First Day of School

Today was Carter's first day of Preschool at his new school! We had a "meet & greet" at the school last night and got to visit the classroom and meet his teachers so we would be prepared for today. Carter loved the classroom and all the stations they had set up to encourage creativity and discovery. We are excited for him to start this curriculum and expand his knowledge base, but also to have him grow his social skills as he makes new friends. We have felt kind of isolated this Summer with the move and getting used to a new neighborhood, so this will be a nice change and a welcome return to routine.

Waiting outside the classrooms--there are four preschool rooms. His school is Pre-K to 6th grade, so we will be here for a long time! In two years, Davis will start preschool here and Carter will be in Kindergarten. But, one thing at a time for this mommy.

Going into his classroom! What a big boy--he took Ms. LaDonna's hand and walked right in. Not a tear or even an ounce of clinging to mom. He was ready!

Ms. Glo(ria) and Ms. LaDonna with Carter when I picked him up today. He had a fun day & his teachers both said he did well--way to go, buddy! Ready to do it all again tomorrow?

From Dirt to...Dy-no-mite!

After much discussion, we (thankfully) decided to hire landscapers to do our back yard instead of Sean working on it. Don't get me wrong, the dirt and weeds had a certain rustic Colorado feel, but we were ready for a change. Enjoy the transformation... (*Warning: the "before" shots are pretty ugly*)


View from the front yard, with the first of the "big" equipment tackling our yard.

We had so much fun watching the various equipment. Couldn't ask for better free back-yard entertainment!

View from our back step. The Austrian Pine looks great!

It hides the unsightly utility boxes nicely.

We had them put a sort-of pea gravel at the back door for now since we plan to build a deck there next year. Can't wait for that!

Baby pine tree, thanks to a major score from Home Depot!

Next item on the list: window well covers

We replaced one of the ugly shrubs out front with another baby pine tree.

That should do it for this year!

A Match Made in Heaven!

What do you get when you cross a vacant construction site with a couple of boys who like to drive fast? A perfect combination! This is right across the street from our house. Sean just opens the garage door and lets the boys take off for the dirt lot. Carter is going to be pretty bummed when his "off-roading" space is taken over by new houses...we'll save that news for another time.

Table Transformation

My friend Julia recently introduced me to this blog: http://www.younghouselove.com/ and ever since, I have become somewhat obsessed with spray paint. And, even more into home decorating. (I'm sorry, Sean...it could be worse.) Anyway, I recently painted my grandma's old marble-top table and I love the results! It now blends in better with our existing furniture and it is functional, as well as sentimental. What do you think?

BEFORE:

Yep, that's red paint with a gold accent.

AFTER:

Oil Rubbed Bronze paint makes a world of difference!

I will just apologize now for blogging about random house projects/decorating. I know not everyone is into that sort of thing, but it is kind of my only hobby so you'll probably be seeing more of it. Up next: back yard landscaping

The Big 6-0!

Let the birthday fun continue! We were happy to have Grandad & Grandma Nancy in town last week, so we decided to celebrate Grandad's 60th birthday a little early. Incidentally, Grandma Nancy's birthday happens to be the same day! We wish we could be in Lawrence to celebrate their real birthday, but this was a close second. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! We love you guys!

Carter loved his Benihana hat, but Davis wasn't too sure about the fit.

After our delicious dinner. Luckily you can't see the huge mess we (and by that I mean Davis) left on the floor. Don't worry, we left a good tip.

The birthday couple!

Fire it up!

Carter was pretty cranky & kept saying "I'm starving! Where's the food?!", but he settled down a bit when he saw our chef come out and the action started.

We stopped by the mall before dinner so the boys could run off some energy. And, run they did!

Davis and Grandad

Helping Grandad with his hat...

Two hats are better than one!

"You be a Mickey wizard and I'll be Bob the Builder!"

Carter put this together for Grandad...the screwdriver was his "magic wand".

Twenty-One!!!

Kelsie Rae turned 21 last week and we had a family birthday party at our house to celebrate. I remember the day she was born which means I am getting OLD. I digress...anyway, she is not only beautiful, but a smart, responsible young lady. We are so proud of her & will miss her when she studies abroad in Ireland this semester. We love you, Kels!

Davis was more interested in pizza than snuggling.

Deb, Taylor, me, Tyler & Kels

Card & cash from Aunt Di

Cousins!

Carter was ready to snuggle.

Look at all those candles!

Pictonary time! We literally had to dust this game off...the date on the box was 1985!

Disputing an "all play" win.

Boys vs. Girls

The boys won. Barely.

Sean finishing off the night with the last of the Pina Coladas. Bottoms up!

Beach Bash

We had a fun time at Uncle Josh & Aunt Natalie's wedding celebration! It was a beach theme since they had their big wedding on the beach in Mexico. They had the cutest palm tree cupcakes and other yummy treats which our boys were only too happy to gobble up.

Our wedding reception in this same location five and a half years ago and my mom & Grampy's wedding reception was here in 1993. Christy--you're next!!!!!

Davis busting a move

Yum!

Mama's boy. :-)

Grandpa Ted & Aunt Debbie

Beautiful Bride

The whole fam-damily!

Neely and Carter--BFFs