Summer 2009
Oh, where to start?? Here is the very short version of a not so short time period.
One Sunday in May, the Robinson family decided to put their house in St. Charles up for sale. Meticulous cleaning and organizing occurred for for one straight week. House was put on the market by our AWESOME realtor, Justin Taylor. If you ever need a realtor, he is fantastic, to say the least. Mrs. Robinson learned how to keep a clean house. The children, however, weren't so fond of their mother's new discovery. House was shown 8 times before offer was made and accepted. The Robinsons were thrilled that they had sold their house. Closing was set for July 18th. They set out on a very exciting mission to find a house closer to friends and church family around the Kirkwood/Brentwood area. They put an offer on a darling little house. It didn't work out. So, they set out again, in search of the perfect place. Offer #2 was made. A counter offer from the onwers was made for full price and was quickly rejected by the Robinsons. They were not happy but knew that this house wasn't the right place for them and that God was telling us to keep looking. With closing yet a week away, offer #3 was made on another house. Things were looking good. They loved the inside and it had great character. Whoops, it was on a busy street and had a tiny backyard. Hmmmmn, was this the right house afterall? They had to live somewhere!! Inspections began. Closing on the St. Charles house rapidly approached and they were homeless. Their very, very sweet and gracious family (The Copes) invited them to stay in their home. They accepted. Off to beach they went. Owners waited until VERY last minute to inform the very relaxed Robinsons they intended to sell house "as is." Robinsons said, "No way." House #3 no longer an option. Much relief was felt because as mentioned before, they weren't sure this was the right house. Summer vacation and officially homeless. Phone calls were made and there we were again at square one. By this time, I knew that God had something MUCH better in store for us, we just couldn't see it. (Note: I wasn't always this positive. Ask Aaron.)
MORE searching. Realtor.com was our best friend. Our obsession. Our dinner guest. Sometimes, Realtor.com stayed with us until the wee hours of the morning. Justin was called for a quick look at more houses. The first house: no way. The second house, "THIS IS THE ONE!!!!" Offer was made, accepted, inspections... well, you get the point. Everything about House #4 was so perfect and so easy.
BUT... we had to wait 3 weeks to close. The poor Cope family. Enough said.
So, after much anticipation, I am happy to say we are in our home and we LOVE it. We love being so close to everything and everyone. I love being able to call friends and say, "Come on over!" and having them at our house in five minutes. Gracie, after being enrolled in three schools, is at a fantastic school. Her teacher is absolutely wonderful and perfect for Grace. Jonah's preschool is also amazing and he is super happy with it.
Moral of the story: During a struggle, we never know what God has in store for us. Having faith, although it wasn't easy at all times, paid off in the end. We are so thankful!
Here are some pictures of our summer fun! Get ready to be overwhelmed by Gracie and Jonah pics!!
Found out during her Kindergarten Eye Screening that she needed glasses for reading!
First lost tooth! She pulled it out by herself because her mommy was too much of a chicken to do so! (I just didn't want to hurt her!)
First day of Kindergarten.
Love...
Watching and petting the Stingrays at the St. Louis Zoo!
Favorite treat at the zoo!
Gracie trying to catch a butterfly.
Geared up and ready for the Zoo!
Zoo date with the Chase family!
Botanical Gardens, in a cave looking for creatures.
Tractor Ride at Uncle Chris and Aunt Shelia's house in Mt. Vernon, MO while visiting Grandma.
4th of July:
Look at that face! (Is this really safe mom and dad?)
Butterfly House (see butterfly on his head)
At Botanical Gardens with Hudson and Max
Max, Hudson, Grace and Jonah
Thought this was funny with Jonah sound asleep in the car with his dinosaur. :)
My two little sickies being silly. They made themselves a little bed in a laundry basket. :) Everyone needs a lollipop when their throat hurts!
Searching for butterflies at the Branson Butterfly House!
Bikeride!
Going on Tractor Ride at Uncle Chris and Aunt Shelia's.
Tilles Park playing in water sprinklers.
What a FUN summer!
