Whack!!!

I just got the estimate for repairs to my car. Apparently it took a bigger hit that we thought! They are now estimating repairs at over $6500!!! I guess when I smacked the guard rail, I damaged the engine cradle. It looks like the family will have to settle for cruising Central Texas in my little VW rental car...

When in Austin, do as Lance Armstrong does...

While in Super Target yesterday, I finally saw that they had the bikes I have been interested in. Target.com had them, but I wanted to pick them up in a store instead since I have no tools to put it together. Anyway, below are some pictures. After the family moves here (with the kid's bikes and the bike rack), we hope to hit some easy trails.

Christin's Bike:


Bob's Bike:

Just an Accident

Well, Sunday night was exciting! I was driving to the airport to pick up my friend and got into a car accident. First off, no one was hurt so you can all breathe easy. I was driving south on Highway 183 in the left lane when another car decided it wanted to occupy the same space my car was. It started coming into my lane. I swerved to avoid it and started to spin. If you have ever seen the movie "Cars", then you know what I'm talking about (except Lightning McQueen actually regained control). I hit the guard rail with my front end. The other driver was nice enough to stop and see if I was Ok. Amazingly enough, my car was not too badly damaged. The front bumper absorbed most of the impact. In fact my air bag didn't even go off! After bungee cording the hood closed, I made my way home. The car still had perfect alignment and ran just as quite and comfortable as always. Pictures? Of course (Diane, if you are reading this, please don't look what I did to your car).

It could have been a lot worse, so I am grateful for that. The car will soon be repaired and better than before (I never could get those bugs off my bumper and hood). I was no worse for the experience, and I have a rental car to play with for a few days!

Moving Forward with Faith

This past Saturday, we made our first move toward building our new home by putting some money down to hold a lot. We haven't sold our house in Florida yet, thus the title of this post. So far everything else has turned out for the best, as if it is all part of God's plan for us. We are therefore taking the next step as a leap of faith that the house will sell, and everything will work out Ok. You can see pictures of the lot and surrounding streets here. It is exactly the lot we were looking for. It's on a quiet cauldhisac off the main road, and walking distance to the new elementary school that opens this August. It's a rather deep lot (between 150-200 ft) and has a good size oak tree in the back. Christin and I are starting to get excited now planning for our new home.

Holiday Recap

We spent the July 4th weekend with our friends, the Kotlabas (Scott, Sherry, Justin and Shane) in Bradenton, FL. We spent the day swimming in the gulf of Mexico on Anna Maria Island, and everyone had a great time. It was hard to say good bye realizing that it could be a year or more before we see each other again. On Sunday, we had a barbeque with some other friends which turned out to be a surprise "good bye" party (I'm still trying to figure out if they celebrating because we are leaving). It was hard saying good by to many more of our close friends wondering if we would ever see them again. I guess we need to make sure our new house as enough room for everyone to come visit!

Happy 4th of July!

Well, in a few hours I will be heading to the airport back to Florida. We will be spending the Holiday with our friends, the Kotlabas at Bradenton Beach. If I take any good photos, I'll post them when I get back next week.

-Bob