections, and then we're kind of set for awhile. It's scary but also a relief. I'm excited to see all of the plans come to life!

A Little Bit of Progress

Standing near the left edge of our property facing the top of the driveway that's been cleared so far. We have a huge side/ front yard and I have big plans for gardening and outdoor living spaces.

A giant hole in the ground and the first obvious sign that yes, a house is imminent!

Kids causing all kinds of trouble knocking over wooden markers and playing in the mud!

 Despite the rainy, interrupted week-- we got our first bit of cement in the ground!

 I never thought that footings would make me feel so excited!

We requested a sample door from our cabinet people (this isn't the same style- just the same finish) so that we could make sure it worked with our vision and floors. This is the brightest I could get the light, which means that most of the time, the lower cabinets will read straight black. Perfect. 

Can't wait to see what additional progress we'll find at the property at the end of this week!