Monday, November 2, 2009

Big News!!

Our biggest news of the year is that we purchased a cottage this summer right by my parents cottage! We are so excited about this and still can't believe it is real. It was a bit of a process, but was so worth it. In May Ryan and I decided that we wanted to purchase a property and started actively looking for something. And to make a very long story short in late June, through an act of God, we found out that there was a property on The Retreat (where my parents are) that was maybe going to be up for sale. We called the owner and instantly made a connection with her. Ryan's and my parents were able to walk through the house that same weekend in June and sent us several pictures.
From OUR Cottage

From OUR Cottage

From OUR Cottage

It is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage.
From OUR Cottage

From OUR Cottage


And she was selling it fully furnished to include the boat in the garage, and the pier and raft!
From OUR Cottage

We knew this was the one and thankfully we were able to agree on a price and terms. It was all a little complicated since she was in California and we were in Kuwait, but we both hired lawyers in the local area of the property and were able to work it out. Finally the day of closing approached and we were able to meet in person. Ryan had already headed back to Kuwait by this time so it was just me and the kids. But here I am with Irmgard, the lovely woman we purchased the cottage from.
From OUR Cottage

We closed on the cottage on Friday August 14th, but Irmgard wanted to stay in the cottage until after the church service on Sunday. We were more than happy to grant her request since she was very emotionally attached to the cottage. Her husband had designed it and they had owned it since their children were small. Here we are with the pastor of the Chapel in the Pines.
From OUR Cottage

And with the man whose parents were the original owners of the property before there was a house on it.
From OUR Cottage
He now has a cottage two doors down!
On Sunday afternoon I was finally able to turn the key as the owner of OUR cottage!!!
From OUR Cottage

It was also Alayna's birthday party that day, so my Mom's side of the family was all up north celebrating with us. We all got to go swimming off the end of the pier and jump off the raft. The kids absolutely LOVED it!
From OUR Cottage
Calvin says swimming in Emerald Lake is his favorite thing in the whole world! That made this major purchase so worth it!

My sister, and my cousins Zach and Roz all thought we should dive in together.
1........2.......
From OUR Cottage
78...........
From OUR Cottage
Oh My Gosh! We had so much fun that day. I was so happy my extended family could be there. Love you guys!

That night we got to sleep there for the first time. My sister stayed with us and helped me a ton! We cleaned and moved furniture till about midnight! Thanks sis! Here is the fruits of our labor:
From OUR Cottage

From OUR Cottage

Now we just can't wait to be up there this summer as a family and start really enjoying it! We would love to have visitors too so let us know if you want to come up and stay with us! We will promise you a great time!

4 comments:

Anita said...

I get a top bunk

Rebecca Davis said...

Congrats on the cottage. What great memories you will have with your family there. I still remember everything about your parents place. I loved going up there with you guys when we were kids. Great memories.

Brooke said...

You're welcome :) What a great place and we really did have SO much fun. So many memory makers all weekend. Thank you!!!

Debbie said...

Congratulations!