progress!

Before....
And after!
It's getting there - this is the kitchen. Shane did the tile, then he and his dad painted (Applespice Cake - yum!). All of the appliances aren't moved back for the picture, but it's almost done. Countertops have been measured for, so it won't be long before I have a kitchen sink!

demolition helpers

Shane and I took the kids out to the house yesterday to get some work done. They had a blast helping throw things into the dump trailer, finding "old" toys as we unpacked some boxes, and climbing all over stuff... We have a lot of work ahead (Shane would laugh at the "we" part :) But, it felt so nice to be out there making it our home. The land is pretty and we have more space - yea! We saw about 8 deer last night, and 4 turkeys this morning. Wyatt did wake up in the night a little confused about where he was, so he ended up in bed with us, which meant less sleep for all - I kept trying to pretend I was asleep while I could feel this little face peeking at me from 2 inches away. Or I would open one eye to see him patting Shane's hair. It was all I could do to not laugh!

showers

The kids have gotton used to showers at Gammy and Papa's while we have been staying here because there really isn't a bathtub. They were a little unsure the first couple of times, but now it doesn't stop the fun of getting clean. Wyatt is loving his birthday gift from Aunt Teppie and Uncle Steve - a bathtime basketball net!

last hours in Hartford house!

I thought this was funny - the kids are at a makeshift table the morning we were moving out. I think they just look at the whole thing as an adventure because they seem amused by my little "make due" solutions! It was kind of sad leaving the first house Shane and I lived in (and raised two babies in!). I really liked our home - it was so nice after we fixed it up and really felt like our comfortable space. But, I am really excited about our new place, too. I hope to put up some pics of Shane's progress soon...

Labor Day at Sun Valley Lake

The kids and I spent the day with my parents and my brother and his wife and their daughter, Raeanna at the lake. This is the only picture I managed to get! It is Wyatt and Grandma supersoaking the girls. He would giggle every time. It was such a nice day - and Andie had a great time swimming with her older cousin. Dad made us yummy burgers and mom tackled the perfect peach cobbler.

new precious baby niece

Shane's sister, Stephanie, and her husband Steve are proud new parents of a most beautiful baby girl, Emma Grace!! We have a new niece, and Andie and Wyatt are excited to have a new cousin! When I told Andie that Aunt Teppie's baby came out of her tummy and it was a baby girl Emma, she right away asked, "Can we go to Emma's house?" Andie has helped me pack a gift box of "favorite firsts" to send to Emma. An idea from my good friend Megan. :) And I got to make, what I think, is the cutest card ever!

light the night

Our new house is in Indianola, which has a hot air balloon festival every year. These are some pics from the night event. (the one of me and the kids is so bad, but too funny) So, let me clarify...we are not actually IN our new house, but staying with Shane's mom and dad until our kitchen and floors are done, which Shane is working hard on right now. Although, it has been SO SO NICE staying with my in-laws!! I keep joking with my father-in-law that if he wants us to ever leave he better stop doing our laundry and dishes or we just might stay! :)