Move-in week

Moving in is a lot of work. Since closing on the house a week ago we cleaned for two days, unpacked about half the boxes, bought washer/dryer, barstools, kitchen table, beds and bedroom furniture for the girls, and lots of little household things that you never think about until you move. I chopped down a bunch of trees that were too close to the house, and I've had fun assembling furniture items and been frustrated by problems with the washer/dryer that are too big for the space. Things are a little chaotic still, but as long as the kitchen (thanks to Ludene) and the computer work, life is sort of normal. We even hosted TWO dinner parties sunday for Rachelle's family at 2 and my family at 5:30.

We are already impressed with our new neighbors on the street, as most of them have already come over, introduced themselves and some have even brought treats and dinner. The people at church were welcoming as well, and we have already been invited to dinner and the girls to play at new friends' houses.

Looking for a new van has not been as successful. The new car dealership wouldn't give me a price I was happy with and since Rachelle insists on all-wheel-drive, our options are limited. We tested an almost new Nissan van, but the oversized dash interfered with my legroom so it's not ideal. We'll keep looking. We're having fun buying stuff that we couldn't afford for the last 10 years, but trying not to overdo it so we aren't in debt for the next 10.