monday funday

Kyle had the day off today and Embry and Ellie had school, so that meant we had Hayes all to ourselves this morning! We hit the zoo first thing and had a great time. We saw the polar bear FINALLY. I think it is the first time he's been viewable all these trips we've made to the zoo. Amazing creature. And we heard a lion roar. Have you ever heard a lion roar? In person? Holy freak, it's loud! And the sea lions were napping in the sun... I want one so bad. They are my favorite.

For dinner tonight, we had a lovely guest stop by to join us, Mr. Paddle. He may become a regular dinner guest seeing that my children were on their best behavior in his presence.

After dinner, Kyle asked Hayes to clear the plates and Hayes asked, "How do I do that? Wipe them off with a napkin?"

I just love the one-on-one time with Hayes. So glad Daddy was able to join us today.

sweet boy

happy birthday nana!

looking back

Because this blog is a collection of memories for me, I want to start posting some looking back pictures... memories that took place before I ventured into blogville. This picture is one that makes me laugh every time I see it. Embry and Ellie were 6 months old.

boys say the darndest things

March 2007

babysitters in the making

feed the baby

burp the baby get ready Jude... cause we're getting ready for you!

no boys allowed!

I was putting off posting pictures of the kids' rooms until they were finished but well, let's face it, that's not gonna happen anytime soon. So I'll show you the progress we've made so far.

Ellie loves her new room and has taken to her big girl bed like a pro.

This room is what I like to call Pottery Barn on a budget. I couldn't imagine (let's be honest, afford) forking over the money for the bedskirt that went with the bedding. It was practically the same price as the quilt! Yes, it was absoultely adorable but come on PB, it's just a bedskirt! So I found this pink one at Target for $20.

There are plans for a canopy over the top part of the bed. Once Kyle has time to recreate this, the bed will no longer look like it needs a headboard. I found some old door knobs at ReStore that we will paint and use to hold the material in place.

Kyle created these trees after I showed him some Pottery Barn tree decals that were $90 a piece. As if! I found some scrapbook stickers to finish them off. Let's hope curious little hands leave them alone.

This lonely little Ikea table and chairs need some friends! Eventually, we will add a white night stand, dresser and vanity. She has a large closet with drawers so she doesn't need the extra storage just yet. And like the boys' room, I want to add a blackout roman shade to her window.

no girls allowed!

When we were house hunting last year, I knew it was going to be hard for Hayes to move away from both of his grandparents. We were praying for just the right house for our family, one that everyone would be excited to move into... even Hayes. When I walked into this room for the first time, I knew that train going around the ceiling just might do the trick!

He loves his room, even more so now that he gets to share it with Embry.

Kyle's dad made this amazing dresser. The changing table part will come off as soon as everyone is out of diapers. Does anyone know of a service where you can pay someone to potty train your kids? :)

Two more projects for this room. The mailboxes and the window. Once I figure out a way to personalize the mailboxes and get my hands on this striped roman shade on ebay for half price, we'll call it finished!