Brian took us to 3 houses in our preferred price range yesterday. Two needed major remodeling and the third was good except for a cramped and outdated kitchen, which is a deal-breaker for us. Kitchens are really expensive to remodel, but the increase in resale value wouldn't recoup the cost. It really seems like we let the perfect house get away (the one that prompted us to go out and get a realtor), but it was a matter of timing. We really weren't ready a month ago, but now we are. If we come across a great one now, we'll know for sure. Brian is very helpful, especially because he knows what the fair market value for the houses is. In his opinion, all 3 we looked at yesterday were overpriced for their condition (even assuming we'd only offer 93-95% of the list price). So after San Diego we're going to look at our next tier of houses- the ones that cost a little more but hopefully are in better shape.

If we were planning to live in a house for more than 4-5 years, I'd definitely want to do this to at least one of the rooms!

Another fun link here.

Ryan's dad and stepmom are coming down tomorrow to take us out to a celebratory engagement dinner. We (mostly Ryan) are planning on asking about wedding contribution money this weekend. I'm sure they will help us out, but the question is how much and if it'll be a loan or gift. The good news is that Ryan's stepmom is obsessed with aquariums :)

I got a quote from the aquarium and it seems a little on the pricey side but doable. We're going to schedule a tour from the event coordinator after the trip. We would probably do the ceremony outside, with the Delaware River and Philly skyline in the background. As a rain location, maybe front of Irazu Falls. The shark tunnel is maybe the diameter of an airplane with 2 seats on either side of the aisle, so it'd be a little cramped for the ceremony. I had thought about it, though.

As for me turning into the type of girl who's been planning her wedding since she was 5 years old: no, no. no. I'm not trying to have a "fairy-tale" wedding where I "feel like a princess" and it's the "most magical day of my life." I just want a killer party that people will remember.