The Shilane Family: Phil, Julie, & Sarah: January 2011

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Another Snowy Winter

After these past two winters, we are incredibly appreciative that our condo association clears our driveway and walkways.

From our front door (before our porch and walkway got shoveled)

Our driveway and front yard

Our patio and picnic table out back

Monday, January 17, 2011

Out with the Old and In with the New...Car

Julie's car, a 1991 Geo Prizm bought second-hand while Julie was in college, served us well over the years and was quite reliable. But it was time to buy a newer car with safety options (like air bags)! So we donated the Prizm to the Purple Heart and bought ourselves a new 2010 Toyota Corolla.

Julie and the first car she ever bought

Phil & Julie and their new car

Let's take this thing for a spin

After owning the new car for a couple of months, we're quite pleased that it's getting 33 mpg.

A few features of the retired Geo Prizm:

The cloth interior of the roof collapsed, and Julie stapled it back up, roughly 9 years ago.
The driver-side window crank broke off, making it difficult to pay for gas and tolls.
The passenger-side armrest was hanging by a damaged bolt.
On the floor of the front passenger seat, there was a mysterious bump. It was there when purchased.
The paint on the hood had mostly peeled off.
It did not have a tape or CD player, cruise control, air bags, ABS, power windows or locks.
It was 20 years old and had 129,646 miles.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Amy & Brent's Joplin Wedding Shower

Phil's sister Amy is getting married May 29.

On New Year's Day, Amy's Matron of Honor (Crystal), Julie, and Phil's parents threw Amy and Brent a shower for friends and family in the Joplin area.

Beautiful and delicious cake made by Brent's step-mom

Some of the shower decorations

Guests of honor: Brent & Amy

Amy & her parents Roberta & Lewis

Playing the Couple's Game

Amy and Brent were both asked a series of questions about each other. The guests were also asked to answer the questions. For each question that Amy and Brent answered identically, the got a small gift to use in their new home. The guests who got the most correct answers also won prizes.