Adventuring and Getting Some Stuff Done.

Moving here has been a process. 
We still have about 10 or so boxes to unpack and put away, but we have made some progress. 
When Pops was here this week, we were able to get our hands on a ladder and get into the attic. 
The previous owners of our house were nice enough to leave lots and lots of stuff garbage sh*t trash up there for us to deal with - including 2 beds, a computer, wooden models, a nasty composite desk, a falling apart cabinet, a volleyball net, crutches, lots of various pieces of scrap wood and over 20 old gallons of paint.  You know, all the stuff that requires special arrangements to throw away because it's not allowed to be disposed of in the regular trash?
Awww...such a nice welcoming present. 
After many calls, we were able to arrange pickup for much of it with the city for a reasonable price. 
Then we took pictures of all the trash we hauled and called our realtor who graciously volunteered to reimburse us for our trouble. 
Lessons learned. 
We were also able to dig out all the woody Knock-Out Roses, trim overgrown trees and excavate the rampant vines, flocks and day lilies impeding the front walkway.  I"ve also started researching the best plants to put in there so we can have indigenous, continuous blooms.  
It feels good to actually get some things accomplished and see improvement. 
Of course, there will be many more trips to the Donation Center because we still just have too much stuff.  The house is smaller and we now need a school room while down a blue room, shed, work room, basement and storage room - so space is at a premium. 
The good news is that we're starting to have a vision about what we want things to look like. 
The bad news is that it's going to take a while to get there. 
And...according to our track record...as soon as we get someplace near to what we want, it will be time to move again. 
But at least we know what we're dealing with. 

Speaking of knowing what you're dealing with...
don't leave your cell phone unattended around Nate. 

We drove 7.5 hours down to San Antonio last weekend to adventure with some dear friends. 
The kids got to live out their history dreams at the Alamo and Jim and I got some quality friend time in, which was much appreciated. 

While the adults were listening intently to a lecture, the boys took it upon themselves to build their own Alamo. 

Ben and Tommy exploring.

The 6 Amigos

Living out his History Dream

Adventuring Friends.