We'll soon be homeowners!

The last couple of days of PawPaw and Gran's visit were spent working on getting our fam into a house! Our knowledgeable real estate broker PawPaw took us around Gresham and Sandy, looking at places in our price range that fit our space requirements.
Well, it turned out that the first place we saw was the one to beat (and the one that ultimately couldn't be beat): A four bedroom, two-and-a-half bath attached townhouse a couple blocks away from our apartment here in Sandy. Asking price was fantastic, and the 1,600 square feet were just what we needed. Brand new building, new appliances, brilliant layout -- woo hoo! (CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS!)

There were three of these townhouses in a row... one facing Dubarko Road, one in the middle, and one on the north end. We wanted the one on the north end most of all because of its color palette and its location.
So, with PawPaw's help, we got general financial info and presented our first offer... but before the seller could even look at it, he had approved another offer. So, back to the drawing board. The middle unit was nice, too, and was $10k less than the end unit, so we put an offer on that one... but ultimately we were no match for a buyer who offered more than the asking price, and paid in CASH. Unbelievable in these economic times.

We thought we were finished, but then we realized we could put an offer on one of the two as-of-yet unbuilt townhouses across the driveway. Those will have the same layout and square footage as the others, but the buyer also will be able to do a little customization. We saw the opportunity, and put an offer... and, praise God, it was accepted last night without so much as a counteroffer!
Thanks go out to God most of all, and right behind Him, PawPaw, for everything he's done to make this happen for us.

We're still 2-4 months away from moving day (because they have to build the units), but that's fine with us, and we're so excited!

PawPaw and Gran visit!

Well, we've been busy this past week, as PawPaw Larry and Granny Debra came for a visit from Dalton, Georgia. They came to see Liberty for the first time, and to play with London lots! We went swimming, played instruments, went out to eat, read books and threw balls. London and Liberty took to their Georgia grandparents quite well!

Here are a few looks at what we did! Enjoy the videos!

And... we're back!

Wow... sorry! We've been gone for a little bit, due in part to the fact that we weren't able to find our camera -- the source of all our media -- and the fact that Mama Bear was stricken with the flu.

But the camera's found, Savvy's all better, and we're back!

Here's a little peek into how London is more and more warming up to his sister.

Just one perk of having a little sister

London has discovered that having a little sister has its advantages... one being that he can get some mad air in Liberty's bouncer. Liberty's not too keen on the bouncer quite yet, so London's keeping it warm for her as he propels himself into the air.

London learned a new word tonight: popcorn. And he also learned that he really likes the kettle corn variety of microwave popcorn. He couldn't stop eating it! Kept saying "more" and doing the baby sign language for it.

Savannah's been sick the past few days, so Daddy and London have been enjoying some quality time together while Mom and Libby rest.

Check out the video!

Savvy is 30!

On Wednesday, March 4, Savannah hit the big 3-0! And she had quite the day, completely full of surprises!

The day started with Savvy and Liberty meeting friends from small group (headed by Jenni Foster) and Martina at a European bakery for a delightful breakfast!

Then, Savannah was shuttled back to Gresham from Portland quickly to make an 11:15 a.m. hair appointment. Lunch with Marcus and Liberty at Boccelli's in downtown Gresham came next (London all this time was with Grandma Sheila). Then, her friend Angela stopped by to take her to Ulta (a makeup place) and Borders for some relaxing friend time.

Martina came back a little later to hang out in the afternoon, and the day wrapped up with a surprise gathering of friends and family at our favorite downtown restaurant, Lebanese powerhouse Habibi. (Savannah later spent a surprise gift card at Nordstrom Rack for some new shoes.)

We are so grateful for Savannah, and for what she means to everyone she meets! She is a treasure as a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend, and is so much cheerier than her age might suggest ;-). She's pink personified! Happy birthday, Savannah! (Hopefully we'll post some pics from the big day on here soon.)