So much has happened...

When I last posted, we were just about to go on a weeklong vacation to Traverse City, MI. We had a great time. The weather was not quite as cooperative as it had been last year when we visited. But friends, food and some good wine made up for it. We spent our time at the Bosch's cottage on Lake Leelanau. Traveled up to Harbor Springs to visit Tom & Kumi's house (its lovely-by the way), visited a couple of winerys on the Old Mission Peninsula, and of course relaxed lakeside. We got home on July 24th.

I spent most of the next week catching up around the house and at work. On July 31st, we went to a couple of open houses - because we're just checking out what our options are in the housing market-not ready to buy. We saw a house on Sunday, made an offer on Tuesday, and on the 8th of August, we signed the contract. All we have to do now is sell our house. Right? Bryan said to me after we made the offer, "Now which one of us was supposed to have ice water running in our veins?"

So far the prospective market for our house looks good. On Tuesday, in the evening (the 8th) we put a sign in our front yard. So far, we've seen lots of cars slowing down to check it out, had two showings, and scheduled two more. We aren't even listed in the MLS yet. Its a good sign.

I know your wondering, so what did Colleen, Bryan & Rowan do last weekend? Home improvement. You know the 10% that never quite gets finished in any project you have. Well, here's my advise. Turn the computer off now and go and finish it. Do it. Don't wait.

We did get to visit with some family last weekend at my parents. Our southern cousins we up visiting -"Howdy Y'all" - and my parents hosted a small reunion of sorts at their house. The food, weather and company was great. My father's cousins, Phyllis & Norb were there (whom I've never met), as well as lots o' Donovans from Dubuque. It was fun.

August is a big month for birthdays in my family (and friends) so here's to you August babies - Happy, Happy Birthday from the Sibthorps. Jennifer, Connie, Crystal, Chris & Amanda (2nd wedding aniversary), of course we are anxiously awaiting baby Donovan with Chris & Amanda due later this month, Jill, my Mom, Nathan and Debbie. A couple more anniversaries to mention, Bill and Pat, and my parents will be celebrating 49 years.

I can't believe I forgot that in the mist of all this activity, Rowan started her last year at SKIP. Right now there are only 3 children in her class, and she is getting lots of attention from her teachers. She is happy to be back, and slipped right back into the swing of things. Miss Sue, her teacher, told me today, that she can be naughty (that cracks me up), and will pretend to be asleep during snack time. Naughty. Yeah right.

I'm sorry I don't have any new pictures of Rowan to share. We have been so busy around here lately, I haven't taken any pictures.

Hi to Katie in Roanoke. Please tell Anne Marie that I've updated the website.

Until next time, all our love,

Bryan, Colleen & Rowan