Happy Birthday Garrett

self portrait

Garrett loves, loves, loves Nerf guns. On Friday we had a nerf war birthday party. The boys had a great time and enjoyed their prizes: reese's peanut butter cups (Garrett's favorite), whoopee cushions, and flarp-a little can of goo that when you stick your finger in it, it makes a lovely farting noise. I tried to pick out other prizes, but Garrett insisted on those lovelies. What is it with boys and their amusement with bodily functions? Oh well a great time was had by all . .

And I even made a nerf gun cake!

Happy Birthday Garrett! We love you and are thankful you are part of our family. Hard to believe you are now in the double digits (how can Derek and I have a ten year old?!). Thank you for being a great big brother, good student, and practicing the piano without too much coercion. We are lucky to have you in our family!

No School for a Month!

One new adjustment to life here is year round school.

Today, Monday, February 1st, we went off track.

We are off until March First.

What do you do when there is no school and it is February and it is 34 degrees outside.

Apparently you still have breakfast sitting on the table at 5 minutes till 11 am (lunch time at our house).

Apparently leaving breakfast on the table means Elena will continue to pick at cold cereal for 5 1/2 hours (the kids were up at 6:30 am).

And, apparently you watch mindless television.

I will try to be a better mother tomorrow.

The Basement

We started construction in November. Here is the great room looking toward double closets, the two kid bedrooms, kid bath, and toy room.

Garrett's room

play house under the stairs and door way leading to toy room and cold storage

Began dry wall and the messy job of mudding and taping. This will be the play house under the stairs.

crooked door to play house

Great room! Lots of closet storage, small wet bar, fireplace, and cabinet for (future) tv & components.

Finished a week before Christmas!

Toy room. Messy now, but lots of shelves for storage.

Window to play house under the stairs and magnet board.

Guest bath.

Great room! With loads of closets and door to guest bath and bedroom.

So my grand plan was to photo journal this project with lots of details and pics. Grand plan took back seat to life and holidays. We are thrilled with the end result and loooove the basement. Please come see for yourself!