Second Half of the Story

When I left off telling about our Big Move, we had just moved in and started the whole unpacking and settling in process. But, that is only half of the story. Once all of our stuff was out of the old house and into the new, then the process to sell the old house started. After some more fixing up and mega-cleaning (when your house is empty, it has to be super clean!), it went on the market on Aug. 12. Neither of us had ever sold a house before, so it was definitely a learning process. Two days later, I got the first call from the realtor's office that someone wanted to go look at the house. The first couple weeks were pretty active, with about 10 different people going to see it. The feedback was good and I was on pins and needles, just waiting for someone to make an offer. Then another week or so later, on Sept. 4, we got an offer. It was a bit low, but we haggled back and forth, and then, on Sept. 9, a contract was signed! Yippee! The best part was that they wanted to close on Sept. 19 (the sooner the better for us). There were a couple minor things on the inspection, which Dan took care of, and then a couple days before closing, we all went to visit the Old House for the last time. Here are the kids sitting on the basement storage shelves that Dan built:
It is so much fun to run around like crazy in empty rooms:
Got to have a little wrestling:
The pot rack that Dan built (I miss that - there is no spot for one in this kitchen):
Outside at the hedge, I don't remember what it is called. Look at all those houses right next to each other. It seems crowded now!

The terraced garden that Dan made. We had cucumbers, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, radishes, and several kinds of peppers this year. I think next year's garden will be a little bit bigger. :)
I clipped the last of the yellow roses that were blooming and gave them to the kids. The rosebush was a gift and it looked half dead when Dan planted it. We were amazed when it went on to become a huge, blooming bush. (I guess I should have taken a picture of the rosebush!)
Then it was time for some fun with the cicadas (the shells only!). Catherine is actually holding one:
I think everyone got a turn to have a cicada shell attached to their shirt. They thought it was pretty neat, after the initial fear was overcome.
So goodbye, Old House!

I don't know how people can stand having their houses on the market for months on end. It was stressful and ours wasn't even on for a whole month. Thanks again to all who prayed. I know that is what got us a quick result. Thank you!