The Collum Family

While on our date weekend, Jason and I looked in our favorite house plan. Of course there are some changes that we would like to make we love the layout. Hopefully we'll be able to make it work or find something that we like better before the time comes to build. It was very interesting that while we were there a guy was outside riding around on his dirt bike...made me think of how it will be with all the kids (and probably some adults) riding around on their dirt bikes over at The Cleft. Can't wait to be able to build and move over there!

Entry from Garage...this will have to be changed some how...I want cubbies!

Laundry Room

Kitchen

Breakfast Area

Office off of breakfast area

Keeping Room

Would love opinions on this room. Oddly shaped room that seems difficult to place furniture in.

Living Room

We could use opinions on this room. It seems really small when you begin to think about furniture in the room. Our thoughts are to either remove the fireplace all together or to move it to the middle of the wall with the windows. There is no place for TV placement in this room other than above the fireplace which I do not like. I want room for friends and family to gather and sit down together for lots of good memories!

Bottom of Stairs...view of living room, dining room, and foyer

Dining Room

Foyer

Study...we will probably not have the fireplace in this room

Master Bedroom and Bath

Buffet

Powder Room

View from top of stairs

Bedroom 3

Bonus Room/Bedroom 5...Probably the room upstairs that we would not finish. Instead we would make our bonus room/media room over the living room instead of having a 2-story living room.

Bedroom 4

The Princess Suite and Bath/Bedroom 2

Since Raleigh was born almost two years ago, Jason and I have had date nights, but have never left Raleigh overnight (or at least Jason had not...I did when she was almost seven months old). Jason finally gave in to leaving her for one night. We left her with my parents on Friday afternoon and we headed to Atlanta. We checked into our hotel...Jason can pick out a hotel...we stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead. I was pretty amazed at the carolers (dressed in the typical caroler attire) that they had singing around the tree as we entered the lobby. I however realized that I left my toiletry bag at home. Since I have the most wonderful parents ever they went to our house (found my bag laying in the floor of the garage...I think Raleigh must have picked it up, decided it was too heavy, and dropped it), got my bag, and drove it out to the hotel! We had tickets to see The Rockettes at the Fox Theater. They were great and the

live nativity was beautiful...well worth it! After we left the Fox, we dropped our car back off at the hotel and was then able to walk across the street to Lenox Mall for some "shopping." We really didn't shop, just turned in our certificate from the hotel to get our Simon gift card, looked in a couple of stores and then left. Then we were able to walk a couple of blocks down the road to eat at Dante's Down the Hatch...the restaurant that Jason and I ate at on our very first date! It was nice to be able to walk around to the different places and not deal with the traffic. Saturday we had a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel...I must say that the waffles were the best I have ever eaten!!! Then my wonderful husband did what he dislikes the most and I love the most...we went shopping again. This time we enjoyed Phipps Plaza and North Point Mall to buy one last thing for Raleigh's birthday. While we were out in the Alpharetta area we stopped by the house that is the floor plan we love...we were able to get in and take lots of pictures. Finally we went home to pick up our darling little girl! I think she enjoyed her time with Grandma and Papa...maybe had a little spoiling done. I love her so much and hate being away from her, but it was lovely to have one night to spend time alone with Jason and not worry about a bath, bedtime, and all the other daily routines. Now back to reality!

Inside the Fox Theater watching The Rockettes

Outside the Fox Theater

From our hotel...Macy's Great Tree at Lenox Mall

Eating at Dante's...notice the empty dessert plates and we didn't have to share it with a little girl!

The "boat" inside Dante's

Meanwhile back at home...

Raleigh went to eat at Chick-fil-A (Grandma and Papa spoiled her with ice cream for dessert) and to visit Aunt Helen and Aunt Sybil and Uncle Everett.

Raleigh at Aunt Sybil's house with Buddy

With Buddy and Chase (one of her cousins...I use to babysit him and his brother...they've really grown up!) Raleigh wore Buddy out while she was there!

Sleeping at Grandma and Papa's in her big girl bed

Our view of Toys-R-Us from our spot in line...behind us it was wrapped around the building!

A Happy Thanksgiving with our little turkey!!

We decorated our Christmas tree this week and Raleigh was a wonderful helper. She lasted longer than I thought she would and did a great job of spreading out the ornaments. After she got tired of putting them on she would tell Jason or I where to put them. We had a great time! I think this will be the most fun Christmas because she's beginning to figure it all out! I love it!!

Putting on the first ornament