Well, it's been a looonnnggg process, and we are finally down to the final weeks before our big move. The market has been horrible, so we have been left to sell our house to my company. Not the most ideal situation, but workable none-the-less. We have put an offer on a house in Joliet, and we are waiting for some contractors to give us estimates on certain fixes so we can finish up negotiations. Our official last day in Toledo is August 30th, however, we will be stickin around for the weekend, so we will probably be leaving on Sept 1st or 2nd.

Michelle has been able to quit her job, which we praise God for! That was our number one goal throughout this whole process, and it has been accomplished (at least for now). The kids are quite excited about moving to Chicago, but I wonder at what they really expect, and I hope that I have given them a realistic perspective. Three quarters of their toys have been packed away for over 6 months, so I'm sure that part will be exciting, kinda like a "pre" Christmas. Come to think of it, about three quarters, or more, of our stuff has been packed away for 6 months plus... Woohoo!! Break our the mistletoe! (no fifth child jokes.) The new house is definitely smaller than our current :), but it does have 6 bedrooms (which I didn't think existed in Joliet, or Illinois for that matter). It's in a humble area of town, more on the outskirts, and close to I-80 (good for visiting family). Michelle will have plenty of room for her garden and fruit trees. So if the kids don't keep her busy enough, she can weed and make salads-a-plenty.

While out in Chicago, we were able to visit the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry which is very impressive (it has a real U-Boat from World War II inside one of its showrooms). Here is a picture of the boys enjoying a train display (Joshua LOVES trains!).

Most of my friends live in other countries, but if any are in the area (T-Town that is), you (whoever is reading this) are more than welcome to come to our "Open House/Going Away" party on Aug 26th from 2pm till whatever... probably 6pm or so. Food will be provided. Feel free to contact me if you would like to come.

I will upload pictures as soon as I can (after catching up with sleep, helping Michelle change diapers, padding the walls to protect them from 4 crazy cannon balls, purchasing earplugs, and seeing my psychiatrist). Here is the essential data for all you husbands who get in trouble for not getting them when talking to other men about new babies:

Birth Date: 1/28/2007 7:21PM
Weight: 7lbs 3oz
Length: 20 Inches
Hairiness: Not too hairy
Crying Scale: Low to Medium
Cutiness Scale: To high to read...

Everyone is healthy and excited. Michelle is quite the woman! The nurses and midwife all said she made it look easy.

Proud new father, again,
Tim