Compared to most years, 2009 was a quiet year for us.  We didn’t travel as much as us usual.  Instead, we spent time settling into our new home (since 08/02/08) and surroundings.  We bought some furniture, installed a grill, planted flowers, shrubs, trimmed trees, and generally put our stamp on the place.

Sharon went to Alabama for a few days in April to throw an 80th birthday party for her Dad, which was a huge success.  Jon and family, Megan and I went for the big day also.

We visited Seattle and British Columbia in May to see the stunning Butchart Gardens and to stay at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel on Victoria Island.

The “Relay For Life” (annual cancer fundraiser) was in June.  I helped again this  year.   Later that month we went to Roan Mountain, Tennessee, to see the worlds largest Rhododendron garden and festival.  We missed the peak of the blossoms, but not by much.  The Roan Mountain State Park has cool rustic cabins and is fairly near Jamestown, Tennessee’s oldest city.  It was our first time to see both.

Spending time at the neighborhood pool and with our grandchildren took up most of our spare time this summer.  Jonathon turned 9 in August and Jackson & Joshua were 1 in October.

The Cash for Clunkers deal was too good to pass up, so Sharon bought a Nissan Versa hatchback.  It’s the first NEW car we’ve purchased since we’ve been married!

Thankfully, we can say that both Sharon’s parents and my Mom are still healthy and active.  They each came here for Thanksgiving under their own steam.  You would never guess their ages:)

Sharon again sponsored a team in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure this fall.  She also helped a little with Second Harvest Food Bank and we both helped build a Habitat house.  I was re-confirmed as Commissioner of the Property Standards Board in front of the Metro Council.  Sharon also added 2 Real Estate designations to her list this year…. GREEN REALTOR® and SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource).  And, at http://www.TeamKipp.com you will now find links to foreclosure and short sale properties.

There have been some great real estate deals out there this year.  Jon & Christy bought 2 more rental properties.   My Mom sold her last rental house.   Megan is house shopping now, hoping to buy before April to get the $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit.

We wish you a happy 2010.  Please call or send an email if you want to catch us up on what you and your family are doing.  We’d love to hear from you.  Also…. please all or email us if you have a friend or relative we could help with their real estate needs.
To keep up with us, you can always read our blog and see our latest photos at http://www.GreetingsFromNashville.com or check out our websites at www.TeamKipp.com and www.DavidandSharonKipp.com or follow us at www.Twitter.com/TeamKipp.  So, until we meet again,

Best Wishes from the Kipps