As of late

Here's what we've been up to...
Connor had his second first day of preschool

He even gets to ride the bus.  Something he and I both love.

Sierra and I have fun waiting for his bus to get home.  Especially while we have the pleasant weather.

Although sometimes she gets real sad

Scooter riding has been the preferred outside activity for Connor this month

We found a new stream to play in

Friday night movie night.  A pizza picnic in the front room with popcorn for dessert.

Outer Banks

When the chance comes to go to the beach, you take it. Hence our last minute beach trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina (Connor would be happy to tell you the capital of NC if you're interested).  It was great to get away and play as a family.

How could we just drive by a huge truck like this?

We left "german army" style as my dad would put it.  We were out the door by 4:20 AM on the dot.  You would think, or at least we thought, our kids would sleep at some point during the 4.5 hour car ride.  We were wrong.  It made for some sleepy kids later that day.

 Fun in the sun!

Connor loved going up and down in the ocean

August adventures

August is gone just like that.

I am happy to report that tonsils are no longer a part of my life

The kitchen is very nearly finished. Kind of.  It's usable.

We've tried to get outside and enjoy this mild summer

Jeannie humbled me on the golf course, although her driver and I are great friends.

And oh how we've loved the pool.  It's been wonderful to have right outside our back door.

Another project

We started off the month with a birthday celebration.  Happy birthday Jared!!!

 Then the real fun began.  We began the kitchen remodel.  You'll notice I say began, because the project is not yet complete.  The granite counters won't be installed until Monday.  This is quite significant because that means we don't have a sink or dishwasher until at least Monday.  And have not had one for about a week now.  Let's just say I'm being very wise with the dishes I dirty and thank goodness for paper plates.

We have learned since purchasing this lovely condo of ours that steel beams are not our friends and they will extend any project significantly.  Jared had to cut sections of sheet rock out and install wood behind it so the cabinets could be secured to something.  How were the previous cabinets held up before?  We're not quite sure.  Jared took one screw out of the old cabinet and a sheet of metal fell to the floor.  Anyway, the whole cutting sheet rock, sawing wood, mudding sheet rock and sanding sheet rock was quite the dusty endeavor. 

 

The kids enjoyed the freedom of having a cupboard with no counter

Thankfully, Grandma and Grandpa Bench came to help us out.  This is something where I can honestly say we could not have done it with out them.  How could anyone do a remodel with kids?  

We spent lots of time at the park while the boys worked

just rolling in the dirt like animals

Sierra got her nails done

Connors craze these days is states.  I challenge you to challenge him to a state capital contest.  I bet he'll win

The Gonzalez crew came down for the weekend.  Yay for cousins!

Both kids had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa.  They got to spend some great time together.

I'll leave you in suspense to see the new cabinets until the granite is installed.  Exciting stuff I know.

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge (noun): a jumbled mixture.
That's exactly what this post is.  Let's say June is the common thread.

We've been camping with friends

I thought this was funny.  Connor may be mad at me for this someday but Jared's the one who took the picture so I'll blame him.

An attempt at some Father's day pictures.

Jared spent a day at Yosemite

We've been to the farm

 Done lots and lots and lots of swimming

 She's still eating dirt

 Enjoyed the rain storms

 Gotten plenty worn out

 And enjoyed the weather before it got too hot