Dagnabbit! We’re back in Texas!
Yes, we could have used another month in Pittsburgh, with the gorgeous weather, surprisingly lush landscape, and friends and family to visit with. But perhaps it was meant to be. We were blessed with a pretty seamless first airplane ride as a family of FIVE (with Turkey!). In fact, the day of travel was eerily easy, door-to-door.
And here is said door in Dallas!
I found this duplex on VRBO back in February. I know, I know — I’m insane for how early I jump on housing, but it pays off! This 2 bed/1 bath is one of the more comfortable places we’ve lived, and I was able to negotiate a very good rate of $2000 for our three weeks in Dallas with the owner David Shinn. In fact, our friends/colleagues the Higleys, the Cordileones and Tony Freeman were able to snag David Shinn’s other properties about 5 blocks away at the same rate after I locked it in for us.
It’s a neighborhood called Lakewood, we’re only a 10 minute drive to the Music Hall where The Lion King is performing, and walking distance to Whole Foods, Trade Joe’s, and a ton of restaurants. There are gorgeous homes all around us, and we’re near White Rock Lake, where the beautiful Arboretum lies as well as the crème de lá crème of Dallas elite. I swear, there are some Southfork Ranch homes up in there!
Our living room is pretty comfy. The Crate & Barrel couch has served us well with some naps so far…
We’ve tilted some of the furniture to make it homier, and left scattered around a few of our essential things — Boppy, breast pump, 3-year-old hobbit.
The decor is clean and modern, but this relic of a tube television dwells in this monstrous entertainment hutch. It’s probably the one thing that seems incongruous with the rest of the house …
… especially the kitchen. It’s been newly renovated and very well-stocked. However, the ovens are from Ikea and kind of hard to figure out without the manual! I can only microwave things in 30 second increments, and the convection oven below is in Celsius.
The dining room table is actually huge — I find myself scootching over towards Max to talk to feed him.
Over yonder is owner David, who welcomed us in, and reminds me of a jolly, fun-loving college professor. He’s been very quick to respond to some minor questions and concerns. I really like him.
Max has his own bedroom, with a super plush queen bed. The kid has it gooooood.
And he’s certainly made his space his own, starting with a Lightening McQueen blanket that was a gift from Mike’s stepmom Jan, as well as his stuffed animals. They are crucial to bedtime, especially his bunny named “Reebee”.
The sole bathroom went from sparse…
…to color-filled. Max adds pizzazz to our lives, doesn’t he?
The master bedroom’s bed sits high — again, it must be a Texas thing! Remember when we needed a pole vault to get to our mattress-top in Houston and Austin?
We were initially so excited for a backyard for Max to frolic in, and to perhaps ride his new bike he got for his birthday over the summer. But upon discovering the upstairs neighbor Lisa’s dogs’ landmines spread out in the grass during a first ball-playing foray, Mike decided to take playtime indoors the rest of our stay. Bummer!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m enjoying seeing all the various homes you live in. What fun to travel as you do, with kids no less. Where do you head next?
Such a pretty house! I have to say that the TV is very outdated but still manages to have cartoons for your kids. And I adore the kitchen! Enjoy it there!
Pretty sweet digs! It’s like your own mini Southfork Ranch. Have you gone to the Arboretum yet? It’s splendid and probably the nicest thing to visit in Dallas. Have fun!
YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAW!