We're in a similar boat. Moved in in November, and having a ball watching the surprises unfold. Our downside is out of control golden archangel. Uggg. But the hellebores, crocuses, etc. have been gorgeous!

Anyone know what this shrub is? We're in western lower Michigan if that helps.

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Thanks! Google images has been a real help, but it didn't catch that one.

Here's another: a ratty vine is tethered to a fence by the tool shed. It's blooming this week... Carolina jessamine?

My two cents: if you want to move before middle/high school, scrimp and save and move as soon as possible. In early elementary, changing schools is less traumatic, making new friends is easier, and your girls will not be as angry about losing their existing friends.

It’s a financial decision. Selling a house is easy, but buying one is very difficult. You may have a hard time buying a house in your preferred location. I would improve the current house rather than jump in the home buying market. Honestly no one knows what the market (or schools) will be like in 10 years, so crunch numbers and understand that you may be able to sell your house but get stuck unable to buy the house you want due to the hot market (worst case scenario).

Any private high schools in the area?