We got dirt!

Austin actually got some much needed heat relief this past week that came in the form of rain. Great from everyone except those that are building houses. This would be our first official rain delay (start the count now). The pictures below show the framework and the gravel/dirt that they have had to use to fill in and build up the plot (we are on a hill). On the night of my birthday, John took me out to the house with some bubbly (thanks Michelle!) to show me my birthday present - the house. Guess I already got him his birthday gift as well!

Almost time for foundation

Wood + nails + strong men = framework for foundation!

Our first bathroom

It's official - we have a bathroom! Well, not quite what we had in the plans, but if it means we have people working on our land, we'll take it!

Design center selections

After spending every night for a week straight at the design center, we have picked out our selections. Everything is pretty neutral, but you would be surprised just how many "neutrals" you can pick from. I am most excited about the tile floor throughout the house. It will be set in a "broken joint" pattern which will have an 18x18 tile with a 13x13 tile and so forth and so on. John and I actually agreed pretty nicely on everything so once we got passed the shock of what our decisions actually cost, we high fived and moved on!

Our first visitors

John's family (including his grandparents) came to visit Austin for a couple of weeks from Kentucky. We were so excited to show them the land and the "very" expensive sticks and pink flags we have purchased. Did I tell you that they drove all the way down with two dogs as well...whew!? We are told that the land clearing should start soon!

The floor plan

Here is our floor plan! We are basically tiling everywhere possible except for the bedrooms and John's "man cave" upstairs. I am most excited about the extended patio. I hope John is most excited about the kitchen since I do not cook, but I have a feeling it is a toss up between the garage and the "man cave". Go figure!

SOLD!

So we did it! We signed on to build a house on May 18, 2008. For a month or so we have been casual perusing neighborhoods in Austin looking and areas and type of houses. Initially we stumbled up a fabulous piece of land with a lake view in a price range that made it too hard to turn our heads. We could not believe the rate and the location were available and immediately took a closer look. Well, remember that saying "if it sounds too good to be true then it probably it", this was a prime example. The land boasted 18 power lines on the property directly out the backdoor. Onward with our search and we landed in Falconhead West. A larger piece of land, canyon views, an ever so slight lake view and a better floor plan we jumped on board!