What we’ve been up too

We have taken on a BIG project of remodeling out kitchen. The whole process began a few months ago (really it started a few years ago when we started dreaming and saving) We did an Ikea kitchen so I was able to design the floor plan and pick out all my cabinets. Then a month ago we bought all our cabinets and appliances. For a few weeks I put all the cabinets together and then 2 weeks ago we ripped out our old cabinets and appliances and started the wiring and floor. Danny (Derek’s brother) came out last week and Derek took the week off work They put the new cabinets in and install all the appliances. I don’t think we have been to bed before midnight for the last few weeks so we are tired but very excited about our progress. It seems like we had to do a lot of the work twice like hanging the cabinets. They had put most of the base cabinets in and then discovered that they had to be lowered an inch, bummer, Derek and Danny also had to build a case for the dishwasher, and build the base for our island and secure it to the floor. I wanted it to be very secure since I know my kids will climb up on it and there are outlets in it. Well they did a great job, the island is not going anywhere. Even the counter top guy commented at how well it was build. I am so proud of Derek and Danny and how well the kitchen is coming together. I was worried if we were really going to be able to do it since we have no experience but with the help of google, some how-to books and family we really did it. Danny was a great help and couldn’t have done it with out him.

Siesa is working really hard

My kids have been helping every step of the way. Siesa’s favorite part was going into the crawl space (seems gross but it is actually pretty clean) and painting (unfortunately I have banned her from painting since last time she was “helping” she painted her whole head. Jensen loves to drill and hammer and especially enjoyed ripping out the old kitchen.

I was without a kitchen for only 2 weeks. We still have a lot left to do like mudding and sanding sheet rock, tile, paint, make curtains, etc. but over the next few weeks we hope to get everything done and I post pictures of the before and after.

9 months already

I can’t believe that Elsie is already 9 months old. She is full of so much personality. She love to babble and always has a lot to say. Elsie is almost 16lbs and growing by the day. We love you!

Camping? Yes, Camping

Last weekend is honor of busy season being over we went camping. Apparently I don’t seem like a camper or maybe having three children was the reason but almost everyone we told we were going camping gave me the are you insane look. I really do love to go camping, I love to be in nature, I love the food and that Derek cooks and cleans it all up, I love that I can smell and be dirty and no ones notices because everyone smells, I love taking a hot shower when we get home, I love taking a nap with my kids in the hammock, I could go on but I will stop. This time we went to Fort Mountain state park it was 2 hours away. It couldn’t have been a better trip. The weather was perfect, Elsie and Siesa slept most of both car rides, and we ate like kings.

We got a new tent for Christmas so it was fun to use them for the first time. The tent was wonderful. We had out grown our old tent and now we have a huge tent we were able to fit mats for the kids, Elsie’s pack and play, a blow up mattress, all our stuff and still have more room. Having a bigger tent made camping so much more enjoyable for all.

Eating apple crisp made in a dutch oven. It was sooo good. Jensen was trying to hide because he didn't want his picture taken.

We went on a mile and a half hike to an old watch tower that was built in the 1700 hundreds or so they think. They are not exactly sure who built the tower but it supposedly is really old.

Playing on the lake beach. It was a warm day so the kids went swimming. They were having so much fun in the water. The water was much to cold for me. A few times Siesa would gasp when she went running in but she didn’t seam to mind the temperature.

Packing up, What a cutie!

Soccer

Jensen had his first soccer game a few weeks ago. The league we joined has a 30 minute practice first and then a 30 minute game. It was fun to watch all the kids play. Jensen loves playing soccer and is excited all week wanting Saturday to come so he can play. He is not very aggressive so he doesn’t actually kick the ball much but is just happy running around. The first game I think he only kicked the ball twice. I think it will take some time before he feels uncomfortable playing with so many kids in such close proximity.



Jensen's number is 4

Easter

I made my girls matching Easter dresses this year. I think they turned out cute and the best part is, Siesa actually likes the dress so she will wear it(Siesa is a typical girl and has a very strong opinion about what she will wear and what she will not).

Elsie and her Easter basket.
Saturday we also dyed eggs. The eggs started out being beautiful bright colors but by the end they were interesting darker shades. A lot of them were not very pretty because the kids were having so much fun they kept putting them in different colors to see how they would change. They still tasted great.

On the Hunt, He was very focused.

not a fan

Since Elsie is six months old, we decided to start introducing some solid foods. She does not like to eat at all. We have tried to feed her food 10 or so times now and she has yet swallowed anything. She will hold the food on her tongue with her mouth open and squawk at me and then spit it out. If she does actually taste it she does a complete whole body shutter. After 2 or 3 bites she will not let me give her any more and hollers at me. OK so maybe she just doesn’t like vegetables, we tried to give her fruit just to see if something sweet she would at least swallow but she hated it just the same.

Growing so fast

I finally took my kids birthday pictures. I wasn’t an easy task since Jensen hates taking pictures but with the help of a brownie reward they turned out OK.

Elsie 6 months

Siesa 3 years old

Jensen 5 years old