Whew! I think this is the first time in over a week that I have sat down for more than a quick bite to eat! As Scott posted earlier, we did not move into the home we had planned to buy in Woodbridge, VA. After the appraisal came back too low and the bank wouldn't accept it we spent 2 days frantically looking at rental homes until we found one in Clifton, VA we knew would work for us. Last Saturday we took the keys and started cleaning. We officially moved in last week Monday, thanks to our friends, Alan and Sharlene, and also to a co-worker of our realtor, who loaned us air mattresses and linens so we could end our hotel stay and sleep in our "new" home. Hurray!!!
Last week Tuesday we received our "express" pack, which contained some of our basic household items and to the happiness of the boys, the Wii. Luckily, the homeowner left a tv for us to use and the boys were quick to set up their game system.
Thursday we received the rest of our household items; at least what we had with us in Guam. According to the movers, nearly 250 boxes or odd shaped packages, give or take a few dozen were unloaded off the truck. At this point, I can't remember. I just know I signed off on all of them as arriving, intact or not. I have not opened anywhere near half of those said boxes yet but to my knowledge we have only had 2 items broken: a 4 foot tall bookshelf and an oversized, out of date computer monitor.
This week found Scott and the boys trimming trees, mowing the lawn, and pulling out an overgrown shrub. Scott is on a mission to whip this property back into shape. We have found pictures of the home in it's early years and Scott has plans to get the shrubs back to what they used to look like.
We have battled an infestation of bees, enough to scare the first "bee guy" into not coming back! (but the bees are gone now with the help of a more experienced bee guy) and we are currently having issues with our upstairs bedrooms not getting enough AC while we freeze on the main floor and basement. Of course, we expected that since it's been nearly 100 degrees this weekend. We will be seeing the AC repairman Monday morning to take care of that issue. Other than that, we are enjoying being in a house that we can call home (we hope longer than a year, but the owner mentioned that he may try to sell the house next year...) It is so cute to hear Lily say this is her house, and to repeat our address (just the street name at this point) over and over and laugh.
We are waiting for the last shipment of household goods that are currently in storage in Las Vegas. We are not feeling very patient since that shipment has our couches, our piano, a curio cabinet, and Nate's bed, along with a lot of other items I'm sure we have forgotten all about. Because we did not have anything soft to sit on, other than our beds, we purchased a futon today that will have to suffice until our comfy couches make their way to Virginia. Don't feel sorry for Nate, by the way. For the past 3 years he has been sleeping on Drew's bottom bunk bed and he will continue to bunk in Drew's room until his bed arrives and he can move into his own room.
It is time for me to call it a day. Scott and the kids have been asleep for hours and I should be too. We haven't had time to upload the newest photos in the camera so you'll have to enjoy these for now.
Lily and mommy at the beach in Hawaii. Lily asks nearly every day if she can go back to the beach.
Lily with Aunt Kimmy's dog, Izzy. Lily was terrified of Izzy all week until Izzy put a dress on. Lily must have thought she was a new dog the way she was holding her in this photo.
Lily meeting Great-Grandpa for the first time. He had a special doll just for Lily all ready for her.
