The Basement

This spring we started the huge project of finising our basement. We were so excited to get it done and knew it was going to be a big job. I don't think we realized how glad we were going to be when we were finally done with the non-stop projects. It was so time consuming when you do it all yourself.  In the end, it was worth all the hard work. We had a lot of good help which we couldn't have done it without them. It led from just painting the downstairs to also paiting most of the upstairs and cleaning the carpets. We still have a few projects to finish up but for the most part we are enjoying more living space in our house.

 A long view of the family room. We don't really have anything in it yet but it is nice to have extra room for the kids to play in.

 Hannah's room. She wanted it bright and bold and I think she got her wish. I love the way it turned out. We still have a lot of areas to decorate but it is such a big room it will have to be in phases. She is loving have the space to herself and everyone is sleeping better in the end with Chloe now having her own room also.

 Hayden wanted a football room which also turned into a sports related theme. We still have some decorating to do but he is loving his new space also.

The bathroom ended up great also. I love that they can both have their own sink and space. If only we could get the towel racks and toilet paper holder up, we would be fninshed. Who wants to get to the little jobs now - we are playing too much for summer break!  Maybe by Christmas we will be able to say everything is completely finished.

Hannah's Baptism

 We enjoyed a great weekend celebrating Hannah's baptism. We were so thankful to all the family and friends who supported us. There were six kids from our ward that were baptized so our ward basically had it's own time. Hannah was so excited and described afterwards the feelings she felt so well. She is a beautiful girl who we are so blessed to have in our home.

 A shot of a few of the cousins at the lunch we had afterwards. We had sandwhiches and a great cupcake bar.

 Later we went down to the river to explore and feed the few ducks.

 Can't go to the river without stopping by Reed's dairy on the way home. Chloe loves her ice cream!

 Loving the animals in there petting zoo.

Hannah turns 8!

 It is so fun to celebrate birthdays. Hannah had a great day turning eight. She got to wake up in her brand new room. We got carpet the night before and we quickly set up her bed and they had a sleepover in her room. She woke up really early to get her day started. It was a long wait until 7 when she finally got to open her presents. She got scriptures, a scripture bag, clothes and decorations for her room. Her dad took her to breakfast on the way to school.

 Chloe and I met her for lunch. She just wanted to have the school pizza instead of me bringing her something. Chloe was in heaven feeling so grown up eating with her. It was fun spending time with her. After school she had a primary activity and then we quickly took her to the mall to shop at Claire's. It was her one birthday wish.

 Later, we went out to Shelley for dinner at her cousin's fundraiser for camp. They had kid games and a cookie auction. It was fun. She was spoiled by presents from her grandparents and aunt there.

The first night in her room without the decorations. We all love her BIG room downstairs. She finished the weekend with a BBQ with the Jackson side. She always shares her birthday with Aunt Laramie and she loves it. She is so excited to get baptized in a few weeks. Eight is GREAT!

River

 We took a break from painting and basement work a few Saturdays ago and went down to the river to enjoy the nice weather. We had a picnic and went for a walk. There weren't as many birds as there usually is but the kids had fun chasing them around anyway. Chloe was very intrigued with the baby geese. It was nice to take a break from all the work we have been doing and spend some time together.

Spring Flag Football

 Hayden's season of flag football was really fun. We loved how compact the season was and his team was really successful this time. Coach Kunz made it really fun for the kids. I think Hayden is really taking to the sport - especially when I see hime drawing up plays in x's and o's during church. He really liked playing defense and getting the flags. He was too nervous to run the ball much this year, but had a great time anyway.

 Oops - pictures turned out a little blurry. I guess I should have brought my camara again.

Next sport - pitching machine in Iona. It should be great.