Our Little Neighborhood

When we moved into our little house on 98th Street, we predicted we would be here for 5 years max.  This was going to be our "starter" home.  Our hopes have always been to build somewhere just outside of town or in a smaller school district.  We are coming up on our 7th anniversary of living in our cozy home and we honestly couldn't live in a better neighborhood.

I love living on a cul de sac and having minimal traffic on our road.  Everyone waves to each other when they drive by and our neighbors beside us, across from us, and diagonal from us are always monitoring our house for anything out of the ordinary. They know when we have guests over, or when one of the kids are sick, (because Grandma or Papa's car will be in the driveway). 

The many, many trails that weave in and out through the neighborhood prevent any walk or run from being boring, (and I have gotten lost many times).  There are three parks within walking distance.  I can walk through my back fence and be at Casey's, Kum and Go, Yo to Go, Wendy's, Taco John's, Jimmy John's, or Tsing Tsao within 5 minutes, (I try not to abuse this too often). 

Everyone in our neighborhood supports everyone else when needed.  A couple years ago, the spouse of one of the neighbors passed away from cancer.  Neighbors came together to collect money and provide meals and support for her.  When one neighbor had multiple branches fall last week during the storm, other neighbors helped cut the branches up and bring them to the side of the road.  Of course I'll never forget the support we received when I was on bed rest.  Meals were provided at least twice a week, (with enough leftovers for at least another meal), a cleaning lady was hired to clean my house , and items were left at my doorstop to help pass the time, including books, magazines, crossword puzzles, and activities for Alena.  The support was incredible and reminded me of why I love this neighborhood. 

Once a month, the ladies get together to play Bunco, gossip and enjoy time away from our families. I haven't been able to attend since before going on bed rest, but hope to get in on the action soon.  Our annual block party is coming up also, which is always a fun time, complete with a pot luck, games for the kids, and a white elephant gift exchange. 

It's really hard to think about moving away from such a great place.  It's hard to beat this location and this neighborhood. I even really like my house-of course there are a few things I would change, but even people who build a house want things different a few years down the road.  As Alena gets older, it's hard not to think about what school district we want her to be in.  Urbandale has a great school district, but will she get lost among the hundreds of other kids in her class?  Will she be able to play the sports she wants to play and do the activities she wants to do?  We definitely have a lot to think about over the next few years, but if we do move away, it will be a very sad day when we leave this home and this wonderful neighborhood!