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March 15th, 2010:

Goodbye btandvolpe.com. Much like the kudzu vine and stink bugs, facebook has invaded our lives for good. There is no point in duplicating "posts." In an effort to simplify our life we have decided to shut down this website. It's been a fun 7 years "blogging," but we also don't need the whole wide world to have access to our family. Since facebook has the security of just our friends and family it looks like we will continue our virtual baby books and family news utilizing their technology. We will miss this website, but it's time has come and gone. Good bye.

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December 8th 2009:

Darn, darn, darn. This website started with our wedding in 2003 and our life in San Francisco. Then when we moved to Jackson, WY the website became a way to share photos, stories and to keep an updated calendar online for everyone to see, since we had invited everyone we knew to come visit. And they did. It then became a "blog" of sorts before blogs became so popular as we moved ourselves back east. But now there is facebook, which has made the need to blog obsolete for us. So now this website is more like an online baby book for our sons. I really need to get into the habit of updating it at least once a month, but that darn facebook is always staring me in the face. More news to come....when I'm not facebooking and have some time. I promise.

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August 3rd 2009:

Busy, busy, busy. Beach vacation, camping, Dutch Wonderland, zoos, parks, treehouses, visitors, etc. This summer has been great. We recently completed a treehouse of our own for Jack & Red's 3rd birthday. We're planning to finish our bathroom and some other projects in the coming weeks, but the home addition work has slowed down. Thank goodness. Unfortunately we have sad news as well. Mrs. Henry, our pet cat for the past four years, passed away. Thank goodness our friends the Madonia's were in town visiting when it happened. We appreciate their help and support. She is greatly missed by our family and the neighborhood. Too many great photos from our South Carolina trip to even highlight. Check them out at http://www.kodakgallery.com/btandvolpe/main/2009-07-06

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May 26th 2009:

Wow, two months since my last update. Darn facebook.
Spring has been treating us well. Bryan's 30 something birthday is tomorrow. He has been hard at work on our last major home addition project - putting back our brick patio. This time it's twice the size as the old one.
The kids and I have been busy at parks, parks and more parks trying to cram in as much outdoor activity as possible.
My new motto - Every Day is a Vacation Day!

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March 30th 2009:

Spring time is around the corner
Stomach virus, chest colds, bee stings, ear infections, you name it, we had it. We are loving some of the warm days we've had and can't wait for more. We'll be joining the new YMCA this summer for the pools, and will also become members of Elmwood Park Zoo and the Philly Please Touch Museum. Fun!

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February 16th 2009:

This old house
Our 110 year old house with 6 month old addition is almost complete. We are finished with the majority of trim, created a pantry and made an existing window into a doorway. The bathroom still needs a lot of work, we need to figure out what to do with our fireplace wall and once spring comes we'll be outside putting down patios and walkways again - but no rush. We are loving it.
We took a road trip to visit family in Pittsburgh with three kids under the age of three with no issues. Well, no major issues anyway. A few minor bumps here and there, but nothing we can't handle. Other than that, we are anxiously waiting for warmer weather.

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January 21st 2009:

Facebook
Ooohhh rrrriiiight.......we have this website. We kind of forgot now that we are facebook junkies.
While facebook has taken the place of our blog, we cannot let btandvolpe.com fade so quickly. After all it is our son's blogs (i.e. baby books).
We'll keep this site updated monthly so that someday we can simply print it out and put it away in a drawer for them. If you want up-to-date information about us, sign up for facebook and request us as a friend.
Everyone is doing it!

Go Obama!

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December 22nd 2008:

Thanks
We've had an exciting year and can't thank everyone enough for their help with the kids and our house. We're grateful for the expanded space for our larger family. If you'd like to see more recent photos of our addition check out the end of our addition album or look at our recent holiday photos.

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December 1st 2008:

No recession in Exton, PA
For the first time ever, we spent an entire day doing all of our Christmas shopping - kidless.
We had a great time buying gifts and eating out. It even snowed. Our only complaint was the menu at the Winner's Circle sports bar in Exton.
We wanted burgers for lunch and instead found things on the menu like the Andy Reid sandwich, which included meatloaf, mashed potatoes, grilled onions, cheese whiz and gravy on a bun. Gross. Don't eat there, just drink.
Next week: cutting down a tree and decorating.

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November 15th 2008:

Bodie's here!!!
More details on his page Three is the magic #

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November 9th 2008:

THIS IS THE WEEK
We did it. We made it through one weekend of not working on our home addition and spent the entire weekend with Jack & Red. We went out for pizza and breakfast, checked out the new Please Touch Museum, played at the park and went on a leaf hunt in Valley Forge. The sun was out today and we're ready for boy #3 to arrive this week - hopefully. I am due on Thursday the 13th.

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November 5th 2008:

Permission to land
The Phillies won the World Series. We're moved into our almost finished home addition. Obama is our President.
We'd like one more weekend of fun with the boys, but the baby is welcome to arrive at any time now. These are happy times.

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November 2nd 2008:

Taking a break
The Phillies won the World Series. Halloween is over. Our hardwood floor is finished in the new addition. We're voting on Tuesday. And the baby is due in 11 days.
We've been working almost non-stop on this home addition for the past six months and we're at a point where we are not finished, but moved in. We cut it close, but we're hoping boy #3 doesn't arrive until after next weekend. We'd like at least one weekend with the boys where we are not working on this house.
We all deserve a break.

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October 21st 2008:

People actually like Sarah Palin
This is Kristin, so we are clear. Bryan may feel the same way, but would rather not say so out loud on the internet. I'm the boat rocker and he's the peace keeper. It's a good match.
I just have to vent. I am finding more and more women who actually like Sarah Palin. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but being cute, sassy and down-to-earth is not a good reason for her to be Vice President.
I am totally annoyed by the "Ahhhh shucks, let's cut her some slack" attitude of some voters. And as a woman, I am completely offended that we would not hold her to the same high standards as her male counterparts.
Come on, do you think it would just blow over if McCain, Obama or Biden had a pregnant teenage daughter that they were forcing to marry. What if the guys couldn't answer some simple interview questions such as "What newspapers do you read?" or "Name one major supreme court decision that you disagree with?" We wouldn't let that slide. Aren't these easy questions that we as Americans should all be able to answer?
Palin was simply a republican stunt to add a minority to the ticket and it was irresponsible.
Liking her doesn't make her qualified for the job of VP or potential President.
I'm insulted.

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October 6th 2008:

Being practical
We tried to love you. We even tried to like you. But Whole Foods, we hate you. Your lack of parking, narrow aisles, high prices and your "better than everyone else" attitude are just not worth it.
We're practical people. Some may say frugal. But since Kristin stopped working recently and the economy is in the dumps we are even more grateful for Trader Joes, Ikea and the Mother's of Multiples consignment sales.
We'd rather save more for retirement and college and spend less, without totally sacrificing quality. Whole Foods, you are just not family friendly. We tried.

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September 24th 2008:

Time out
We were able to take a time out for ourselves this past weekend and flew to Northern California for a friend's wedding. It was a quick trip, but a much needed one. We had a great time catching up with friends and visiting our old hood. Click here for photos.

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August 31st 2008:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
With the help of over 20 friends and family members volunteering their time we are now under roof and working on the inside. Whether it was moving landscaping and bricks, loaning us tools, giving us building material, cleaning up from the flood, or actually swinging a hammer to help build, we could not have done this without their help.
The bulk is complete and now come the details. Greg/Dad/Grandpa, our teacher and master builder, has returned to SC and we are on our own. Things like drywall finishing, installing a beadboard ceiling and two walls, trim work and many other details remain. Rome wasn't built in a day. Expect updates for many months to come. More photos are at the end of this album.

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August 11th 2008:

A punctured finger, possible cracked ribs, a muddy flood, a missing cat, and some illnesses cannot stop our crew. Despite some minor setbacks we managed to pull off a surprise 60th B'day Party for Grandma and had a small gathering for the boy's 2nd birthday. The roof is going on and Grandma, Kristin and the boys are headed to South Carolina for the next two weeks!
We continue to add photos here.

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August 4th 2008:

Our first weekend of building went better than we could have hoped. Thanks to Dan, Dave and Tom for your help. The rain held off and we now have a floor!
Check out our latest addition photos here.

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July 2008:

It was my birthday yesterday (the 14th). I've been told by several doctors that I am now of advanced maternal age. Doesn't that sound encouraging?
I just set up a photography shop on Etsy. Check it out http://www.kristinthomasart.etsy.com.
Bryan's knee is almost healed.
We have a huge hole in our backyard and are excited to start building. Check out our latest addition photos here.

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A visit to Elmwood zoo and hiking in Valley Forge reminded us on 4th of July weekend how lucky we are to live where we do. We often reminisce about living out west, but are truly grateful to be here in Malvern. Every place has it's cons, but here are a few of our favorite pros...

I could go on, but sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that we made a great decision for our family by choosing to live in Malvern.

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June 2008:

Working Mom no longer working much
Kristin's working days are numbered. We expected she'd finally have to stay home after baby #3 arrives in November giving us 3 under 3. Exelon has finally found her full-time replacement. They've been an amazing company to work for. Kristin took an extended leave for maternity after 6 months of bed rest, went back as a part-time employee into the Power division, then quit to stay home, and only a few months later was called back to Nuclear as a contractor/consultant for a 6-8 week project that turned into a year of very flexible hours and more paychecks. She couldn't have asked for a better situation.
Kristin's Mom continued to help us with the boys while she worked, but will soon turn her attention to Aunt Sushi who is having twins in November as well. Thanks Exelon and Mom for your support!
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On the mend and selling
Bryan will be in his full leg brace for two more weeks and on crutches for the month of June. Good news is that he can now remove the brace to shower. Then he'll switch to a bendable brace and physical therapy.
Kristin has sold 5 prints at Christopher's and is looking for the next place to move her collection in July. Suggestions on local restaurants and cafes are welcome.
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May 2008:

It was not a mob hit
But rather a fall down the stairs. Bryan has a broken knee cap and has surgery tomorrow.
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Ups and downs
Let's start with the ups. If Kristin isn't doing something creative she goes nuts. Recently she decided to do something with her photography and has a display/sale hanging on the walls at Christopher's. There are two themes - American West and Italy. Buying art while eating dinner is an accidental purchase so when we found out she sold one of her largest prints we were stoked.
Now the downs. Right now Bryan is on crutches again. About three weeks ago he hurt his knee playing basketball. On Mother's Day he threw his back out and today he fell down the stairs and re-injured, or continued to injure, his knee. Poor guy. Luckily he already got a prescription for his knee when he visited the doctor on Tuesday for the injury from 3 weeks ago. We still have the crutches from the football incident 2 years ago with the same knee. Cross your fingers that it is nothing major. We'll know more after another visit to the doc.

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April 2008:

Everyone is preggers
Well not everyone. But a lot of people we know. Including ourselves. With only one child this time. We're due November 13th.
Kristin's sister Susan, and her husband Jason, are having twins. Their due date is December 1st. But we all know twins don't get past 38 weeks, so that makes the date they are aiming for November 17th. We could be in the hospital at the same time.
Our friends Eric and Heather are also expecting. Cross your fingers that they make it past their big performance at the Philly Folk Fest in August.
This weekend's highlights include:
Going to see Barack Obama at Paoli Train Station, one stop away.
Making a homemade "Obama '08" sign using the plywood floor of the boy's new sandbox and some black spray paint.
Then running home to stand in the alley behind our house and wave as his train drove by.
And then finally using the Obama sign to build the sandbox.
We also visited with our cousins and played with their moon bounce and swings.
Photo's are here.

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March 2008:

No fear
The chilly ocean temps were no match for the Thomas boys. We had mild weather in the 70's during our trip to South Carolina for Grandpa's 60th B'Day, Deven's Baptism and vacation. The ocean water was around 55 degrees and the guys jumped right in fully clothed.
We had a great time riding bikes, playing in the park, visiting animals on a farm, going to the aquarium and splashing around at the beach.
Vacationing with family means you've got built-in babysitters. We enjoyed the break and a few dinners out as well. If you are ever in the Charleston area check out the Hominy Grill and Fat Hen. The short ribs at the Fat Hen was one of our best meals ever.

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December 2007:

We list things. It's what we do.
To wrap up the year here's a list of baby names from friends and family in 2007. Congrats!

We're crossing our fingers for Max or Violet to arrive in time for an '07 tax deduction for our friends Wade & Merry

2007 would not be complete without a list of our favorites from Netflix since our last movie post in August.

Top 3:

Other favorites:

Honorable mention:

We couldn't enter 2008 without buying ourselves a mini van. Go ahead and laugh. You don't know what you are missing. It is cool. Darn it.

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What do Sonny Volpe, Joe Torre and
Chairman Mao have in common?
The boys refer to them all as "Pop Pop."
We think it has to do with headwear.
Joe Torre was a guest star on a repeat episode of Sesame Street last week. When the boys saw him on screen wearing a baseball cap they ran up to the TV saying, "Pop Pop."
A few days ago Pop Pop visited and wore a Santa hat. Later that day when the boys saw this week's cover of The Economist, with Chairman Mau as Santa, they blurted out "Pop Pop" once again.

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Old News

Thomas Family Blog
Created: Winter 2004 in WY

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