Nathan's creation #3

Charcoals

Nathan's creation #2

Pencil

Nathan's creations

Nathan is enjoying his art set in school. His first works are now scanned in and ready to show off. They look even better in real life. Watercolor:

Dad's night

Troy got a new barbecue grill for father's day. It is a nice thing without coal and starter. It does need to be cleaned though, as he learned this week grilling some chicken. As the flames incinerated the pieces, the children all pretended they were sad that it was "Dad's night to cook" . We went out to IHOP in the most unanimous restaurant selection we have ever experienced!!!

More changes

We had some work done on our kitchen lights, counters and backsplash.

Paint it warm

Thought you would like to see the paint in the front hall, living room and hallway!

Remodel

After many years, we have accomplished the daunting task of repairing and rennovating our master bath. We are so pleased with the result. I have a few finishing touches, like sink faucets, hand towel holders, towel rack, tissue holder. But really, it feels good to have it done and done well.

The Next Day

Happy Birthday Caleb,
Mark this special day.
Angela and gang came over, and while not all the cleanup is finished, I would like to report that we have found nothing of theirs here at all. Nothing seems to be left behind. Congratulations! We must all remember and rejoice! :)

Happy Autumn

When I took Emma to her bus stop early in the morning the other day, the moisture was still on the grass. The sun was coming up and as it hit the yard, each drop shone like diamonds and sparkled dazzlingly. I am not sure how long that will last. It seems like in the summer that the dew gets burned off too quickly (not that I usually get up that early in the summer). In the fall, I can go out at 11 p.m. and relish the fabulous feel of just right temperature and wake up to crisp, delicious mornings- without a jacket! Fall is great because of all of the senses that are engaged. Yummy!

Lucas is now a 1 year old (+ a month). The light has switched on and he is everywhere, finding all the neat electronic things we have and discovering water fun-and combining those things often.

He says yea, uh-oh, and momma (mostly when he wants to eat or be held, but I am counting it). Dancing is his thing- he doesn't even need music.

As our charming caboose, he is in his element when we are all sitting in the same room and he can be entertained and entertain everyone with whatever he feels coming on. Climbing, giggling, dancing, teasing, tickling, squealing. Pictures don't tell enough of the story of this wonderful age and interaction.

Labor Day

Howdy Ya'll!

I wanted to put it all down for you and me for future or far away reference.

We are busy, but only until we have more to do.

We went on a family holiday for Labor Day to Corpus Christi. It was Jacob and Lucas's birthday and Jacob had been talking about going to the beach for months. We invited the Newman cousins down to join in the fun. The Nelson cousins live down there already, so we got to see them and enjoy their hospitality. I had always been told that the beaches in Texas are less than desirable, but the conditions we experienced (other than the drive) were great! It wasn't too hot (which was a gift for us, because it is usually hot), the beach was nice and not crowded, the ocean, just behind the condo, was chest high to the 7 year old for a long way out.

On the way home, we discussed what a good time we had -"other than the high condo price (more than we expected), the rain (for Sunday/Monday), the sunburns, and the insane amount of traffic on the way home, it was one of the best vacation we have had!"
Pictures coming