Thirty June: 2013

We truly love this old home we have had the opportunity to live in the last 2+ years. Military quarters vary GREATLY from installation to installation. When we found out we were moving to Fort Riley the first thing I did was check out the housing situation. I was thrilled to learn that our new home would in fact be over 120 years old.

This year our home was on the 30^th Annual Historic Fort Riley Tour of Homes. It was a treat to share our home with the community. I created this virtual tour of the first and second floors for family and friends who won’t be able to make it to Kansas for Christmas.

Welcome to our porch.

Costco has the best live wreaths.

A plaque in our vestibule lists all previous residents of our home and facts about the construction, including the original cost of $4,721.

Through the vestibule you enter into the parlor.

Who doesn't need a leopard print ottoman?! I know my mom and bestie do!

Ballard Designs gets it so right sometimes.

A current Soldier dressed as a Civil War Soldier shared facts about our home with those on the

Tour of Homes.

A few of my favorite things fill the bookcase...family photos, wedding china, books special to our family, an anniversary clock, and Sid Dickens tiles.

Formal Dining Room.

Sid Dickens tiles.

The postcard in the lantern is a picture of our street, postmarked 1910. I found it on Ebay before we even signed for our quarters.

Each of the three fireplaces have different mantels and original tile surround.

I always think about redoing our Americana powder room but I like the bright, vintage look of it.

Before we moved in, housing (sort of) renovated the kitchen. Unfortunately the questionable cabinets stayed put.

Love this happy little snowman.

This framed nightlight is one of my most treasured items. It is my favorite photo of the kids etched onto resin so it glows when the light behind it is illuminated. Such a special gift from my bestie!

Samantha added a touch of Christmas to her fairy garden.

Family Room--While I love so many of the neutral Christmas decorations I am seeing these days, for me Christmas calls for red, gold, and lots of sparkle. It's a birthday party!

I love a wrapped gift! No bags under this tree.

We hang the homemade ornaments on the tree too.

He's got his eye on you!

Let's head upstairs.

An original telephone nook.

Maxwell's Room.

I love a big monogram.

The blanket on Max's chair was Tony's bedspread at West Point.

Baseball chandelier handcrafted by Tony.

Tony's favorite--Chevrolet.

And my favorites--baseball and gifts from Tiffany!

In every house we live in we always have a couple of strategically placed little green Army Soldiers.

I am crazy about this gallery wall between the kids' rooms. The wall isn't yellow, there just isn't any natural light in this hallway.

Words of wisdom.

Oh, pink monogram...

The "tablecloth" is a quilt made for Samantha by one of my very best friends, Kelly.

Bed crown made by Tony.

Love Sarah and Abraham.

Every girl needs a chandelier.

My Roots Lie Here. A fun, pretty way for Samantha to note all of the places she has and will live. Kind of like those "Home is Where the Army Sends You" plaques but without the cheese.