Almost a Soccer Mom

If Nolan were enrolled in soccer I'd be an official soccer mom because we now have the perfect van for the job! I haven't written much about the extensive research process we've undergone, but we're both glad that it's over. After two months of test driving, dealing with car salesmen, browsing the internet, and reading car reviews, we've finally decided on the Honda Odyssey. (Big surprise, I know.) It's a new white, 2008 that we found for a great deal in Logan. Justin had called around Reno, Las Vegas, St. George, SLC, and Idaho to find as good a deal as this one. He is definitely an engineer when it comes to researching purchases. It has all the trimmings that we never thought we would get (leather, power doors, heated seats, DVD player, sunshades, etc.) but since it had been at the dealership for over a year, we were able to get it for the same price as a new base model 2009. With the economy the way it is, used car prices are up so it was a good time to buy new. I realize this picture doesn't do it justice, but everyone either owns one of their own already or sees about 10 to 20 of them parked in their church parking lot every Sunday. We certainly didn't get this minivan because it is unique! ;-)

Justin was acting very strange the morning of "the buy." He wouldn't let me go with him to see it or anything (though I had test driven a similar one two weeks ago). It turns out that he really wanted to surprise me with the extra features it has. I thought it was going to be the more simple model. What a sneak! He was also afraid I would talk him out of it, I guess. We hope that we don't have to buy any more cars for a very long time. Justin will drive the Mitsubishi Lancer since it was time to give up his 1994 Saturn. What a great car that has been for us! I bet the carpoolers are very disappointed to see the Saturn go! I love the new van, though it seems strange to find myself in this stage of life already. Aren't I too young for a minivan?!

In other news, we're wrapping up moving the computer room into our master bedroom so that each little boy can sleep in their own room. What a fiasco! It all started with a trip to IKEA to get a desk and shelves. Naturally this turned into an all-day event as if we were at Disneyland (but without the rides). That place truly amazes me. After we finally picked out what we want, we realized there was no way it would fit in our car. Justin was so annoyed that we'd have to make another trip there. I think that is what really moved the minivan process along. Needless to say, we'll be picking up the desk tomorrow. Nolan is pretty much settled into his new room though. I'm so glad he adjusted well to the twin size bed. On top of all this transitioning, I just had to paint an accent wall in the living room. It was bad timing, I realize now. It has given us a little grief but I think it will turn out. I'll have to post pictures of our "remodeling" once we've got the house put back together.