Day 2

Yesterday we had taping day 2 of our remodel project. Basically Erik, 3 friends, and our contractor demolished the wall between the retreat and our bedroom. They removed the fireplace and cabinets from the wet bar, and also made a hole for the door. They also stripped the closet that will soon be a bathroom for Kate.

I was really nervous about this step, because it marks the beginning of no turning back. I sure hope that the visionary men can see this looking as nice as my house already DID, when it is finished. I also hope that we can get this done in now 5 weeks, so that we are not left with an unfinished space for an undetermined period of time. We are so thankful for all the great friends who are helping us with this huge undertaking, and for all of their patience and knowledge that are guiding us through home remodel hell!

Oh, and so no pictures yesterday because of the cameras. I did get some of my own homemade video though. Now if I just knew how to load it.....

Tired

This is the life.......

Happy Birthday Blake!

Happy birthday to the silliest, cutest, gabbiest, smartest, physical comedian I know who is 3!



His new birthday bike!

Opening some gifts when they woke up

Have a great day buddy - we are so proud of you!

First Day of Kindergarten!

We were all excited about JJ going to Kindergarten today. Probably not as excited as he was, but a milestone nonetheless...



All of us arriving at school (Blake in his normal odd pose!)



JJ got a Happy 1st Day of School fruit basket from an anonymous person :)

1st Day of School pose showing off his new Kindergarten watch

Jacob and Mrs. Christensen

The class walking in.....
Where did JJ go?

I am not sure, but feeling the same as you Blake!

The day had a few tears from the rest of us, but nothing but excitement from JJ. He said that the best part is that he will get to go back tomorrow. And the best part for Mom, He does not even know where the Principal keeps her office, and has no desire to find out!

All in all a great day!

Goal Setting Conference

This is our official Goal Setting Conference , which for incoming kindies consists of a tour of the school, doing a craft for the wall, and writing their names on everything. More like the Open Houses of the last generation! JJ was so excited to go, and now is even more excited for school, if that is possible. Anyway, we got to meet 3 classmates (all girls), and his really nice teacher. We officially have our first day today, along with a Moms conference in the gym, called a boohoo party. I am planning on boohooing plenty!



Jacob finding his cubby with his teacher


On a side note, our favorite babysitter/Aunt/facepainter/friend Casie is leaving for college today. We wish her lots of great things her first year! We will miss you!

Day 1

Today was our first day of taping for the HGTV/DIY show we are doing. Today we had our realtor, contractor, and the full camera crew/host in our house for over 4 hours. This was not very labor intensive, since it was only the before shots and interviews of the project. We did not actually have to get dirty today! Anyway, they will tape 6-10 half days for a 30 minute show. Who knew that there is more than 50 hours of taping for a 30 minute reality show! We will be finished by the end of September with both the project and taping, so expect our reality TV viewing party sometime this winter.

Our project is that we are turning our master bedroom retreat into a bedroom for Kate.







The host Amy Matthews with our contractor Greg


The boys enjoying a movie


Erik after his interviews


Erik mid interview with our sound guy Bruno (I cannot take pix during filming!)


Amy in our dining room pre interview - good thing our dining room table has not arrived yet, so that we have a big room to tape and set up lights and things!


Anyway, between this and a party for Blake tomorrow (here of course!), we are having a super stressful couple of days. At least the room for Kate does not have to be done for 8 weeks or so.....

Sharing a Story

It sure is nice when a big brother shares a story with a little sister. He sure is a good storyteller!

Music Camp

Jacob just got finished with a week of music and Drama camp. On Friday and Sunday they presented Rescue In The Night, a smaller version of the Daniel in the Lions Den story. He did such a great job! What a cute lion and chorus member he was. I really do not think that he loved it as much as I did, but I sure am hoping that there will be many more performances that I get to see.



Only 1 more week until kindergarten.....Where has the summer gone?

Our trip to San Diego by way of Phoenix...

We had a great time on our big summer vacation to San Diego. Here are a few of the highlights:





Eating ice cream at Legoland - it was really hot!







Blake in the play area at Legoland












Us at the entrance to Legoland after a long hot day (he is made out of Legos)!



Kate enjoying Legoland (she really did!)





Jacob at the play area at Legoland




J and B at Miniland - with miniature versions of many famous places made out of Legos.


J playing in Mission Bay





Blake driving his Lego car




Jacob finishing his laps in his Lego car



At the starfish pool at Sea World





Feeding the flamingos at Sea World




Blake at the beach for the first time!



Cannot wait to leave the hotel and go to Sea World






Kate so excited to go to Sea World!




All of the Arizona cousins - girls on the left, boys on the right!




We had such a great time! Thanks Grandma and Great Grandma for putting up with us for a week.