Our house has only three bedrooms, but we'd like more--it does have two other rooms we don't know what to do with. It has a garage (standard in this area because of really harsh winters). It sits on 1/3 of an acre, a lot of lawn to mow. It has a little deck outside the back door, and Mike is building a sandbox/playset next to the deck.

The house has almost white carpet, which is a challenge to keep clean. We never wanted white carpet, but there it is. Its days already appear to be numbered. When we first moved in, everything in the house was either bright white or dark brown. We're trying to add color wherever we can.

We live on the top of a hill, and the back of our property stops at the downhill slope and the park that begins there. We've discovered game trails in the grass and woods behind the house, and following them makes for a pleasant walk. We've been so busy since coming here, that for two months we never set foot back there. It's still difficult to find time or a calm moment to enjoy the scenery.

Animals--boy, do we have animals. When we first moved in, it seemed every time we walked into the back yard, some rabbits (brown cottontails) got scared and hopped off into the woods. LeeAnn and the kids saw some deer in our yard one morning. While mowing the lawn, we frequently find garden snakes (LeeAnn even found a baby one in our basement!). And, of course, the moles. Neighbors tell us of visits from wild turkeys and foxes.

New neighbors just moved in next door. They're expecting their first baby, and the husband is a pilot for Gateway's corporate jets. The other neighbors we've met have been very friendly, but nothing like we've left behind in Utah.

Brian's conversation of the week: [while getting ready for bed]
LeeAnn: Brian, where would you like your pillow, on this end or the other end?
Brian [screaming]: I DON'T WANT MY PILLOW ANYWHERE!
LeeAnn [giving in]: Okay, where would you like your head?
Brian [still screaming]: I DON'T WANT MY HEAD ANYWHERE!
Mike [dreaming]: *POOF!* Granted!