Our New Mini Van, Grandma Beka Comes to Visit and Adaya is Dedicated at Church

On Monday of last week we finally took the plunge and traded in our 2007 Honda Accord for a 2010 Honda Odyssey EXL. We have been looking at larger vehicles for a couple weeks now and I finally made my peace with the practicality of a mini van over a Suburban. It didnt take much convincing, though, once I looked at the Odysseys - I couldn't belive how luxurious they are! At first we had our eyes on the Odyssey Touring, but they were just a little out of our price range so we moved on to the next step down, the EXL's, which have just about everything the Touring has, except the driver's seat memory, rear sensors and a few other small things. When we talked the dealership in Hillsboro down to less than invoice, we knew we had better jump on this car and it has been wonderful ever since!



Last Thursday, Jonathan's mom, Beki aka "Grandma Beka" came to visit us for a short stay. Chloe was a little shy at first since she hadn't seen her since July, but in no time at all Beka became a favorite playmate.



On friday, we took a short little drive in our new mini van to Tillamook, our closest beach. There we ate "High Tea" at La Tea Da and took the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour. We all had a great time!



Saturday we had a liesurely morning before getting ready for church in the afternoon. There, mom and dad Shierman met us as our Pastor dedicated Adaya in front of our church family. Despite Chloe's comedic antics, it was very moving for all of us. After church we celebrated by going out to Del Taco, a favorite after-church dining experience with many of our church friends.




Sunday was just a play day at home and on Monday while Jon went to Salem for his first day in his new position, Manager of Medicare Business Relations, us girls went to play at Out of This World Pizza. We were planning on going to the zoo, but it was a bit too rainy and cold.
Jon is really enjoying his new job and while it keeps him very busy, he is very happy with it and looks forward to seeing how it will continue to develop. The long commute is not alot of fun, it is less stressful because of the way less traffic. And who knows, maybe someday we will even move closer!
Tuesday evening we took Grandma Beka back to the airport, but we look forward to seeing her and the rest of Jon's family in three weeks, when we drive down to Salinas for a week-long visit.