Movin' On Up

Change will be coming soon for our family! We're moving! A move across town, but a big move in the sense that it will be a good move for our family.
A few years ago, we had a realtor randomly call us and ask us if we'd ever consider selling our house. At the time we met with him and found out that he represented a local businessman wanted to purchase our house, mainly because of its location. At the time we turned him down because we couldn't find a house we liked better, and because of the low offer he gave us. Fast forward 2 years, and we were driving through a quiet neighborhood on a Sunday and found an open house. We went inside, and loved it. Unfortunately, it was just out of our price range with the high taxes that the neighborhood had, but we started looking around. We ended up finding a house that was affordable and in a great neighborhood across town (one of those neighborhoods we have always wanted to live in but never thought we could). Not wanting to hassle with putting our house on the market in this economy, we called the local business man and it turns out he was still interested in buying (for actually a greater amount this time!). That combined with a tax credit we qualify for and a great interest rate... we decided to purchase the house! The new house will have a lot more living space and a much better layout with a finished (though retro) family room and a fully fenced in backyard for Luke to play in. It will also have an attached, heated garage and just....well... more space! We also will be close to a great park that we can bike, hike, and explore in as a family. We will also both be closer to work and school and that will mean less time in the car for us! We are overwhelmed at the idea of moving with a one year old, but I keep reminding myself that this move will be completely worth it in the end. After 9 years in the house that we purchased just a year after we were married, it will be sad to pack up and leave, but we have found our that our "house needs" are different now that we have a child.
So....let the packing begin!