Cars

We found out last week that my Maxima was sick... It needed repairs beyond what the car was worth.  It was a 1999 Nissan Maxima.  I have had that car for around 12 years...which seems like forever.  It was with me when I started my job at Holder Properties, and when Michael and I bought this house.  It brought both Rachel and Jackson home from the hospital when they were born.  This car has been with me forever.  So when the realization set in that we had to get a new car, I was a little sad.  

We knew that we needed more space in our vehicle - our cars hold the four of us and that's all.  I'm sure we'll be needing to carry around friends soon as well as not having to drive two cars when we do anything with family.  The obvious choice for us was a mini-van.  We've driven one before as a rental and loved it.  So much room and they are so practical with children.  So last Saturday night we began the search.  I won't go through all of the details, but we ended up finding a good one in Auburn, AL.  By good, I mean great mileage, newer year and a good price.  It is a 2011 Nissan Quest SV.  

Michael was going to drive out to Auburn today to get it but I got off work early on Friday so he went then instead.  He left our house at 4:00 and got back home at 11:00 pm.  It was a long trip, but it was worth it!  He told me on the phone last night that it's the nicest vehicle he's ever driven.  I couldn't wait to see it!  

Before he left with the Maxima, we took a few pictures with the car since it would be the

 last time we'd see it.  It really was a great car.

The car driving away for the last time...We waved bye and then...

I looked down to see this.

She was so upset...didn't want to get rid of her car...It's all she's ever known.  

At least it made me not cry - I had to deal with her!  

We went on and did our thing in the evening and Michael made the long drive there.  The kids went to bed excited to see our new van.  As soon as we were all up this morning, we went out to the garage to see it.  They were very impressed!  We made a quick drive to the gas station to fill it up and that was my first time driving it.  It's so much bigger than what I'm used to but it drives so well and everything.  

I'm getting used to it quickly!  

Here it is!

The kids love it so far!  

This afternoon Michael and the kids washed the van for the first time.  They really enjoyed doing that!

So, there you go.  We can't wait to drive it to see you!

Going to the Zoo!

Saturday we went to the zoo.  It was Jackson's first time going and I was so excited to be able to take him because he loves animals.  Especially gorillas.  I couldn't wait to see his excitement and expressions...  Well, I must have thought it out too much in my mind because we got very few of those excited expressions.  He did enjoy it but he would look at something and say "go see something else..."  Regardless, we had a good time. 

 

First stop, pink flamingos.  As always, Rachel is so much better at smiling for the camera than Jackson is... He just doesn't want to do it. It's hard enough to get him to look, much less to smile. 

 

 

My pretty girl.

 

 

Elephants!

 

 

Look at that!

 

 

 

 

Sitting on daddy's shoulders to see the giraffes, ostriches, zebra and a rhino in this area.

 

 

Watching the gorillas - they are so cute!

 

 

 

Being big birds in the nest.

 

 

 

The tiger walked over and laid down right in front of us.  Jackson was trying to roar at him.

 

 

The giant panda was so cute eating his bamboo right there in front of the kids.

 

 

 

We brought our lunch and snacks with us this time instead of buying there.  We found a place in the shade to eat and it worked so much better than last time. 

 

 

 

Daddy rode the carousel...

 

 

And mommy rode the train.

 

 

And then they got to play on the playground before we left.  This was one of their favorite parts. 

 

 

 

 

He's still a climber and has no fear!

 

 

Hanging on the monkey bars... Look!  A smile!