SOLD!

We finally sealed the deal and sold our house on Tuesday of this week; after more than two weeks of negotiations, inspections, the appraisal, and subsequent re-negotiations. I'm happy and excited at the possibility of getting into a more functional house very soon. In fact, when I'm helping Mary up the stairs to go to bed, take a bath, or to play in her room, one of us chimes in with a "not much longer" or "man I won't miss these."

But to tell you the truth, our house has been a good house. We've renovated almost every room inside (some twice!) and have learned a lot along the way. I just hope the next family enjoys it as much as we have.

Now we only have to find our new house, pack up and move by the first week of December. Anyone have boxes?

Chicks 'N Peeps

At least once a year, the ladies in Matt's family all get together for some shopping, drinking and belly laughs. We lovingly refer to ourselves as the Whittington Chicks (a term that I believe was brought about by a drunken karaoke rendition of "Earl Had to Die" by the Dixie Chicks.) Ladies, correct me if I'm wrong on this one!

This weekend, we were able to get our ever-growing group together (minus Amanda and Lisa) :-( and knocked out another great get-together. We laughed at the rapid expansion this year of the next generation of Whittington Chicks, or Peeps, as we decided that they too need a name until they earn their "Chick" right of passage some day. (We've had 4 baby girls born in the last 12 mos. with one more due in a few weeks!) It's good to know that our beer drinkin, loud talkin', overspendin' tradition will be secure with the next generation. Woooo hooo!!

Happy Halloween

It's the year of recycled costumes!

I think Beth looked pretty bas ass...

The End of the Wee Bolt Era

You know, when they were little you could say, "Get together for a pic" and they'd all huddle together with big cheesy grins. Now as sixth graders, this is what you get with that same request.

What goofballs! I'm glad it's over but I will miss them. (Most of them anyway...)

;-)

Gotcha!

I was taking pictures a few weeks ago and trying to get a rise out of Beth since she was refusing to give me a cute smile. I may have mentioned that she might like a certain new "someone" that goes to her school and caught this reaction. Ah ha....gotcha!

John Turns 5!

We had a fun day today. All of our food and activities were decided by the birthday boy. We started our morning with blueberry pancakes and sausage, immediately followed by PRESENTS. A live demonstration of proper form when weilding a sword was given... ...followed by a live duel right in the kitchen. The party then moved to a local bowling alley... (stupid rain ruined our plans for the park) ...where both Dad and Miss Mary each bowled a STRIKE! After working up an appetite over the course of the afternoon, our boy decided that he wanted to eat his birthday supper at McDonald's (Lord, help me...McDonald's?!) and then we'd come home to eat cake and ice cream while enjoying his favorite Nickelodean TV programs til bedtime.

I may poke fun at all of this, but I have to tell you, it really was a fun family day. I can't believe my little guy is 5. He's developed into a fun little person with real likes, dislikes, interests and opinions. I love him like crazy and can't wait to see how the next 5 years go. Happy birthday baby boy!

The Last Wee Bolt Cheer Photo

Sixth grade....whew, she's almost done. I mean, "YAY, go Bolts!"