Presents from Aunt Susan and Uncle John

When we got home from work today we had a big box from Aunt Susan and Uncle John. Looks like lots of fun things for the little man! Thanks guys!



Thanks to Jackson, the little man will have all sorts of Tigers gear to wear. I know Maddie helped pack the box too. You guys are the best!

Landscaping

Thanks to Dad and the landscapers we aren't the black sheep of the neighborhood anymore!

Dad took the afternoon and stained our deck! We love how it turned out and really classes up the backyard!

This was Tom's favorite part, watching them use the heavy equipment. I guess little boys just don't grow up.

Here is what it looks like with the top soil. Next come the underground sprinklers.

A close up of the Japanese maple.

Here are some close ups around the front door.

We love it so far! We'll keep you posted on how the grass comes in!

4th of July

We spent the 4th of July holiday at Mom and Dad's which of course meant fun, friends, fireworks and hot air balloons!

The lake was busy with activity both on the water and in the air.

Sugar Bear flew by.

Our good friends the Parini's came to play from St. Louis. This is Charlie and Casey "enjoying" the boat!

Sean, Casey and Charlie trying to catch some dinner! Good thing we had lots of hot dogs and hamburgers!

Happy Independence Day!!

Painting "Little Man's" Room -- The Final Outcome

Just how much tape did it take...only about a foot tall and wide!



The finished product!!

A closer up view!

A few touch ups left.

Great job Daddy!!!

Painting "Little Man's" Room -- Part 2

Here's part two...painting the colors and the lines.


First the colors

Then the lines

Daddy hard at work, prepping for the lines going the opposite way

More taping...the last coat goes on today!

Tom's patience for this job is amazing...as you see no help from me!

Painting "Little Man's" Room -- Part 1

Tom and I wanted something different and unique for "Little Man's" room. We found this great argyle pattern that may favorite seamstress (Aunt Chrissy) is using to make his crib skirt, valance and crib bumpers. We decided to add the argyle pattern onto one of the walls in his room. Tom is taking on a big project and it looks great! Here's how it starts...

measuring and drawing the diamonds and lines on the wall

taping all of the diamond patterns

more tape and organization of color

and priming for the light colors...more to come!

Lots of Changes

As you can tell, lots of changes at our house in the last six months! The most exciting is that baby boy Arehart comes at the end of September! Here's his first picture!