Today marks one year since this single text sent myself, @_sarah.meyer and our family on a wild ride.
A little backstory: in the spring of 2023 we had looked at this place as it was for sale then, but it was outside of our means, and then was sold before we could make a move on it anyway. Over the years prior we had perused numerous acreages, but this one really was the only acreage that we would want and would be worth giving up our other location that we cherished. So we decided to give up on the acreage dream, and stick with the place we had close to Tolmie park: we committed to doing a major kitchen remodel, went through the pains of a typical renovation, and set our family up for what we thought would be the next decade as our kids would grow into adulthood. But then @jeffmeyer_vancouverisland sent this message ….
At first we were like “nah we moved on”. But over the coming weeks we couldn’t shake the idea of it, it felt like a second chance, and then one thing after another just seemed to fall into place. By mid June we found ourselves with an accepted offer, scrambling a plan together to quickly finish all the odds and ends at our other house (like putting on the baseboards 😂), and looking at an unpredictable summer living through the unknowns of selling a house. Luckily, all the sweat equity paid off and it sold the first day, and we could set our plans in place. On august 25 we took possession, and since then have been on a crazy adventure: lots of work to do, but loving the journey.
Thanks for everyone who encourages and supports, even if it’s just following along.
Side note, follow @urbanedgefarm where Sarah posts about the farming journey!
The #gingerbreadshowcase is always so impressive, finally got a chance to see them this season. My vote goes to this house, it so detailed!
@habitatforhumanityvictoria@hotelgrandpacific
How about that framing job on the chicken coup. Let @_sarah.meyer know she did a great job!
I’m jumping in on some metal work for the roof, it’s coming along:)
It’s been a month already!
And a busy one.
How the time flies.
This spring @_sarah.meyer and I jumped on this opportunity for our family to buy an acreage, and what seemed like a chance in the wind just all worked out! Still hard to believe that we’re now living here. Stay tuned as we work hard to transform this place and bring it back from years of “deferred maintenance”. And if you’re from around here or visiting in the area, come swing by and say hi:)
Its a bit bitter sweet we’re leaving our beautiful home of the last 12-1/2 years. Our kids were born and raised here thus far, and we’ve made lots of memories here. Over the years we’ve done a ton of upgrades and changes, so wanted to make a fun little before / after compilation. It’s been a great place, and tomorrow we’re handing over the keys for the new owner to enjoy as we’re on to the next adventure.
Don’t worry, we’re staying in Victoria and moving only 10 min away!
@_sarah.meyer I couldn’t imagine a better partner to share the adventure! I’m proud of everything we’ve done in this place, we made the most of it:)
@villamarconstruction is the best construction partner for all the renovations 🔨 🏠 💪
We’re moving!
T’is bittersweet that we’ll be leaving this place that @_sarah.meyer and I’ve called home for over a decade. We moved here just the two of us in early 2013, brought 3 kids into the world, transformed this home, loved on the neighbourhood, befriended our neighbours, held gatherings, etc etc. We’ve lived our lives to the fullest, made many stories and fantastic memories, and had intentions to stay here for the long haul.
But we are opportunists, and a new place came along we couldn’t pass up, so this spring we found ourselves suddenly changing course. It all happened very fast. We placed an offer, got accepted, readied our home for listing, and in sold our place all in the span of 2 months. With only days left in this place we are preparing for the next adventure. Stay tuned!
Kids are capable of so much more then they or even you realize. Yesterday we went up this hike on a last minute whim when I said “hey guys, think we can do that one?! I’ll drive us all the way to Oma and Opa’s tonight if you can make it to the top. 6 hours later we were back at the truck ready for a long late evening road trip.
The Rockies are amazing, I’m super proud of these kids, and water shoes are single use for a trip like this 🥴
Take 2 on our Nine Peaks attempt
This time we completed our goal!
This has been my most ambitions alpine backpacking trek to date.
With good weather and even better company, we set out on Saturday morning to hike up big interior, and set up camp on the back side. The next day we trekked onwards and summitted Nine Peaks, then went back to pack up camp, back over big interior, and camped out at the base one more night before packing out in the morning.
It’s hard to put words an experience like this. Camping with incredible views, pushing your body to strenuous limits, the comeradery of great friends, the fresh air of the alpine, the thrill of the heights… I could go on. And I’ll probably post a few more times with some pics:)
