House update

We are chipping away at the siding and related projects on our addition. The grass is just starting to come in and we are definitely feeling grateful for the increased space and the nice new traffic flow this expansion has allowed.

This is where we closed off the old opening to the living room.  It made a nice recessed space for the piano and made the living room much more symmetrical.  After the flooring is complete and heating we will work on the door trim and crown molding.  

 I love the wall color that we choose.  We did a pearl stencil on the walls after the paint was up that I really love too.  It's very subtle but in the right light looks lovely.

I'm so happy about our new space.  After the floors get sanded next week we will bring the computer and computer hutch back up to the family room.  Slowly we're getting everything put together and I am loving the result.

Installing Hardwood

Our hardwood floors are in and looking so nice. Special thanks to our friend Dave Ward (what a great last name) who came with his family on a precious Saturday morning and helped us install them. Andrew got to us the chop saw and didn't chop off his fingers. He was a great helper!

Joseph's Birthday

While we face our birthdays with less and less excitement at the prospect of getting older - the kids on the other hand think it is a time for celebration. They never let our special day pass without some birthday surprise. This year Lily decorated the basement and made a word scramble for Daddy to solve. Joseph was lucky to get the dutch oven he hinted at and a new tool bag. He got a flashlight with a laser-light in it too that the kids are all to willing to play with.  Alec chases it like a cat which amuses Joseph greatly.  Sometime when I am busy packing lunches before school he gets the light out and Alec is on the prowl.  It is kind of a crack up.

1000 Islands

We took some time out of our construction project to do one more camping trip for the summer. We went to the 1000 islands and found that there is a whole other part of New York state that we want to explore.

The weather is turning cooler and while we were expecting it, the kids were disappointed that they couldn't swim.  They enjoyed exploring and playing in a new and exciting place.

The coastline was beautiful and we will definitely make it a point to go back!

Off to School

And they are off - just like that - the house is quiet for the first time in weeks.

I joked that I was going to do the happy dance all the way back up the driveway, - but I have to admit I got a little teary when Benjamin sat down on that big bus and blew kisses out the window.  I hope they have a splendid adventure this new school year!

Glow stick people

Our dear friends in the ward gave us this crazy idea to attach glow sticks to our clothing and dance in the dark. The kids loved it!

Here is the prep taping etc.

And, here is the dancing.  I have to think that passers-by must have really wondered about us!

Philadelphia Temple

We just got back from the Philadelphia Temple open house. We loved the city of Philadelphia and had such a nice time at the temple. We were lucky enough to have a tour of the city on a duck tour (an amphibian vehicle). We stayed at a very comfortable hotel and look forward to going back someday. The kids came home and promptly dressed up as constitutionalists. Ben even took his copy of the constitution to church complete with a feather pen.

Philadelphia Temple

Independence Hall

Benjamin Franklin

Martha Washington

John Hancock