Wahoo!

We are SO thrilled! Not only does Jas have a job but we have more great news!

We've been looking and looking at houses, as you know. We had been told by a broker a while back that if Jas didn't get a job in the same field, we'd have to wait on getting a loan. Turns out that was erroneous info! We just got a pre-qualification done yesterday, hooray! Now this weekend we're looking a little more seriously rather than just well, we like this, maybe the owners will do a lease option. We have a long list to look at, but we both have a feeling we know which two we are seriously looking at a little harder, the two we tried to get a lease option on. It'll be great to be able to go back through with the knowledge that yes, we might just be able to do this.

Of course...they won't be getting full price now. ;-) Ah, coulda shoulda woulda....

Not going to go for the house below, I don't think. The more we thought about it the more we realized our hearts are really "beachside". If we could move the house over there, it would be perfect.

Will keep you posted. Also I need to tell you about our trip down to the Keys over Labor Day for the kid's birthdays. We had quite a time. Of course Cait's b-day isn't until next week, but we decided to do a combined b-day.

wildlife

Even if you don't like Florida for the heat, at least you can appreciate the amazing wildlife viewing opportunities we have here.

Just today - baby armadillo crossed the road in front of our car, a mama raccoon went through the yard with four new babies trailing behind, and we were entertained by two little lizards fighting for territory (our patio lol), then having a huge stare down. :-D

09/02/2009

Hey all, small update. We saw the night shuttle launch Friday and it was amazing. We just stood outside the house - came right up and over. We got some pictures and video but they're not great - I will still upload them soon so you can see.

As you know Jordan's birthday is this weekend, I think we're going to try and take the kids to the Keys, as long as TS Erika stays away, looking good for that. They're dying to go and do "real" snorkeling. :)

Jas is working on taking a couple of tests for his EPA card. Seems like every employer here wants them to have that, so he needs to get that done. I'm doing my regular job, but it's a lot harder here, considering I'd really rather be out in the sun :) Speaking of sun, we're all very tan!

Kids are doing well in their schools. We bought Cait her own violin and she sounds amazing. She's going to be trying out for the County-wide orchestra pretty quick here, and she made the first section of the chamber orchestra at school. Jordan is enjoying his new school a lot and doing well.

We drove over to the Gulf side for the day on Sunday - Tampa, Clearwater, and Dunedin. We were at Honeymoon Island for most of the time. It's gorgeous over there - crystal blue water, very few waves, and the sand is like white talc, very smooth and very cool due to the quartz in it.

That's all for the moment, I have to get back to work. Will get pics up soon. Take care all!