Our journey to becoming (almost) home owners...

Our journey to find our first home began waaaaay back in January.  In that time, we have -- looked at 20 something houses, put in 6 or 7 offers, been outbid on all of those offers, met with a builder and decided to build, decided not to build, looked at 20 something more houses, put in 4 more bids, been outbid on all of those offers, met with another builder and decided again to build, decided again not to build, looked at 2 more houses, put in 1 more offer, and offer ACCEPTED!

...but that is obviously not the end of the story.

After getting our "offer accepted" phone call, going through the home inspection, pest inspection, and appraisal, we were 3 days away from getting our "clear to close" phone call with our closing date, but instead we got a call from our mortgage lender that began, "I have some bad news..."

Long story short, there was an error in our income taxes so they were unable to approve our home loan.  I know, we were pretty bummed, too.  HOWEVER, we know that everything happens for a reason and there is a greater plan for us that we may not see right now, so we have done everything in our power to remain positive and see this as a new opportunity for us instead of an obstacle.

We are, however, MOVING!  Michael's Aunt and Uncle have a home in Riverview (just south of where we live now in Wesley Chapel) that they have been renting, but were hoping to sell.  So we have made arrangements to rent their home until we are able to get our taxes fixed and in a position where we are able to buy a home again!  This came as a true blessing in disguise for our family and for theirs, so we are thrilled that everything is smiling again :)

Our boxes are all packed and we plan to move next weekend!  So get out your address book and update your contact information for the Miller's!

Parker does not want us to forget him!

I will be sure to take some photos as soon as we get settled and update you on our new adventures in Riverview!  As always, we have an extra bedroom, so visitors are always welcome :)

All our love,
Michael, Brittany, Parker, and Cooper

Summer Fun!

It is never a dull moment in the Miller household and as you can see from the pictures below, Parker's little personality has really started to shine!

"OHHH!  Look, Mom!  I can feed myself!"

I have no words.  This boy is crazy.

Mmmmm...Spaghetti!

Getting in touch with his artistic self.

"Hmmm...I think I missed a spot..."

"That's better!  Have fun cleaning this up, Mom!"

Pool time fun!

Learning how to swim with Daddy

I love them :)

"Brush, brush, brush!"

"This frozen yogurt gives me a brain freeze!"

"It was Cooper, I swear."

This is how we found him one morning.  Apparently his arm got hot.  Just the left one. 

Monkey boy!

Lunch date with Nee Naw :) 

HAHAHA

"This is how they go, right?"

Beach time!

He has started to figure out the joy of sliding...

Trying to make a monkey noise HAHAHA

Apparently this is how toddlers eat waffles.

Naughty boy.

I wasn't kidding about the truck obsession.  He threw a FIT and insisted we take this with us...to the post office. 

Sloppy toddler kisses, YUM! 

Cars.  It creates a toddler trance...and the ability to do dishes or cook dinner without "help"

Maine, The Way Life Should Be...

We ventured to Maine for a July 4th vacation.  It is always great to make the trip and spend time with my side of the family, but this time, Ann and Duane were able to join us!  Parker is starting to become a professional traveler...other passengers on our plane may disagree (especially the gentleman in front of us who caught one of Parker's projectile snack containers to the side of his head...), but at least we keep it interesting!

Parker has recently become infatuated with trucks, big trucks.  Uncle Brian made a surprise visit in his dump truck, but Parker was a little skeptical at first...

As you can see, it did not take him long to get comfortable and then we had a hard time getting him to come out!  This little boy was in heaven!

This red wagon was mine when I was a little girl and I have some very fond memories of it.  It was heartwarming when I saw that my parents had cleaned it up and Parker was able to enjoy it as well.  He wore himself out pulling that thing around the yard and we all spent the week taking laps around the house with Parker in tow!

Mimi offered to hang out with P while we did some antique shopping and I received the following text message while we were gone:  "Parker ate a good lunch so he gets cookies!"  What a spoiled boy!

Mimi and Papa got this tricycle for Parker for Christmas.  His feet were just a few inches shy of being able to pedal on his own, so we got to take turns pushing him around in this...alternating with the wagon...

Mayleigh is my best friend Megan's little girl.  She adores "Baby Parker" and is always so sweet to him!  They had such a great time and I look forward to sharing more memories with them as he grows.

Alex, Mayleigh, and "Baby Parker" :)

My cousin, Braden, helping P down the slide :)

As always, our visit is never long enough and saying goodbye never gets easier.  We cherish our time in Maine and look forward to many more years of happy memories.  Thank you to all that came to visit while we were in town, we will see you again very soon!