in honor of our first apartment

Folks, we're finally moving into our house!  It's still bittersweet leaving this apartment, because it's been such an amazing place to start our lives together.  Sitting here, amid packed boxes as it gets emptier and emptier, I wanted to pay homage to our two years here.

first place we learned to live together as mr. and mrs. (remember this?)

many mini experiences of home ownership (our first summer here the basement flooded three times, two of which our landlord was out of town for)

first and second Christmases together
location of many New Year's Eve/birthday/just because parties
celebrated our first wedding anniversary
Col's graduation from grad school and picnic

I will miss...

          ...being able to go upstairs in my slippers to play games with our upstairs neighbors

          ...sitting on our porch on warm summer days and visiting with dogs as they walk by with their owners

          ...all the random/fun/friendly encounters with our surrounding neighbors, most of whom have lived here most of their adult lives

          ...the old charm of this 100-year-old house (original hardwoods, clawfoot tub, crown molding, glass cupboards)

          ...walking to every single city festival (Lilac Festival, Park Ave Fest, Corn Hill Arts Festival)

          ...not having to try to find parking for the Lilac Festival

          ...walking 2 minutes to grab pizza slices on the corner

          ...the Southwedge in general with its quirky festivals and up-and-coming main strip along South Ave.

          ...our walking route past beautiful, large houses and through Highland Park
          ...having a 7 minute commute to work

I'm excited to leave behind...

          ...on-street and alternate parking hassles

          ...our ancient furnace that decides to go out whenever it's windy or cold outside

And even more excited to gain...

          ...a yard

          ...a deck

          ...the freedom that comes with owning your own place (which encompasses a whole lot that I could go on and on about!)

Here's to you dear old house apartment!  Thank you for your shelter, comfort, and new beginnings.  We definitely got extremely lucky having you as our first apartment!