We're Back!!

I know, I know. Where have we been??? Well I would love to say that our lives have been so filled with exciting good times and I have had no time to post. That would would be half true. Let's see, where do I start? Well, we returned from Florida hoping to look around at some houses to rent. We have been (or should I say that Henry's toys have been...) outgrowing the townhouse. We were going to rent out the townhouse for a year or two until the market turned around and then sell. So, typical Carter fashion we look around at some houses and decide to fall in love with a great house that is for SALE! So within three weeks, we finish the kitchen (remember the saga of the kitchen) and have an open house. Meanwhile scrambling to get pre-approved for our dream home. We had the open house...TRAALAAA-AN OFFER!!! I don't want to get ahead of myself because even though we all came to agreements on the contracts (even the house we're buying), the inspection of our townhouse was today and we do not yet know the results. I can hear the termites crunching away as I type-JUST KIDDING! Fingers crossed everyone.

So while I thought it was going to be a lazy summer of hangin' with my boys once we returned from FLA-it was not to be. Henry did spend a fair amount of time at Ms. Karen's and with Caitlin the wonder-sitter (and her brother, Carson, who Henry adores-Henry says, "Cartin"). To relieve any guilt, I did manage to interject some fun stuff.

Here's proof

Spray Park. One of the best inventions by far.

Aunt Pam came for a visit and we drove to Maryland to hang at her hotel (it had a pool). It was helpful to get out of the house while daddy worked on the kitchen (more on that later)

Mommy and Daddy need to have fun too, right? We did manage to scrub up for one night. Although if you look closely, you will see paint on our fingernails!

Henry and I decided to assume that we were going to get the house and took a walk on the nature trail in our new neighborhood (call it positive thinking).

Henry's hair was getting a bit moppy so while we were sitting in a diner, I looked out the window and saw, "HAIRCUTS-$5.00" We walked over and found out that it was a hairdressing school. I don't think that anyone could understand a word I said but they did a great job and let Henry play with the big brush.

My niece, Emily was supposed to have a layover in DC on her way to FLA. As it turns out, her flight was cancelled and we got her overnight! It just so happened that the inspection for the dream home was that night, which lasted about 5 hours (we have to stay while it's being inspected)-not sure I could have done it without Emily corralling Henry!

This is Henry checking out a gift from Uncle John

who knows that every little boy needs a cupcake holder (of course).

Ahmad's birthday party!! These are Henry's friends from Ms. Karen's.

Henry was only too happy to assist with opening the birthday presents

(that's what friends are for).

He also decided to run them through a few tests.

The grand Poombaa! Wow, this one created some excitement. Of course the birthday boy is on the floor playing with a wooden car!

Oh, and for the record...

Okay, the moment you have all been waiting for...the finished kitchen. Because this is actually Henry's Blog, I felt the need to upload the small photos. However, you can click on them to enlarge ;)

...can you believe a decorator friend advised us against black cabinets?!
Humph!

Thank you Uncle John for attaching the cabinet doors and the hinges and the pulls. Note to self (and others), when you buy hinges-if you order one (1), it's for one (1) door. Meaning there will be two (2) hinges. Anyone need forty-four (44) brushed nickel flush-mount hinges?

Just asking.

Here's Henry helping out with the floor.

On the Monday after the open house, we were relaxing at the Carter Country Club with some wine and peel & eat. Henry was playing in his pool. It was the picture of perfection. The phone rings and a realtor wants to bring a client to look at the place. While they were looking around we were in the back, like, "yes, this is what we do every evening in this perfect home." Classic! Guess who put in an offer that evening? I think it was Henry splashing around in the pool. Unfortunately, the pool does not convey. Neither does Henry!

Henry's first taste of shrimp. He likes it!

The next morning, Henry decided to shower in the sprinkler. Why not?