Will we stay or go?

We started the process just looking for land to build on. Now we are taking the next steps, getting our house ready to sell and having a realtor over to give us a market analysis this week. We would not be ready to move for at least 10 months or longer! I've also been searching one level house plans to build. 3 bedroom, vaulted main floor ceilings, large kitchen/ family room, front porch, protected covered patio and three car garage or 4. Not too much to ask. So much for downsizing!

The goal is to be debt (mortgage free). Why wait 5 years till our mortgage is paid off. Our house is 20 years old, things are going to need to be replaced and more updates are needed. We've done a lot of changes to our house in 20 years. Added a 4 season porch, a deck, finished our basement, added hardwood floors on all levels, painted all the trim white and replaced trim to wide. We've added storage above our garage, installed a fence, landscaped, changed out lights, painted walls, added cabinets to the kitchen and family room, added a sink to the laundry room and cabinet. Next projects, re-do the master bathroom shower/floor and paint the vanity. We also have to re-paint the basement and paint the entire house all the same light color. Probably replace the carpet in the 4 season porch (only room with carpet). Plus, we have lots of stuff to just get rid of in our house. I'm also still working on getting all the paint off the deck and painting the rails. The biggest project is just getting rid of things we no longer use. Where to take them and holding on to things for sentimental purposes. Time to let a lot go even if we stay or if we go!

Going for a ride!

I'm taking the jet ski out today with the kids. We might not be tubing, but we will go for a ride. Lets hope I can launch the jetski and put it back on the trailer easily. Steve usually does all this and I just hold the rope. I did do this a few times last year by myself, but it's always challenging! 

Its going to be a 86*F sunny day so we need to get out on the lake. All the beaches are closed so the only way to get out, is in a boat!

I made chocolate chip cookies the other day. I keep forgetting to make some biscotti instead! Darn it! It will have to be on my todo list! Plus more crackers! They all get eaten up so fast! 

Last night I made some beef taco's in the crock pot. The beef could have used more flavor! I'm still in search of a better crock pot recipe! They were still pretty good tasting with the guac, pineapple spicy salsa and tomato salsa! I could eat taco's every single day! 

I've been wanting to go camping now since last year! I'm just going to set up our tent outside and sleep out there tonight! I usually put it on our deck, but since we are going to be painting and scraping off the paint on the deck, the tent is going in the yard! 

A new park to explore

Steve and I drove down to Northfield, to rice park on Sunday. It was a nice drive and a lush green park.

 We made our way down a huge steep hill to the bottom of the park and followed the tiny stream to the Cannon Falls river edge.

There was a tornado that took out a lot of huge trees in this park a few years ago. 

Once at the river edge, we had a little picnic. Nice to have the park to ourselves!

My photos finally loaded and now I have breakfast photos from our out door camping new grille. So fun to cook outdoors!