FLYING CHANGES

Construction update

2012-02-16T07:14:00.000-05:00

Bill continued to work last week, and over the weekend; then Dad came for another work day yesterday, so I figured we were due for an update (and Mom asked!)

The closets in the little boy's room got framed in, and insulated. They will each has a closet, and the closets will flank a small section of open shelves for storing toys etc.

The door into/out of the room also got framed in, and all the wiring is in place for lights and electrical outlets.

The laundry room got it's framing and electrical wiring done too. Also, the closet in our room got framed and dry walled, that's the wall to the right in the door. We have the layout for the laundry; a sink and some counter space along with my washer and drier.

Here is looking from the laundry room door back into the little boy's room. Their door is at the end of the hall.

Here is my tiny bedroom closet all framed and drywalled. We still have to mud and tape, but it will be nice to have some more storage space!

Dad and Bill will work again today, they have more drywall and I suspect they will start the large closet up here that will replace the "pantry" closet I'm loosing. They also will hopefully finish clearing out the garage, a big chore they began yesterday. Yup, some women get diamonds, flowers or chocolates for Valentines... me I get construction projects!

Maine State Cheer Challenge

2012-02-14T07:57:00.002-05:00

This weekend was Savanna's first cheer competition of the year. She and I went up the the Civic Center in Augusta for the Maine State Cheer Challenge. Noble, and her team in particular, did so well last season there was some anticipation and expectation... we had talked about not winning, and honestly I think she was prepared to not come home with a first:

But, it was a clean sweep! Noble won all 5 divisions we competed in! Savanna's team, the Shining Stars continue their undefeated streak! Shining also won high score in their division, and the High School team won overall Grand Champions for the day! It was fun to see their new routine (and uniforms!) and getting back into competition schedule is a thrill for Sav. There was a lot of good sportsmanship and great athleticism in the Civic Center that day, it really isn't the "popular" girl sport you might envision. I'm so glad Savanna found her niche- now we just need to work on her tumbling! Auntie Anna has been helping getting her to gymnastics classes, and she just started at a new gym trying to get her back handspring/walkover. It won't be long now! It's all very exciting! You can guess where we will be spending the next 6 or 7 weekends right?! GO NOBLE!!

Construction Day 1

2012-02-09T20:01:00.001-05:00

The project begins!

Dad and Bill got started on the basement today. I think they made great progress, and along the way some of the plans got changed. The "office" space came down- all of the shelves and such were removed and the wall cut apart, the door came out along with the ceiling tiles

The "office" wall slid over, making my new laundry room. This was originally planned to be a bathroom, but my Dad convinced Bill it would be more cost effective and a better use of space to move the laundry down here, and put in a shower/tub in the 1st floor bath.

I'm sad I don't get a "new" bathroom, but we will still gain the second shower (upstairs where the washer and drier are now, and much easier to plumb above grade) and I will be happier doing laundry in a dedicated laundry space, and not on the bathroom floor! Bill will run my laundry shoot all the way down here, and I'll have much more space to sort and fold. We will have a big laundry sink and a linen closet in here too, so it will be a nice addition to our living space. As he points out, our laundry situation is only getting worse! More kids, more laundry! The main floor bath will get a tub and shower, saving $$ since the sink and toilet are already there. Hopefully we can rework the storage in there, and make a more efficient linen/medicine closet, and although I'll still have to come upstairs, it will only be one flight to shower!

This will be the "little boys" room, this back wall will have 2 closets and some open shelves. Where the spiral is now we will have a set of bunk beds, and this will be mostly a play space for my little guys! With the den and their toys and the laundry down here, I suspect we will spend a fair amount of time down here come next winter!

There is still a TON of work that needs doing, and the cleaning out of the garage hasn't even been started... so I know this will be a long process, but I'm happy to see some work getting done. And, I don't think it will take me too long to get over my sadness over the bathroom situation... I may be slightly "sour" with Poppie for a while though ;)

It's....

2012-02-09T19:30:00.002-05:00

....Another boy!

note the "hot dog!" And so, we add another Houston male

'Hi' everyone!

Pregnancy Update

2012-02-09T07:50:00.001-05:00

I can't believe we are just about 1/2 way to our new baby! Or, "other" baby/brother... I'm trying to be careful with Wes and how I talk... we have a lot of work to do to get him ready for the transition! Sharing Mom is HARD for him!

Tuesday we were 19 weeks, and since my c-section will be at 39 weeks this really is about half way. We have had some ups and downs: a few more downs these past few weeks... but I'm feeling better about the whole thing:

We elected to do some of the screening tests the OB offers: well, one of them came back with an elevated result. Sigh. So, all we really know is that I have fetal proteins in my blood. Why?! Well, they can rule out Downs Syndrome and the myriad of Tri-somy issues. That leaves us with the concern of open neural tube defects. This was all about 2 weeks ago. After a few days of freaking out, we got in for an ultra sound, and our local office did a great job of scanning everything and the tech really made me feel much better saying she didn't see anything that would indicate the elevated (and it is just slightly high, 2.67 when 1.0 is normal and up to 2.5 they count as "acceptable") numbers. There was no major anomaly that she could see.

Yesterday Bill and I went up to Maine Med for them to look. Through a cluster is mess-ups, we really don't know much more... somehow my OB didn't request from them the right testing/meetings. So, they looked on ultra sound, and confirmed what they had seen (or not seen) here- there is no major physical issue with the baby that they can identify. I figure it wasn't a total waste of time- the more I can hear that the baby looks healthy the better I feel! We have to go back in 10 days for another look, and to meet with the genetic counselor... but for now I'm working on the assumption that it was a wonky result, and we have nothing to be concerned about.

Other than all of that, I'm feeling so much better! I can eat again, and actually have a pretty big appetite! I'm trying to be careful, I don't want a huge gain when I was already carrying Wes' weight around, but still, food is my friend again! I'm over the major exhaustion too- it's nice to be fully functional again. My sciatic nerve on my left side has been acting up, making it hard to roll over in bed and sit up from a reclined position. Sometimes when cleaning stalls I'll get a major radiation of pain down my butt/leg, but it's still manageable and I'll survive. I also have this odd symptom that I need to discuss with the Doctor. I have raised red bumps all over my legs and now onto my arms! They itch like crazy and make me insane at night! I scratch until they bleed, and have scabby lumps all over. I look pretty scary- I feel bad for the other ladies at swim lessons. They must think I have some terrible disease!

I have broken out some of my maternity clothes and have started to wear some of them. We are getting ready to start the room downstairs, and I'm seriously nesty already! I have the newborn and 0-3 months clothes out, and have gone thru them and sorted twice already I think! I bought a few things here and there, some diaper stuff mostly, but will wait for the rest of the shopping until we get a little closer (or until I have some extra cash!) and summer stuff is out.

I'll have the excitement of Krista and Brad's new baby to tide me over anyhow, they are being induced on the 14th- A Valentine's Day baby! I can't wait to meet my new nephew!

Step #1

2012-02-08T20:13:00.001-05:00

The first step in our construction project (after the big clean out that is!)

Garnering all the wood for the stud walls! Wes was a big help to Daddy;

Of course "helping" is a loose definition! I mean, come on folks... how much fun is it to push when you can get dragged?!

February already?!

2012-02-08T20:05:00.001-05:00

I know that the wise ol' groundhog said 6 more weeks of winter... but it's hard to take him seriously, when what we have had for "winter" this season has been about as mild as it comes I think!

We hit 50 the other day... it was warm enough to be outside in just a vest and hat! I'm not complaining, its been so nice for barn work (except the ice) and keeping this boy from getting too much cabin fever. We have been out walking more then sledding- we even have mud already! I'm not sure old man winter has given up yet, but we have gotten off easy thus far! Bill is unhappy with the amount of snowmobile time he has gotten in; me, I'm not complaining!

And, neither are the horses! Our "tender" few wear blankets, and this year I really think it's been less than a dozen or so days they have really needed them! I swear they are just about "grazing" already! They nibble at their hay, then saunter off to the field for a few hours each day of sunbathing and picking at the bare spots! Most winters they don't even attempt to break a path uphill, they just hang here by the house waiting for the thaw. Not so this year! I'm worried about what the mild weather will mean for our bug season, but I try to push that to the back of my mind for now! So, Phil... 6 more weeks to go?! Bring it on!

Simple Gifts

2012-02-06T20:10:00.001-05:00

I don't know what good I put out into the Universe, but I got one great Mommy gift today...

Westley slept thru an entire "large" grocery run!!

back story:

We were up late watching the Superbowl with Auntie and Uncle, and Wes went to bed well after his usual time. He slept sort of fitfully and then was up at his usual time (6:30am) Swim lessons kicked his keester, and he fell asleep pretty much right when we got into the car. I did the OakWoods horses, and drove to Rochester... an hour he had been asleep, so I loaded him into the cart for our "big" shopping trip. As I started to push him up the first aisle, his eyes were fluttering... I asked him if he wanted to lay down on Mommy's coat and he said "ess" so I balled my coat and tucked it around him and over the front of the cart. He layed his little head right down and slept the whole way round the store! It was so nice to shop with out the distraction (although I got stopped by just about every other person- commenting on how cute/tired/lucky he was!) I managed to get everything we needed and he just kept on sleeping! It wasn't until we were loading into the car that he work up suddenly aware that he had missed his opportunity for a "treat!" (normally he gets to pick one junk type thing if he behaves in the store) Thankful of my "gift" I had picked out Thomas gummies for him! Lucky Boy, Lucky Mama!!

May-or

2012-02-06T19:59:00.001-05:00

While we are waiting on our speech therapy evaluation we constantly have to work at translating Wes's words. I the past few weeks had been asking for "may-or" quite a bit... it was generally int he living room and centered around the television... but beyond that I had no idea what he wanted... . After asking him to help me understand one afternoon he stomped around the living room, then sat down showing me the bottoms of his feet over and over. I was stumped. I had NO idea. Then, a few days later he was repeating it over and over again pointing at the refrigerator. Sigh. Then I realized he wanted a paper that was up there... a card Jayson made for Olivia... one decorated with Cars stickers... and I finally realized he wanted Mater! Tow- Mater

I have no idea what the stomping was all about, or how he knew about the Mater movie but he sure was glad when we found that CD at Walmart one morning! However, on the very first viewing something got into him; he stopped the player and jammed the disk into the machine.

Bill was none too happy, since this is not the first time Wes had put disks into the player. He typically slides them into the crack of the "door" though, and its very easy to get them out. This time is was running, and he had the tray opened. So, when it jammed it jammed! It took Bill 2 tries to get it out, and the first time he gave up he said it was no use. He cooled off, thought some more about how to tackle the situation and then was able to get it unstuck. He was pretty annoyed and Wes was told he would get a "spank" if he messed with disks again.

I'm pretty sure it was a one time thing though, as May-or is his new morning routine. We watch it pretty much every day!

Basement remodel

2012-02-01T14:08:00.001-05:00

For those of you who have followed a while, we "finished" one end of the daylight basement a few years back. We dedicated a space for my "stamp studio" and gained the extra bedroom space. Well, we are at it again! This time I had to give up space though... my stamp room is no more...

Since just after Christmas I've been slowly (but steadily) clearing out the "office" which was a catch all (and our main downstairs closet) and my craft space. Now, pretty much all of the stuff has been removed. A lot went into storage in the attic, but I did a major purge as well. An entire Envoy full went to Goodwill (every seat but mine and Wes' was stuffed! I couldn't see out any widow other than mine and the windshield!) and I've taken a few loads to our drop off at the dump too. I was sort of sad to see my craft stuff boxed up, but honestly I just don't have time right now for stamping... and we really do need more living space!

The plan is to remove the spiral staircase, and add a staircase into the old kitchen pantry/closet. You will go down into the front half of the current garage which will become a "den" and then turn backwards towards our room and come back into the "basement" passing by the bedroom we will add a bathroom and then where the spiral and office are now we will add a second bedroom. This will allow Wes and the new baby a room, and Bill and I can go back to only sharing with each other! I'm really looking forward to having dedicated "little" kid space (and getting toys out of my living room!) and a bathroom I don't have to climb two stories to get to! It took a while to get here- I know it's going to be a lot of time and money, but it will be so worth it in the end.

I'm happy that the "big" kids can all keep their rooms- I wasn't too excited about asking any of them to share with a little kid (or 2!)... I think the disruption of a new baby will be enough for everyone! So, check back for updates as construction begins.

More Big News

2012-01-22T18:48:00.001-05:00

Bill and I are happy to report that the Houston clan will once more be growing by one... we expect a new baby in late June or early July!

My due date is July 3rd, so that makes us just shy of 17 weeks along. I will have another section, and it will likely be scheduled for the end of June once I hit 39 weeks. For now everyone is happy and excited. I'm not so sure that Wes is going to make a great big Brother at first. Sharing me with baby Nic is hard... it foreshadows some trauma for me. We will work on talking about it, and preparing him as best we can... we shall see. Maybe he will surprise me! The older kids just found out last week, and I think they are all happy... at least they say so! Obviously a new baby is change for everyone, but they seem excited! Savanna really wants a girl, but Olivia and Billy think another to add to our "cluster" of baby boys would be good. We will be thrilled with healthy either way!

The pregnancy started off rough for me. Things happened a lot faster than I anticipated and I found myself sort of shocked and sick all of a sudden! I was so terribly ill... it made for a very unhappy fall and early winter. For 8-10 weeks I was sick all the time. I am shocked the kids never suspected. For a month or so I barely got off the couch! I did 1 "big" thing a day (M-W-F cleaned the big barn) and then that was all I could muster. I threw up 4 or 5 times a day at some points. It was really awful and so different from Wes' pregnancy. I guess I was better than I thought at hiding it, since the big kids never knew. I managed to ride in the final hunts and limp through the holidays, but boy was it rough. I'm so much better now, and only mildly queasy now and then. Fheww.

We have a few more weeks and then will have another ultra sound. I will be glad to know the gender, I am in major shopping mode, but I "won't" let myself buy anything until we know. So, for now I torture myself and widow shop! I am so excited, Wes seems like such a big kid all of a sudden... a new baby will be so fun! The new one and Krista and Brad's baby will be 4ish months apart, it will be so fun to have them grow up along side one another!

Wes is Two

2012-01-16T18:36:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to do a picture with Wes and his bear today... but after an exhaustive search the bear remains elusive... I fear in one of our clean outs he may have accidentally gone into a "donate" bag... I seriously looked everywhere today. Sniff. I'm pretty sad, but we will manage!

We got this fun candle from my Aunt Nancy- its marked with the years (up until 21!) and meant to be burned on the birthday to mark the passing of another year. We did it on the night of his birthday last year, and burned it down past the 2 tonight. It's a fun way to keep track, and I'm glad to have it as a new tradition!

ps. for Wes' birthday I got pink eye. Happy birthday to me!

pss. Happy birthday to my Mom- I fear she will be overshadowed by Mr. Wes... today is her day too!

Wes' 2nd B-day: Party!!

2012-01-15T18:27:00.002-05:00

Westley turns 2 tomorrow, and while it is a holiday, we opted to have his party today. I was afraid that after the mild winter we have been having we would suddenly get slammed with snow or something- but despite being very cold and blustery we made out with a "nice" day! I think this is going to be an issue with his January birthday... I'll always be worried of a snow storm!

We had planned a farm animal theme... I think trucks or dinosaurs would have been his choice had I asked, but I wanted one more year of "cute" before I have to do transformers and construction equipment! Mom made the invites for me since the craft space has mostly been packed away with plans of a basement remodel. They were very cute and we carried the barnyard theme into the decor today! I had ordered some adorable cups and plates online- and got 2 great balloons- a cow and pig! Wes' cake took me longer than I anticipated and I had to call Mom over early to help with the other food and decorations... but I think it came out pretty cute. Wes watched me most of the morning and kept saying "an-muls!"

Billy used his helicopter to fly in a birthday banner-it was very sweet~

Kelly and Sam come up from Mass, it was very sweet of her to drive all this way on such a cold day. Wes wasn't very good at sharing with Sam (embarrassing so, since Sam was so good at his birthday a few weeks ago!) but they did seem to enjoy each other a bit. Nic and Kaleb and Jayson also came; so while it was a small crowd we still filled up the house! Mom-Mom was here, as well as Wes' Poppie and Grandma Beth. He got spoiled with lots of great gifts.

Grandma Houston had left her present so Wes got to open that too! It was a nice day, with fun family and friends... we had no meltdowns (except for Wes telling Nic to go home!) It is so hard to believe that 2 years ago I was laboring, so anxious to meet my little one. I can;t imagine life without him now... in fact, I wonder sometimes what we did before him! He brings so much joy and laughter to the house... Happy Birthday my Sweet Boy!

A Rough Week for Billy

2012-01-10T09:05:00.002-05:00

Sunday night Billy told me his eye was hurting, and it was pretty red... I told him we would see what it was like in the morning. Well, time to get ready for school on Monday and it was "gooped" shut and totally bloodshot and his face around it was red and sore looking too. So, we ran right down to the clinic and had him checked out. I was pretty sure it was pink eye... and yup, sure enough they took one look and said I was right. So, no school yesterday... then this am he comes down and says "we forgot to do my other eye..." Well, we didn't treat the unaffected eye. I guess that was a bad decision since the left eye was glued shut this morning, and he is home for another day! Drops and hand washing, new pillow cases... sigh. Thankfully he isn't *sick* so has been pretty helpful, but man oh man... what a week for this poor guy!

And Then There Was One

2012-01-06T18:33:00.001-05:00

Billy is learning the hard lesson of pet ownership today. There has been much wailing, many tears shed and he is down to one rat. Sadly, one of my fears for rat ownership has come true. Last night, "Science" (or "Twizzler") the lighter grey rat on the left was "gotten" by one of the cats. To make matters worse, the cage door seems to have been left latched open. Now, I had worried about our cats (Peanut in particular is a good huntress) but after all his research he was convinced they could coexist. I guess, we all knew it is was a possibility but it hasn't made it any easier for anyone! Billy had/has been very responsible, he knew what he needed to do to care for his critters. This is partially why we agreed to the gift in the first place... so I know this was a genuine accident. He is nine, and painfully self aware... he messed up. It has been a long hard day (and a tearful night as he awoke to the incident in his room) its been very difficult watching him go thru this. I kept him home, he would have been useless at school; he was really a wreck. He is sad to have lost a beloved pet, and terribly upset at himself. Guilt in a young boy is a miserable thing! He is sure that he has learned a "life lesson he won't ever forget!" and poor "Science" won't be forgotten either~ He is trying to focus on "Sneezy" and working thru the loss, sadness and guilt. I'm trying to focus on him; helping as best I can... reminding him that "no, it wouldn't have been better just to have gotten toys on Christmas." Sigh. What a way to rip a Mama's heart to bits...

Also, bless his heart Bill dealt with the poor creature, and took care of all the midnight wailing... the girls got little sleep, but Wes and I cozy in the basement were spared the brunt of it all!

My Gift or Finally

2011-12-27T20:35:00.002-05:00

Wanna see my Christmas gift?!

Well, actually, it was NOT a Christmas gift.

But, it counted for a Christmas gift anyhow...

I am now sportin' on my left hand this beautiful ring! Who would have thought, that after almost 8 years together (almost 7 living here) Bill would have changed his mind! I was pretty sure that being married didn't matter to me... but I do admit that at play groups and story hours I often find myself looking at other women's hands...

Christmas Eve, as we were getting ready for Santa Bill paused the TV and wandered out of the room. He came back with a box, and pretty quickly I surmised what might be in there... "I didn't want this to be a Christmas gift" he said. "It's much more than that"

I opened the box, and stammered something about it being beautiful and thank you, and such... and then he did have to say "Yes, It's an engagement ring!" I wasn't going to assume, but it sure did look that way to me. So, it may be another 8ish years until it finally happens, but for now... I'll just wear the ring!

(for those who care about these things- it's a 3/4 carat marquis cut, yellow diamond set in yellow gold)

and, what is it about getting a new ring that suddenly makes you knuckles fat and hairy?!

Christmas Rounds 2 & 3

2011-12-27T16:12:00.001-05:00

Bill and I are so blessed to have family right nearby who love us (and spoil our children!) It makes the holidays that much more special to be able to spend time with everyone! We went up to Grandma and Grandpa Houston's for brunch (Grandma made egg puff of course! and presents with them and Anna, Ed and Nic. We got spoiled and had another round of great gifts to open and share.

Later in the day my Mom and Dad and Em, Kurt, Kaleb and Jayson came over to do Christmas round 3! The kids got even more stuff, and were thankfully not too overwhelmed so everyone was appreciative and managed to keep it together! Billy was very glad to get to show off his rats to the other boys! I got some cool gift including the wireless printer I wanted!

Em and Kurt took the boys home (Jay had a bad cough) and then the rest of us went to Anna and Ed's for a big dinner. It was a great day, but man was I ever tired after all of it! Wes had never napped, and finally crashed (we borrowed a ba-ba) while the kids played on Auntie's new kinect. Bill wasn't feeling too great, so we came home about 9 to crash. The big kids were up much later laughing and playing upstairs with the rats. I think all would agree that it was a great day!

A Family Christmas or Christmas part 1

2011-12-27T11:53:00.002-05:00

I have been looking forward to Christmas especially this year, since I anticipated that Westley would be really "into" it. He was really a very good boy- didn't nap and was the only Houston kiddo who didn't cry at some point throught out the day! The older kids woke him up, so he was sort of slow to start, but one he got going it was pretty exciting!

He enjoyed his stocking, but only got about half way thru before he just wanted to play! That was the theme for him... he very little attention span and just wanted to open and play with things! We had a little Christmas race track set up, and he wanted to zoom those cars all around. Once we started opening gifts he was in and out of the living room running all around!

I thought Santa was very good to us!

Bill was pretty shocked with the 22 I got for him. I think it was the Christmas of unexpected gifts!

Wes got an assortment of little odds and ends, no real "big" gift, but was happy with everything! He even squealed at a pair of PJs up at Grandma Houston's!

Savy's big gift was an i-pod touch. She is all appled out as she just got an i-phone from Auntie and Uncle earlier in the week! I think she will really enjoy the i-pod. Her original one from many Christmas' ago was starting to die, and she really enjoys music. I'm glad we got it for her!

Olivia got an acoustic guitar. She asked for one last year too... I'm not sure how she plans to use it... but I got her some DVDs with lessons... so we shall see! She also got a nice wool dress coat too!

Billy- well, Billy got 2 rats. I know I said "No, never! Over my dead body!" But, he has wanted them for a long time... and has done a lot of research and put a lot of time and energy into learning all about them. He has been consistently helpful and responsible (even more so than the girls!) around the house; so we decided a pet (or 2) of his own was warranted! I must admit, I'm still not thrilled about having them join the household- but he really deserves them... and they are *sort* of cute!

What did I get? Well, that's a post of it's own!!

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-27T11:34:00.002-05:00

We did our annual cookie party last week, but I was bad about taking pictures! I took only 2, then started decorating! Here are a few I took of our finished creations:

While we were cutting out cookies Olivia noticed that this little scrap looked like a shoe and asked me to bake it up along with the others. So I did and she decorated it with the usual gingerbread men and Christmas trees. I thought it looked great!

The only actual "party" pictures I took were of Wes... he was doing a good job sprinkling sanding sugar onto his cookies and then grabbed a whole jar of little sprinkles. One upside-down shake and his whole plate was filled! Oops. Guess maybe ones with no lids shouldn't have been in his reach! Oh well, he had fun though!

Even though we didn't have many guest this year, it was still a great time. This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions

Smile

2011-12-22T09:34:00.003-05:00

I finally captured it:

This is what you get these days when you ask Wes to "Smile!"

ps. please excuse the spaghetti sauce face

Ginger Bread House

2011-12-22T09:32:00.001-05:00

Last night we decorated our annual gingerbread house. This is one of my favorite holiday activities... and I always look forward to the project! I always buy extra candy since the ones that come with the kit are never very inspiring! This year the kids all got one side to focus on, and they did a good job getting along and not fighting about the decorations!

I'm not sure Wes put anything onto the house itself, but he sure managed to eat a lot of candy!

I think it came out pretty good!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever- Year 2

2011-12-22T09:25:00.002-05:00

Savanna was in the school play again this year, and it was once again the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

This year she was Edna McCarthy- and older church woman. She had several lines and did a really good job being an "old" woman! The crowd was cracking up with her impressions!

Savanna really seems to like being on stage, performing is certainly part of her nature! Maybe next year at the Middle School we will get to see/learn a new play?!

Cub Scout Cookies

2011-12-22T09:17:00.001-05:00

The Cub Scout Pack meeting for this month was a cookie decorating party! The kids had fun with their cookies, and then made a really pretty snowflake craft. Afterwards we went down to an assisted living facility in town and the boys sang Christmas carols in the community room. I happen to stand next to an older woman for a while and noticed that as the Scouts sang she was getting misty eyes. These really are good boys- it's such a great group for Billy to belong to. It was a very sweet way to spend the afternoon~ another activity with plenty of holiday cheer!

A Shower for Krista and Brad

2011-12-22T09:12:00.004-05:00

Krista and Brad are expecting their first (and much anticipated!) baby in March. We hurried to have a shower before Grandma Houston headed back to Florida. We chose a panda theme as a jab at the new World of Warcraft characters. We added in some trains to make it a more traditional boy theme and away we went! Anna and Beth and I had fun planning and purchasing everything, and we hosted at the beautiful Stage Neck Inn in York.

It was mostly family (on both sides) so smaller and more intimate. We really enjoyed the time with Brad's side and it was fun just to all get together. Krista and Brad got some fun presents and we had a yummy lunch and played some quick games.

I really hope they enjoyed the shower, and I can't wait to meet their baby boy!

Holiday Concerts

2011-12-22T08:30:00.001-05:00

We seemed to have a rush of evening activities these past few weeks! With all three older kids in different schools, why we had concerts and plays galore! I made a major oops and Bill and I missed Billy's band production the other day though... the date had been changed (they were doing a show during school since the beginner band didn't feel ready to show at the big holiday concert) but I didn't realize the time had changed as well. So, at 2:30 we show up with camera in hand only to have the school secretary inform us they had played at 9:15 that am. I felt awful... Billy had been sad not to see us in the audience but understood... We made the girl's concerts though:

Savanna plays percussion in the 6th grade band and they did a really nice job the night of their holiday concert. I was really impressed with how well the kids all blended together- these 3 town schools have only been as one for this school year. So, in 3 months the band director got them all going in the same direction and they actually sounded great! Not the typical "school band" music I was expecting to hear!

Olivia sings in the choral at the high school (she is in the vocal excel program as well) and their concert was beautiful! All the high school singing groups were that night, and it was such a treat to hear them! Wes had been having a hard time with all the sit quiet and behave activities we had to do that week, and Bill had to head out with him early... which was sad, but I was thrilled to hear them sing! They did a beautiful number with the lights out and little glowing candle- it was so pretty! All these festive activities really helped to get me into the holiday spirit!

Puttin' up the Tree

2011-12-11T20:35:00.001-05:00

We made a big family outing of picking the Christmas tree- Grandma and Grandpa Houston, Anna, Ed and Nicholas as well as Jon and Mary Leeke all piled into the trucks and went out to find the perfect specimen. We missed the tree farm we usually go to, they had sold out for the season and we were sent over into Springvale. We will go back to the regular guy next year (and tag the day after Thanksgiving)

It was a pretty long hike out to the trees, and while there were loads of them... not many were up to our high standards. Some too big, some too small. Lots with bare/thin spots from growing close together... Wes toured for a while from the back of a sled. It was pretty cold and getting close to dark so we had to hurry and make our pick!

We settled on this one- slightly bigger than I normally pick... but the closest to perfection in my eye!

We did Grandma and Grandpa Houston's last night, so waited until today to decorate. Wes did really well, and hasn't been too bad about taking off the ornaments. I did pick up a bunch of unbreakable balls last year in the after holiday sales... so no glass bulbs for us. I also made sure all the trucks and trains and airplanes are up out of his reach (and candy canes too!)

It takes the whole corner and wall under the stairs, looks pretty and makes the house feel festive. Now hoping Wes can keep away from the decorations for the next 2 weeks! For now, though- it's up... Bring on the presents... fill 'er up!!

It Didn't Take Long

2011-12-02T20:05:00.001-05:00

It only took Wes 2 days to figure out the advent calendars!

Not figure them out per-se, as I'm not sure the concept of time is among his strong suits... 2 days to figure out how to help himself to the treats!

Nearby to Santa

2011-11-27T15:44:00.001-05:00

Olivia's High School Chorus group sang christmas carols at the town tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. Jon Leeke was here visiting, so we all went downtown to participate in the festivities.

We really wanted to get Wes' picture with Santa. However, just a few seconds after we arrived at the mill field, we had a diaper accident. He was napping when it was time to leave the house, so I changed him carefully as he slept...and I guess I didn't get the snaps tight enough. He was standing looking as Santa thru the gazebo when he peed all down his leg... he soaked his pants... so I walked back to the car... but, when I left for shopping Friday I had thrown the diaper bag into the truck... an never grabbed it back.... so.... no pants for Wes!

Even with the familiarity of Poppie's beard, Wes wanted nothing to do with Santa. Mrs. Claus' goodie bags, however were temptation enough to get near Santa!

Doors

2011-11-27T15:36:00.001-05:00

Bill got my stall doors on! I am so happy with the barn right now. I am waiting on the door handles/latches so for now they just slide closed and the stall guards are still up inside... but, they are up and functional!

Halter hooks, blanket bars... it's almost like a "real" barn now!

More Fall Happenings

2011-11-27T15:22:00.001-05:00

We are having an unusually mild fall (despite 2 full snow storms! Wacky!!) which has meant we have been able to be out and about. Anna and I have ridden in most of the Wednesday hunts, and we went to a beach ride as well! Beau was very good, and I went again with Linda and Miller and he was fine then too. I'm hopeful his shenanigans from last year are behind us!

The group hosted a nice lunch that afternoon at the beach, and Nick was too cute in his blue bunting sitting by the trailers!

We have slowly been stacking the firewood- Bill was so busy with the barn this summer/fall that we opted to buy a few loads. So, its a much easier task- we only need to stack it... but somehow we are behind! It won't be too long now before the cold weather really hits... so we had better get a move on.

At Billy's Cub Pack meeting, his Webelos group did some skits- he had fun getting up there and "acting." All the kids in the pack had roles or told jokes/poems. They were all very cute and we had a nice potluck meal as well!

I just loved this picture of Grandpa Houston and Nick~ sitting in front of the farm house

The horses are all happy and well, Grace and Beau and Squeeke are into the routine of coming in at night, and seem to enjoy the barn! For the most part they have worked thru all the apple trees, but still have green grass. It's been such a mild November!

Savanna's football cheer season is over, and competition has begun already!

Olivia had 2 more IEA shows, but I missed both... one when Savy and Billy had activities and BIll took her and one while I was Black Friday shopping. She got a first and then a 4th place... she has one more show (but not until February) to make her points for Regionals.

Time is flying, and soon winter will be upon us!

Thankful

2011-11-27T15:02:00.001-05:00

After a white Halloween we woke up to a white Thanksgiving too! I'm not sure what that means for Christmas, but I've got my fingers crossed~ We had Thanksgiving dinner here at our house after a big brunch up at the farm house. The boys and men went "over the river and thru the woods" or, more specifically up the hill and thru the field! Beth had made a wonderful morning meal, and it was such a nice way to start the day! After all that eating, I had to get the turkey in the oven... but it was a fun, filling day with the whole family around! Baby Nick did great with his carrots, another 1st Thanksgiving meal for a "Houston" baby this year.

We opted to arrange the tables side by side as we numbered 20 (with Nick and Wes not getting chairs) The food was all very good (too much as usual) and the company grand. The kids were all very well behaved and everyone seemed to have a good time!

Topping my Thankful list this year: our new barn and Krista and Brad's upcoming baby!

Writing this a few days late, I can say that the only issue (in addition to the need for more fridge space) with our dinner was that there must have been a bug in the house... by Saturday night everyone but us 6 and my Mom and Dad had a stomach thing. I'm also thankful that we were spared!

Birthday Girl

2011-11-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

Savanna turned 12 last week! It's hard to believe she is an official "tween" now, and this year will fly... before we know it she will be a teenager too! She is really growing up~

We had a family dinner in her honor- spaghetti and meatballs at her request. She got a new bike from Bill and I. Her old bike was way too small and didn't have any shocks- and on our driveway and the roads around here; they are really necessary. I hope she takes good care of it, we picked her out a Schwinn that should carry her for years to come!

Savanna wanted to bake her own cake for her birthday- so I found some small loaf pans and she made everyone their own individual cake. She iced them, and decorated them with her initials SJH. They were really good!

So, here's to another year with our Savy girl...!

Little Fish

2011-11-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

Today, at our Mommie and Me swim class Wes took off swimming! He has been wearing a turtle type float pack, and the instructor and I discussed switching to a bouyed belt. Not 5 minutes into the class he was off on his own! He has been kicking pretty well for a while now but tended to topple forward and dunk himself; then as he sputtered he would stop kicking... this new belt has a bubble we can put on his chest to help him not be so top heavy. It was just the thing he needed! Way to go Wes!!

Our YMCA doesn't allow cameras in the pool area... I may have to break the rules next week and get a picture or two!

Home Show

2011-11-06T08:38:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was York Equestrians home show... hosted at Grey Stone Stables. This is the team's first time hosting alone... the past years they have co-hosted with other IEA teams. It was a lot of work, and the team did a great job organizing... I must say it was a very efficient well run event. Squeeke and Nick went along to join the other "team" horses, and both were very good ponies!

Squeeke did 3 back- to - back beginner classes, and was tired, but very well behaved! She was so cute- the teams all loved her! There was another palomino pony "spanky" and for one class they were both ridden~ it was adorable!

Krista is up visiting, so she was able to come by for a while, and Poppie brought all the boys down in enough time to watch Olivia too. Dad got stuck holding horses (Squeeke!) for a while, but with the hosting job comes a lot of positions that need filling! I worked the concession stand, then held horses... Bill practically held all day!

Olivia got "Edison" in the draw- a great pick since she lessons on him, and loves to ride him! He was "out of sorts" and ended up bucking with a kid in a later class- Liv said he wasn't listening well, but she seemed to do well! She didn't place as high as I thought she might (6th) but seemed to enjoy the ride!

I just got word that the concession stand made over $700 for the team! It was a great day, well organized with great mounts and a very positive environment. Go York!

Tackroom

2011-11-01T17:16:00.001-04:00

For the most part, the tack room has come together. I'm hopeful that the ceiling will be going in tomorrow (that's the wood leaning up)

Bill built me a nice big, deep grain bin... I love it! It holds a ton of grain, and keeps it all nice and neat and not spilling out onto the floor!

Anna handed down to me a set of cupboards, uppers and lowers! They are maybe not the prettiest (unless you love the late 80s!) but they are very functional and will help keep all our stuff organized! I think I am really going to like having the counter space.

The back wall is all saddles, and the side bridles and trunks. I'm sure there will be a bit more tweaking, but for now it is functioning well; I need to figure out blanket storage... and a second "back" door is still in the works... but mostly my tack room is done!

Halloween

2011-11-01T13:52:00.003-04:00

Friday Night we went to the school Halloween party- it won't be too many more years where we will be able to attend... Savanna wished she had volunteered instead of playing the games.

Billy is an army guy. I told him "sniper" wasn't maybe such a good idea. Olivia is an "undead," Savy a cowboy cheerleader and Wes a dragon.

We had talked to Wes about Halloween, and hoped he wouldnt be afraid. He did great! He had fun playing the games and loved getting "treats!" He can't say "trick-or-treat" but sqeals a pretty good "Eee-T"

Sunday found us with no power, so we opted to wait until Monday (actual Halloween) and go down into Sanford. We picked up Nic and all the cousins went together. Liv modified her costume a bit, and was a nice all black "back-drop" for the little punkin.' Savy went with a plain cowgirl, since the cheer skirt was going to be too cold.

Wes did great walking around the neighborhood we picked, and held up his pumpkin basket for all his "Eee-Ts" We did the "trunk-or-treat" in Sanford too. Overall the kids did great, only a little complaniing, and loads of candy!

October Snow

2011-11-01T08:12:00.001-04:00

One morning last week we woke up to snow! It started gently falling as we were getting ready for bed, and made the world so white and new again. This first snow was especially beautiful since we still have quite a bit of fall foliage around! I cant recall a snow that stuck this early- it was quite fun! Wes was cute getting reaquainted with the white stuff-

Blissfully unaware, I enjoyed this first snow. Little did I know, we were in for a

real Nor'Easter just a few days later!

Sunday I woke up to this... a foot of heavy wet snow, and NO power!

Never mind though, Liv's show was canceled, it was a weekend suddenly free, and the horses were all tucked safely inside!

Bill and Olivisa toiled a bit to get the "new" snowmobile running, then there was much zooming around! I think both sleds used a tank of gas! I must admit to a few trips around the field myself!

The kids went in and out all day, and Wes learned the fine art of slurping hot cocoa.

Since we were nearing the 24 hour mark with no power and Grandma Beth had brought us lunch, we needed to think about cooking some dinner. Auntie Anna slaved over the fire at the farm house and made a wonderful beef stew! We ate melting ice cream for dessert, and it was a wonderful day... even if we did miss the towns "Beggar's Night" trick or treating.

The littlest cousins fell right to sleep after an exciting day

I hope this isn't a taste of whats to come...we were without power short of 2 days... and I am so not ready for winter yet!

A post for Nanny

2011-10-23T21:10:00.001-04:00

Thru the Hunt Club, we have made a wonderful new friend! Nanny is the Mother and Grandmother (or Nanny!) of another Mom/Daughter riding team. She attends all the meets she can, and is a super social butterfly! She took right to Billy and Westley the first time we met her, and I look forward to seeing her at every hunt! I love her sense of humor and kind soul~ she is a real fire cracker and such a hoot to be around! She makes such yummy food too- she has a reputation with all the riders for making spectacular offerings at tea.

A few weeks back, she presented me with this lovely typed up recipe collection- complete with horse picture on front! As she was handing it to me, Wes got his eye on it and grabbed right for it. He was looking at the horse picture as we said our "good-byes" I put him into his seat to whisk Sav off to cheer, and he fell asleep clutching it! He napped the whole nap with it held tight in his fist. This one's for you Nanny! And, I WILL be making that "nutty broccoli slaw"~ if only to mess with Savanna!

Soup & Bread

2011-10-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

Bill finally succumbed to the stomach bug that has been rampant in our house... it has been nearly 3 weeks, now everyone has had it; well, except for Wes who got it twice, (and we gave it to Mom and Dad too) In an effort to be "wifely" and "comfort my man" in his hour of need, I made homemade bread and chicken rice soup for dinner tonight!

Actually, I had the chicken bones in the freezer waiting for a crisp afternoon to make soup- and I love my bread machine, so... the stars were just in the right alignment for "sick-o" to get some chicken soup lovin' tonight!

All afternoon Wes was pestering Daddy- he made an easy target all layed out helpless in the recliner. After a particularly annoying game which consisted mostly of repeatidly landing a toy helicopter on Daddy's cranium and a subsequent cracker throwing fit by Bill I tried intervene and tempted Wes away with offers of "helping Mommy make dinner." He helped to "chop" carrots and celery for the soup, then wanted to cut the bread too.

He jabbed at the poor loaf for quite some time, it was pretty funny when I sliced it up- it was all squished inside! Then, when it came time to eat dinner, Mr. Helper came up with an ingenious way to eat his soup:

He carefully scooped out all his favorite veggies, and loaded them onto his piece of bread

Then used the bread to carry them to his mouth! Clever boy!!

Orris Falls Conservation Hike

2011-10-23T20:36:00.000-04:00

Today was our first Cub Scout Pack meeting, and we took advantage of a lovely fall day and took a hike! It was perfect- crisp air, sunlight streaming thru the colored leaves... quintessential New England ...

We hiked on a conservation land trail, out to a very cool geological formation. We passed a nice stream (with a waterfall) flowing thru a steep gorge and a beaver pond (saw the dam and a half chewed tree) and saw many large granite boulders. Wes walked a little ways, then rode in the backpack- and promptly fell asleep! He napped most of the hike out, while we were at the balancing rock, and then most of the way back! Silly boy

The "point" of the hike was to get out to "balancing rock." It is so cool that this is right in our town (and I never knew!) The "glacial erratic" is really a sight to see- I'm hopeful that we can get back here with the horses, the trail was very nice and for the most part very rideable! It was just under 3 miles- a great length for the boys.

Yes, that is Wes fast asleep in his pack, parked under the balancing rock!

It's Fall Around Here

2011-10-14T13:36:00.003-04:00

It's really happening... the leaves are changing, the horses coats are growing in, the nights are getting colder... It's undeniable... Fall is here!

Wes has been having way too much fun with the pumpkins and gourds I put in the steps. Just about daily I have to fetch them all from the driveway- he likes to roll them off their perches and down the stairs!

Olivia went to Camp Meridian and had the best weekend- the weather was amazing! The drive up there was perfect for leaf peeping! Because this camp is always on Columbus Day weekend, its an easy way to remember the things that happen while she is away... like this was the 2nd anniversary of the weekend I broke my ankle... our anniversary of getting Otis...

The horses are all happy and starting to puff out with winter coats! Grace and Beau and Squeeke have been in here and there- staying dry with some fall rain we've had. They all seem to enjoy the barn, and Beau especially has to be dragged out! He would really rather just hang out in his stall~ We have a formal hunt this weekend and the weather is supposed to be nice again. I'm looking forward to riding~

Last weekend we went to MacDougals with Auntie and Nic

We picked loads of apples, did the petting zoo, corn maze and ate apple cider donuts

It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon!

Then on Sunday, Savy, Wes and I went down to Hampton NH and met up with Kelley and Sam for another round of fall fun!

AppleCrest is quite the attraction- it was busy and filled with activities for everyone to do! The boys were so cute, and it was so nice to see Kel, especially since it was her birthday! She and Geoff are now just about half way to meeting their next little Palmer! I am so excited for them!!

The boys both really enjoyed the "train" ride out to the orchard, and despite some difficult picking, they seemed to like being out in the apple trees!

We had yummy donuts and cider here too, but then day turned quite warm, so some ice cream really hit the spot!

I hope you are enjoying the fall weather, and are able to get out and frolic a bit before winter sets in! I know we are having fun, this really is my favorite season!

Picasso?

2011-10-14T12:35:00.001-04:00

One of the ideas I had for Wes when the kids went back to school was finger painting. I went out and got a giant pad of paper, and 4 bug tubes of colorful paint. I was so excited for this craft/activity... thinking how very toddler and "pre-schoolish" it was. Well. Our first attempt didn't go as planned. Turns out Wes' aversion to dirty hands made FINGER paint a no-go. He just wasn't into gettin' messy. So, resourceful Mama, I got him a brush. He then proceeded to paint all over. himself. Sigh

I've waited a few weeks. Today we tried again. And, I must say he did very well! He wanted more and more and more paint...

Now, does it make me a bad person to think the paint plate tuned out better than the "canvas"

Cheer Captain

2011-10-14T12:26:00.003-04:00

Savanna's Pee-Wee Football Cheer Squad has been back in action since the end of August... I'm just so slow these days getting things uploaded and posts done! The girls are doing great, its been a fun season (not too cold yet!) and, note the black crop-top! Savy made Captain! I think the title is made even more impressive since the decision is made by a vote among the squad, not by the Coaches! Not too shabby for a 2nd year Cheerleader!

While we have already had sign ups for Competition Cheer, we still have a handful of games left- I'm already done my required stints in the concession stand, so I get to kick back and enjoy the games! So, better late than never- Noble Cheer Rocks!

Birthday Bill

2011-10-04T21:27:00.000-04:00

Today is Bill's birthday, and while I try to make sure he knows how much he is appreciated on a daily basis, the celebration of his birth seems like reason enough to take time out to thank him for all he does!

I am so grateful that he provides in such a way that I can stay home- I love being a Mom, and giving that role my full attention is really important to me! I might fuss and moan now and again, but I really do like what I do! I try to stay grounded and not take what I have for granted. We really do have everything we need (and then some!!) I appreciate that while things might not always be done the way he would like, he is always appreciative of what I do. I love that he is supportive of my trying to stay active with horses. I love how much he loves his kids. He makes me laugh, and makes me smile. He loves me despite (or is it in spite of?) my faults and flaws...

I am especially thankful of all the hard work Bill is putting into "my" barn at the moment. I know he would really rather be building himself a garage! It's amazing all the things he can do- I can't wait to see what the next year has in store!

We had a little lunch while my Mom and Dad were here this weekend, and I made a rich chocolate cake. It wasn't the traditional angel food his Mom makes, but since his parents are away I thought I'd branch out, and we can have the real "Birthday" cake when they get home!

I also had to include this picture of Mom in the hot tub- all the Grand kids wanted to go in after we had cake... so good Grandma that she is, she jumped right in!

Early Fall

2011-10-04T21:06:00.000-04:00

The kids are back at school and I am so much busier than when they were home for the Summer! Wes and I have my barn chores, and he has swim on Monday, Music on Wednesday and we go to Story time at the Library on Thursdays... Then after school is a wreck with Savy in Drama at her school, and Cheer plus Olivia's riding and her drama... not to mention Girl and Cub Scouts... Any spare time is spent out in the barn, I guess my blog has been suffering, but I'm really happy with how everything is going:

Two of the main (exterior) doors are up, one more and we will be all buttoned up! The tack room wall is in; one door (and cat door too!) and a make shift step. The saddle racks and bridle hooks are up, and I have pretty much moved in! We had a wash out with a stretch of rain we had, so one day was spent doing some damage control and landscaping. All of that sort of "messed" up the arena site, so looking out there makes me sad, but I'll be happy not to have the aisle flooding. Dad has been hard at work on some of the stone walls, and it looks amazing!!

With all the hard work I have to find time to actually enjoy the horses! I have been having fun fox hunting Beau. He has been great! He seems to totally love it- he's almost a bit too excited in my opinion! A while back we hosted a pace, and while the rest of the family toiled away to make the event happen, Olivia and I rode! We joined up with a student of mine and a friend of hers, and the 4 of us had a great ride. We were fast, and ended up placing 3rd, but it was fun for sure- and it was so nice to come out to the stirrup cup, and find the gang all there!

IEA Season Opener

2011-10-04T20:50:00.001-04:00

Olivia's IEA team has started back up, and she went to her first show a few weekends back. She had a tough ride, on a tired horse who was hard to canter... she placed 6th, so did get a point... but maybe not the start we had anticipated! The show was well run, and Wes and I enjoyed the day- plus Olivia loves anything she does with her team; I swear she would have fun sitting with her team all day and not even riding at all! We got her new tall boots to start the season so her feet were a bit sore... but she rode thru and despite the pain (and having a cold too!) had a smile on her face all day long!

We have 4 or 5 more shows lined up, one is the first that the team has hosted alone. That day should be busy for all of us but a great step for this team. I'm looking forward to seeing what these girls have in store this season...

Good Egg

2011-09-18T21:03:00.000-04:00

Old Hop Along or Oldie as she is also know is one of the best chickens around... a real "good egg!"

Ok, Ok, so it doesn't hurt that she moves pretty slowly... but, she is a very tolerant old bird!

Medieval Weekend

2011-09-18T20:55:00.002-04:00

Last weekend Savanna and I went with our Girl Scout Troop to a Medieval reenactment. The event was Saturday, but since we didn't get a chance to go camping as a Troop this year we added an overnight at a campground into the plan! It was a fun weekend; the girls learned a lot about Medieval times and we got to hang with some of our Scout buddies.

The event was held at Fort Knox in Prospect Maine. It was a bit of a drive, but we left early and made good time. We arrived in plenty of time to experience all the events they had planned, and also explore the fort.

I hope that as Savanna gets older, she continues to be interested in Scouting and all it offers. Most of her best friends have fallen by the wayside in the past few years, but she still seems to enjoy the group. I love that we get exposure to things we might not necessarily do otherwise. I don't think a cross bow, throwing axes or chain mail would be on her radar otherwise!

Speaking of Climbing

2011-09-08T21:32:00.002-04:00

Somehow I never posted these pictures...

One evening as I was fussing around the house I realized I didn't know where Wes was. Going back to the last place I knew he had been, I rounded the corner into the kitchen and found this! To make matters worse, Bill was leaning against the island taking pictures...

Now, how could you be mad at a face like that?! Sigh.

Big Helper

2011-09-08T21:19:00.000-04:00

While I vacuumed today, I left Wes in the kitchen "helping" to wash the dishes. As I made my way thru the dining room I looked up to find my big helper making sure he got them really well done:

ps. the baby lock that keeps him out of the under sink cabinet seems to have let me down in this respect... he used it to get a toe hold on his climb into the sink. Monkey Man!

First Day 2011-2012

2011-09-08T21:10:00.002-04:00

This week the Big Kids went back to school. I must admit, I was a bit bummed. For the first time in recent memory I was really sad to see them go! Typically, I am secretly a little happy when that bus pulls up... this year- I wasn't ready for Summer to end! Despite my reluctance t send them off the day dawned and it was pretty nasty; cool and rainy. Wes was up sick the night before, and I really just wanted to sleep in... but the first day won't wait:

All 3 of them started at new schools- Olivia at Noble High for her Freshman year! Savanna joined her on the early bu for her trip to the Knowlton School for 6th Grade.

And poor Billy missed the bus to the Mary Hurd School.... we waited an hour at the end of the driveway before I phoned in to see what the delay was... seems Ms. Knight was running earlier than the route predicted and we missed her! Oh well- no harm done and he wasn't upset about being late to the first day! Whoops~ Here's hoping for a great year; Wes and I certainly will miss you!

More and More Barn Work

2011-09-08T20:57:00.001-04:00

This holiday weekend we spent working on the barn. I suppose it was a fitting way to end the summer~

I have been looking around, and found a good deal on some used stall mats on craigslist... we spent one day getting them, and getting them in place. I am thrilled to have 3 stalls fully matted now- I'll keep my eye out for more steals! For now, though- I'm tired of moving mats!!

With Mom here to watch Wes I was able to really dig in and help- literally! We spent one good day working the arena site. I have to admit, that rock picking is one of my least favorite jobs- but many hands made light work, and we moved a zillion stones!

I think after this session you can see the difference, and that's what counts right- moving in the right direction!

Conway Get Away

2011-09-02T17:38:00.004-04:00

While we had no power here in town, Mom was up in Conway with electricity and Cousins Kaleb and Jayson... so, after a quick check about getting off Oak Woods duty, I hightailed it out of town with the boys! Savy had cheer, and Liv a riding team meeting... so they stayed here in the dark and we went off for a few days of fun without them!

Mostly the boys played around the cabin- army is big this summer- helicopters and tanks are everywhere! We also did a day at StoryLand. I love the season passes... it makes it so easy to pop in for a few hours! Since we (well, Mom mostly) go a lot, it is interesting to see what everyone gravitates to each trip.
The front section with the nursery rhyme themed activities is fun for Wes, but the bigger kids play there too!

The animals often get a glance on the way by, but this time we stopped to look at each of them. Wes loves all sorts of critters- so he was happy to stand and watch them all for a while.

Billy and Jay did the bigger rides- they have fun together and Billy is tall enough to ride alone with Jayson... which is really helpful since I hate spinning~

Wes wanted "more" of the flying whales and the big train... but this spot in the sidewalk got the most attention from him this trip! It was so funny to watch him chase the water and wait for it to come back out of all the holes! I must admit, that on more than one occasion I had my fingers crossed that his hole would squirt as he looked down into it!

Wes was able to pull off the diaper look, but the big boys were all soaked to the skin! Billy was dumping the water out of his shoes like buckets. It was a fun day- and a fun trip up to the cabin, a special time without the girls and Bill. I was glad to get out when I did, since the power took three days to come back on! Now we are in the final stretch before school begins...

Good Night Irene

2011-09-02T17:04:00.004-04:00

This past weekend brought with it, hurricane Irene. As the week progressed there was much talk of this "epic" storm... unheard of to have such a powerful hurricane make landfall so far North up the East Coast... we were in the path, set for a "direct hit." Well, by the end of the week I was pretty sure we were going to make out alright; but there were a few days of panic envisioning the hurricane strength wind and rain. In the end, it was pretty uneventful- but Vt and others got hit badly. The impending storm did motivate us to get a few things one around here though. The yard got cleared of all the junk that has been accumulating all summer. Talk of "flying debris" got the kids moving pretty quickly.

And, we worked to get the barn ready for it's first inhabitants! We borrowed 3 stall guards to make the unfinished stalls temporarily use able and Beau and Squeeke ended up spending the day in. We had a stiff breeze, and it did rain pretty hard so I was glad to have them in out of the wet mess. They both did well and seemed happy to be inside.

The other three weathered the storm in the run in- we honestly have had thunderstorms 10Xs worse than this hurricane. I was pretty underwhelmed! We did get rain, but these guys share so well (Beau was in with them too until we took him in to keep Squeeke company) we just left them out! As soon as the rain stopped they went right back to grazing...

I worried a bit, but Olivia and Billy spent quite a lot of time out in the barn "babysitting" Since the whole "inside" concept is new, and the roof is pretty loud I didn't want any issues with upset ponies. Wes and I took a turn on duty too, he was more than ready to get outside! The barn aisle is a great place to play- especially since we don't have the grading done and ended up with a few puddles for stomping in!

We did loose power- for 3 days! It was pretty frustrating, since it was such a dud of a storm... but we made the most of it (and I fled with the boys to Conway on day 2!) and we can chock "hurricane" up to another of the big adventured of the summer!

Plus, Wendy offered to let us keep the stall guards as long as we need- so that's a bonus too! Many thanks to her, and Cindi (and Kate too!)

More Hunting

2011-09-02T16:01:00.004-04:00

Cheryl, the Master of the Hounds sent along some pictures her Husband Sandy took at the two hunts. I think this one is funny since Nic and Beau have the same weird neck for some reason- and neither of them is ewe necked in person!

The day of the first hunt, the stirrup cup was here at our house, and both boys had such a good time entertaining the "guests" and took right to the hounds when we arrived! Billy ran in for a few fistfuls of cookies, and had all the hounds very happy! Wes was eating a peach, and apparently a number of the hounds were interested in it, but he wasn't going to share!

Hunt Scene

2011-08-21T10:11:00.002-04:00

The Piscataqua hounds started their Hunt season last week. Olivia and I met up with Linda over at Branch Hill for their pace. It was a lovely ride, a beautiful day and two of my favorite riding partners! And, to boot we won first place for the Hilltop division. Yahoo! What a way to start the season off.

Then, this weekend the Houston's hosted their first Cub Hunt of the year. Since Anna and Olivia are away I was the official family delegate rider! Cheryl also asked me to Field Master for the Hilltop group. Beau was pretty jazzed up, and it was a very humid and hot day... but none the less we had a great ride.
The boys had fun since Stirrup Cup was here on the lawn. They interacted with the hounds and a few girls who were here with their Mom and Nannie. I think there were 13 riders, so it was a perfect turnout in my opinion... all but one rider bagged out after the 1/2 way point, but I took the last remaining rider... the intrepid two, and we finished the ride.

The hunt will be back next week for a drag, and I plan to ride then as well. Beau had such a blast, and was really wanting to go. I think I'll try harder to get to a few more hunts with him. He really enjoys it... my little QH. Who knew!?

A Funny Story

2011-08-21T09:53:00.003-04:00

Well, it's funny now...

Earlier this week Billy had Kaleb and Morgan over. I had to do the horses on OakWoods Road and took all 4 boys with me. As they tumbled out of the truck, Billy asked them if they wanted to see an enormous bees nest. Ben had shown this massive nest to us the week before. Of course they wanted to see it! And off they ran with Wes tagging along behind.

I went into the barn and started cleaning, I could hear them on the other side of the wall clearly in awe of the hive. Then... "bang, bang, bang!" The bigger boys started shrieking and I could tell this wasn't going to be good. As I hurried out of the stall, Wes started screaming! I picked up my pace and ran around the side of the barn yelling "Tell me you didn't just rile up the bees and leave Wes to fend for himself....?!" Sure enough, he had been stung... and Billy was carrying him commando style, practically in a headlock across the paddock towards me. Billy is very afraid of bees and wasps, and was pretty panicked by the whole situation; was it the bees? or was it me calling them out for leaving his little Bro? I don't know, but he had a hustle on and was trying to get the very upset Wes to Mama.

Then comes the electric fence. Billy was, as I mentioned a little panicked so as we came together at the fence line... he thrusts Wes towards me, pressing his poor forehead directly into the electric tape. Now, Kay and Ben have a nice farm set up, with everything in working order (unlike us, where our fences rarely have charge) and top notch everything. So, there is Wes with this 2 inch band of electric tape running straight across his forehead and his lower half dangling into the second strand.... Major Big Brother faux pas... certainly not his finest hour... Wes is being shocked big time!!

Eventually the current makes it's way thru Wes and into Billy... he gets shocked right about the time I'm finished shouting "the fence is ONNNNN!" and drops poor Wes. I dragged him out from under the line and tended to his sting. Certainly not Brother's best; in a matter of minutes he feeds Westley to the bees, then electrocutes and drops him. I think he felt pretty bad about the whole thing... later in the week when he got stung, I didn't have to point out the karma... he got it on his own!

Now, Mom tells me, that in a separate conversation with Kaleb he acted somewhat disappointed when he told her that they had "electrocuted" Wes and his hair "didn't curl!" Boys. Geeze.

A Week with No Girls

2011-08-21T09:18:00.004-04:00

Alternately titled: Spoil Billy Week!

The girls are in Virginia with Auntie Anna and Uncle Eddie (they are nannies for Baby Nic!) and that leaves just the boys at home... what to do? Spoil them! We have been trying to find fun things to do (adding them into our otherwise busy schedule...) so Billy feels a bit special about this week too! My pictures are all out of order... but I'm too lazy to upload them all again...

We met Grandma Beth, Kaleb and Jayson at the Children's museum one day for some serious fun. Wes had never been, and once he warmed up, he had a great time!
The big boys ran around like lunatics for a while, then settled in to a large post office set up they have. Kaleb in particular was very into the "job."

We were on double duty helping Grandma Houston... the upcoming Fox Hunt added work to her week, and she was down her helpers with Anna and the girls gone. We had fun riding the trails with her on her Rhino!

We spent one afternoon at the Lake House too, helping move some furniture and fishing. Billy caught 2 fish, but wasn't able to land either of them... the ones that got away I suppose. He got stung by a wasp (he has a terrible fear of bees and wasps) and was pretty sad about the whole thing. We went down to Poor People's Pub... and the day ended better!

Kaleb spent a few days here, and one day Morgan was over and spent the night here too. We took Grandma over to Shaw's Ridge and played a round of mini golf. Kaleb played along with Grandma, while Billy and Wes and I loosely "played" up ahead.

There was a great swing set, and the boys played there a while. Wes is into swings and slides now, in addition to his love of climbing. The big boys played navy seals with the climbing wall and rope- they liked to repel down! A swing set is major or my list of wants... if only I didn't want so many other things too... sigh!

Shaw's Ridge also makes their own ice cream, and I spoiled Wes with a cone like Brother's! He love sprinkles, so this chocolate sprinkle cone was just perfect! I'm not sure he even made a dent in in, but it was so worth it to see him sitting there trying to lick at it!

Billy also had his first structured riding lesson. He loved it! He rode Tucker at the barn where Liv and Savy ride, and he is anxious to go back already! I'm thankful Grandma Houston is up for it, because these lessons have been great for the girls... and Billy is ready to go!

We have missed the girls, but I know they are having a great time! I enjoyed the time with my boys!

Salty Acres ReVisited

2011-08-12T20:47:00.005-04:00

Way back in March, when Billy was thinking about his Birthday, he wondered if we could go camping. I convinced him March was not the best time for that- but if he wanted, we could wait and instead of a big party with his friends then, we could take a buddy or two camping in the summer. Fast forward to this week. He had 2 friends lined up, we had a couple sites booked at Salty Acres (where we went with the Cub Scouts last summer)- the gear was set- Bill and I had taken 3 days off... Then, Monday, one friend cancels. Bummer. Tuesday night, it starts to rain. Bigger bummer.
But, Don't worry... we went camping anyhow! We left a bit later on Wednesday hoping things might dry out, and after grabbing Kate and Kaleb we headed up to Kennebunkport for some Birthday camping!

As per his request I had reserved the same sites we were in last year. This boy hates change- and thankfully when I made the reservation they were able to book the "field" sites he wanted. We had some neighbors this time- the kids were nice; a bit overwhelming at times, but nice none the less.

We did pretty much the same things as last year, but had 3 days/2 nights to enjoy ourselves. I think the kids had a great time. They were all very excited about the trip.

The weather was cooler than we have been having, and I didn't swim the first day.... brrr. But, of course the kids got right in at the pool!

The campground is pretty big, and was very busy, but not so large/developed that you don't feel safe letting the kids wander. The Big Kids had their bikes and rode all around exploring. Wes wanted to be pushed, I think mostly he didn't want to get left behind! He isn't usually a big fan of the stroller- but he is fighting a bug, and while he was a trooper, I know he wasn't feeling great either.

Dad and Jayson came up for the day Thursday. I knew Jay wasn't going to make it overnight in the tent, so I didn't give him the option of coming along for the whole time. It was perfect that Poppie was willing to bring him for the day so he could be included! I wanted him to have in on the fun, but wasn't interested in driving him home in the middle of the night. As it often happens when the boys get together there was a lot of gun fighting... Wes even packed the heat! He was pretty cute "shoo shoo-ing" everyone with his weapon. I hope the neighbors thought it was cute, anyhow... nothing like a baby with a gun!

Bill had the follow up from his MRI and had to scoot out, but made it back in time to help with supper- It wasn't the best meal- but steak, potatoes and corn cooked over the campfire was pretty ambitious, especially after the first night's meal of hot dogs roasted over the fire!

After the sun went down, there was plenty of time for s'mores making, and hanging out by the fire. Bill wasn't too keen on going "unplugged" and kept up on his phone! We played some charades with the neighbors and had a good time... but 2 nights on the hard ground is about all my back could take!

I think the tidal river and salt marsh eco system were one of the main draws for Billy wanting to come back here. It is such a cool place for kids to play- and they were right down there as soon as the tide went out!

I'm not sure I've ever been any where else where you could catch hermit crabs. Olivia just swam around fishing them off the bottom! There is a nice sandy bank, but also a ton of slippery, slimy marsh mud. Perfect for belly flops and mud fighting!

I am thankful we got in a few more days of "vacation" this summer. As busy as we are, I know how important these trips are to the kids... And as much as the packing/prep and execution takes some of the pleasure out for me; I love the memory making part! I told Bill we may have to make Salty Acres an annual thing-- Wes has been every year of his life! For our tastes the campground is too busy, but the kids love the freedom to roam, the camp roads and amenities make it fun for them. Id guess about 90% of the cars/guests we saw were French Canadian, so I tried to convince Bill we were sort of in a foreign country... he didn't go for it....! I guess we will have to let Billy choose, I wonder if he will pick a camping birthday next year?!

Early August Happenings

2011-08-08T14:32:00.004-04:00

Last week Auntie Anna, Olivia and I rode out with a neighbor and also the Master of the Hounds of the Piscataqua Hunt group. We had met earlier in the summer with a gentleman who runs a nearby land trust and we got permission to use his territory. We scoped it out then and this past week rode the new section we plan to use for the upcoming Cub Hunt. It was a nice ride and we all had fun. The horses were all good, and the new trails are going to be great!

My old grill finally died (well, it didn't actually die- but I didn't want it to give up the ghost during a dinnertime rush!) and we got this beauty to replace it! I grill dinner probibly 4 nights a week atleast- during the spring/summer/fall months anyhow, and use it thru the winter as well! So, it was important to me to get a new one before we were without! My old Kenmore was good, I loved it... but it rusted out in the interior- in just 3 years! So, we opted to go with a pricier KitchenAid Model this time- It has a larger cooking surface, which I decided I needed as well as a searing burner and lights inside. We have used it 2 of the past 3 nights and it's cooking well so far. Yumm, grilled food in the summer is so good!
Wes had his first ER visit on Saturday. Im sure there will be more to come with this kid... Mid day yesterday he and Daddy went for a dip in the hot tub. Somehow he managed to slip over the edge and face planted onto the cement pad. What a bruiser... bloodied two Saturdays in a row... The Doctor looked him over and then glued up the gash on his forehead. I fear this may be the first scar on my beautiful boy! Im glad there was no needle- stitches would have made it worse for all of us! Wes was very good and while he cried after the fall, the ice was the worst part for him and once at the hospital he didn't make a peep! He was a very brave boy about the whole thing~

The kids had a small lemonade stand up at Grandma's house while I cleaned the barn. Cupcakes sold well, and they made $15 I think! They were very cute, and I think Poppie had a nice morning supervising them from his shady spot!

So, thats where we are so far... I can't believe we are cruising thru August so fast~ We got the kids' their backpacks last night up at the L.L. Bean outlet- it's official, school is just around the cornner!

Lumber Thieves

2011-08-08T14:26:00.002-04:00

I came home from gymnastics with Savanna the other evening to find this... lumber thieves hard at work!

A bit of my barn wood (and some work time to boot!) has been stolen to start a much anticipated tree house... err, sorry tree FORT. Tired of thinking and searching for the "perfect" tree, Bill just started. They have the platform done, and hopefully walls and a roof will follow quickly, as Wes can't wait to get up there!

LCS 7-31-11

2011-08-02T10:37:00.003-04:00

This past weekend our friends over at Lucky Clover Stables had another of their summer shows- I'm so impressed and proud of them for how far their show series has come! They have been having shows a few years now- and we have been a couple of times. It's always been a run and well run event, but boy have they grown! The field was full of trailers (I got a spot way up by their house!) and it was a very well attended show- they are growing so quickly- and should be very proud of the series they are putting on!

Olivia has really been enjoying her rides on Squeeke and wanted to show her- Liv is really too big for her- but we figured since it was a local show, and she isn't going for year end points or anything it would be alright to take the old girl out!
I let Olivia run the show so to speak- she was 100% in charge of getting herself and Squeeke ready. I wasn't too thrilled with the job she did, but she learned a lot! i think next time she will put a little more time into her preparation! Squeeke looked good, but Olivia forgot a number of things... including her helmet! Thankfully Grandma Houston came to her rescue- and brought it down for us!

It was a pretty busy show- with full classes (there were 10 or more in both of her classes!) so they only placed 6th- but Squeeke was amazing! She didn't do any of her foolish squealing or threaten to kick anybody like she sometimes does... and, when Olivia got the wrong lead (twice in fact) she came right thru with a flying change! It was as if she was saying "silly kid- that's the wrong lead!"

It was a fun day- I was glad to be horse show Mom; Olivia and Squeeke made me very proud!

How We Roll

2011-07-30T14:45:00.002-04:00

Wes and I decided to make Daddy proud and do some work in the barn while he and Billy are at Cub Scout camp. I had all the pieces for the shelves in the aisle measured and cut, then put them and Wes into the wheelbarrow to walk down and set them into place. His is how we roll... Work boots and a diaper!

Then this is how we look after we roll the wheelbarrow. General consensus (from multiple calls to Grandma Beth, a physical check from Grandma and Grandpa Houston and Auntie Anna and Nic, and a frantic call to Dr. Brennan) is that it is not broken. I, however, might be slightly bruised for a while. I swear I only stepped away for a second. After some Tylenol, a nap and a few hours time Wes is still pretty puffy, and dripping some disheartening bloody snot. But, he is breathing thru both nostrils and his teeth/jaw/cheek bones all seem fine. No signs of head trauma, although he did face plant into a 2X4 stud wall... I guess I can be thankful it's not worse and hope that shout takes care of blood stains!

Oh, and I'm NOT working in the barn alone again!

Conway Mini-Vacation

2011-07-27T22:28:00.004-04:00

The kids and I went up to the Conway Cabin with Grandma and Poppie for a mini vacation! I was glad to take a few days off from barn chores, and just hang out! We had had a long stretch of very hot weather, and even though the heat wave had broken, we had some nice beach weather (and finally some ok sleeping!)

After spending the first day at Conway Lake, we had a nice dinner and campfire. Em was up for the day, and the boys stayed after she left. I know Mom and Dad enjoy the quiet and peace up at the cabin- but I'm sure they enjoy having the Grand kids too!

The next day we went down to Weston Beach on the Saco river. Wes was thrilled with this pool filled with tadpoles and minnows! He was so cute looking down into the water at them all. He was trying to say "fishes" and screeching at them.

The older kids spent quite a long while just sitting there letting the "fishes" eat off their legs. Jayson was taking pictures for me, and got these cute shots for me:

We had a nice picnic lunch and the Big kids and I floated a ways down the river. I haven't been on the Saco for a while, so it was fun to enjoy the river a bit. I'm hopeful we will get a canoe trip fit in some time this summer.

After two days of fun in the sun (and a tad bit of outlet shopping!) we spent our final day at Story land! I love the season passes- we can head over any time. This trip was great since the new ride was open and all the kids were anxious to try it out! This is a wet/water ride for sure- and the kids had a blast... literally!

The kids were great making sure Wes had his turn on some of the little rides. He was pretty cute~

It was fun getting away for a while, and I hope we can get back up there soon!

Still Working

2011-07-27T21:48:00.003-04:00

Summer is in full swing- we had a major heat wave last week (4 days of 100 degree heat is killer in New England!) and are busy as ever, but progress still continues out at the barn! Many rocks, roots and stumps are going from the arena site. I am depressed as the New England soil just breeds the stones... I swear we pick them, and the tractor runs over and then we have a million more to do. I'm not sure we will ever get them all! One of the other major projects was getting the back three stalls their framing and windows in. And... then.... Drum Roll Please.... our other big change....The tack room floor is in!

Wes is in a major clingy stage- he seems to need me a lot, and doesn't like to share me or my attention... so, we have had some tantrums out on the job site as I try to work. However, he does make a great supervisor!

Berries

2011-07-15T20:48:00.007-04:00

Today Anna and I took the kids to Berry Best farm. Olivia had arranged to work and ride at Greystone this afternoon so she missed out, but the rest of us got down to picking!
Wellll... some of us did more picking than others!

I'm pretty sure Nic was letting us know that he prefers his berries picked and washed and packaged nicely with gingham ribbon at the farm stand. Despite wearing his cute plaid shirt and jean coveralls- he wasn't much into "farm work!" He mostly enjoyed staying in the shade!

Billy did a great job picking- he really is growing up! It wasn't too long ago that he was popping more into his mouth than the baskets. He has really been looking forward to raspberry picking, and filled a few pints all on his own!

He found the good berries under the bushes and tipped Wes off to the prime picking!

This neat farm had blueberries ready too, so we did double duty and picked some of those too! By that time the kids were pretty tired of picking, and Savanna and Billy wandered off a while- they were easy to locate by Billy's "berry flares" He was having fun picking up squashed berries and flinging them into the air. I took the opportunity to pick a bunch- I love big sweet berries warm on the bush.

I'm sad to have missed Strawberry season- we were just so busy with the barn. Wes is a super fruit eater, and I knew he would love picking his own! We have a few pots on the deck, and Savy is growing strawberries in two of them. Wes eats all the little fruits- green, pink, over ripe and rotten... he doesn't care! I hope he is still as into them next year; but for today I hoped raspberry/blueberries would do! As I suspected, he loved every moment of it! He ate way more than I should have allowed, but had such a good time.

We had yummy pancakes with blueberry compote for dinner tonight, and will have fresh berries all week! I think I may even end up going back for more blues- I want to do a pie or two, and the kids are itching to try our hands at jam.... and I know Liv would love the opportunity to pick some too!

7-4-11

2011-07-05T14:54:00.004-04:00

I can't believe the Forth of July has come and gone already! Summer really is here~

Krista and Brad were able to drive up from Mass for the weekend, but were going to have to head home on Monday- which was the actual forth... So, we did the 3rd of July at the Houston's lake house! We haven't been to Horn Pond much now that Grandma and Grandpa are at the Farm House full time. It was nice to be back there- especially since Grandma made her ribs!! They were so yummy; but Wes' favorite right now is corn on the cob... He can easily clean off a full ear!
Billy's pal Morgan came along for the day and was a pleasure to have around- he kindly snapped this picture- it's nice to have an updated family shot with Nic in it!

The weather wasn't the best, but of course the kids went in the water! Bill and Brad and I suited up to put the dock in... but the kids full on swam!

Bill took the kids around in the canoe and kayak, the boys did a great job paddling all around. Wes did much better this year with his life jacket- I was glad to see he may be better about having to wear it.

Since it wasn't overly hot or sunny Billy took advantage of Grandpa's lifetime fishing license and threw in a line. No bites, but Billy always love a chance to get out his pole.

On Monday, the Forth of July we went over to Mom-Mom's for a picnic. It was quite warm and sunny so of course the kids went right into the pool! The Big kids (Jesse, Craig, Mick, Josh and Dylan) as well as the Grown-Ups (Uncle Kirk and Mark) took on the littler kids (Olivia, Billy, Jay and Kaleb) and had a great big water fight with the squirters and hose.

Mom had a little pool and a lot of little rubber duckies for Wes. He played in that, as well as the big pool. It was just an all around fun afternoon. We lucked out and didn't have to rush back for hay as a storm passed thru. The food was good, the water cool and the company grand. Everyone was having fun, and it was so nice to just relax with the family!

With his busy summer shoeing schedule and all the work left to do on the barn I'm not sure how much time Bill will have for lounging around~ I sure am glad he was able soak up the sun and relax with the kids for a while on the 4th!

Going Up

2011-07-05T14:41:00.003-04:00

Bill and Dad have put in a few more work days recently. The kids and I "work" too, but the men do so much- we help as best we can- but the major progress is made by these 2 guys! This little card was part of Billy's Father's Day gift to Bill and we nailed it up inside one of the stall walls... it will always be there as a reminder of the hard work these Dad's have done building our barn!
The main focus in the last few weeks has been the interior walls for the slope stalls. The kick walls (made from the 2" rough cut we had milled) are in, and now the 1" upper portions of the walls have started. It wont be long before these 4 will be ready to house horses!

While the guys cut and nail the big heavy boards, I worked a lot on getting stain on the outside walls. Thus far I have the whole barn ringed with about the bottom half done, so water wont splash up. We had some warping going on with the T111 we used. Bill is upset about the choice we made to go with the thinner stock, it has waved a little. I got the paint up though- so hopefully we wont get too much more. I need to go back and finish the upper parts now. Liv and Savy both did a bit, and we are getting there! The color match is pretty good- I'm happy with the look, but my arms are tired!

So, walls and paint are going up- and if we don't have to put up more hay this week we may get even more done!

Senator Bell Show

2011-06-26T16:56:00.003-04:00

alternately titled: 5 1sts!

Olivia has been doing great working with the trainer's at Grey Stone, and Grandma decided she was ready to go to a "big" show or two this Summer~ so the lucky girl showed at Senator Bell this Saturday!

She went with Deanna, and rode Cello- it was forecasted to be a cool rainy day but the weather was just perfect for Liv- no real danger of overheating and dehydration! Cello was amazing- he took such good care of Olivia and she got some great experience. He is a really nice horse- a great mover, safe and sane and has a great personality. He has the same sire as Lily and Cutter too- which is funny... what a small world huh!
She rode in the long stirrup divisions, and cleaned house! They won 1st in everything they did!! She did her first class over fences ever, and was great- wound up with 5 blues, 3 leather bound photo albums and a $20 cash prize to boot! Of course my camera battery died, so I didn't get any pictures of her jumping... hopefully I'll get some next time. She learned a bit about ring etiquette, and how to maneuver in a big class- it's tough to watch spacing and since Cello is a big mover she really needed to watch out for other riders!

I think Grandma might have had as much fun watching Olivia as Liv did riding! I am really thankful and appreciative for her lessons and the great opportunity she is getting. I know I wish when I was learning to ride that I had an opportunity to ride really nice horses, and feel what a well trained mount can be like!

Hopefully she will make it to another larger show- we are having some trouble nailing down a date that will work for all of us, but I know the day was great for her- we are so proud of how far she has come, and it was fun to watch her having such a great time!

And He's Out

2011-06-26T16:45:00.002-04:00

I honestly am surprised that it took this long... but Wes is gone!

After weeks of being able to reach the knobs and slider but not being able to open the doors he has found a way... and is out!

Hay'n

2011-06-26T16:41:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again! Hay is coming in. The weather has not been super cooperative, but we have manage to get about 1/2 the hay we need into the barn! It is fun filling the space, knowing the horses will have plenty to munch all thru the cold winter. It is especially fun this year, thinking about them all snug in their stalls! It has been hard though- to stuff hay into corners and such so that it won't end up being in the way of construction progress! Wes has had such a great time riding around the hay fields watching out the window in his co-pilot position. Savanna even learned to drive the truck since Olivia is strong enough to throw bales! Hopefully with a few more loads we will be set- and all the ponies will have happy bellies come winter!

8th Grade Graduate

2011-06-26T16:33:00.004-04:00

This past week marked the end of the school year, and the end of Middle School for Olivia! She is an 8th grade graduate!

We are proud of you! Enjoy the summer- High School here we come

Storyland 6-18

2011-06-19T09:12:00.002-04:00

While Bill and Dad worked to try to get water at the cabin, Mom and I took the kids to Story Land! Billy and Em's boys have all been a few times already this season, but for Wes and the Girls and I, this was our inaugural trip!

Liv's pal Emily came with us to Conway for the night and it was fun to have another "big" kid along! Although- Billy is now tall enough to be a "responsible guest" meaning he can ride all the rides alone, and bring a "little" kid with him!
It's great for Jayson, since Kaleb isn't really a ride rider- so Billy and Jayson buddy up and go on all the rides!

I think the kids had fun, it was a nice day and the lines were not too bad. Wes had a great time- he was shrieking and running around in the front section- he loved all the little houses and such (but was scared of the talking tree!)

There were a few rides he could go on, and he enjoyed them too. Mostly he had fun in the balls and watching the big kids and all the commotion.

Mom says that paying for season passes so she can see the kids have fun is probably just about as enjoyable for her as going and riding is for the kids!

We need to make sure we get back up there soon! Hopefully it won't be too long before the water gets finished- even though the men had a set back with the "well." It was so much fun- I think we will be back up there soon!

Just a few more days of school and then we will be free to do whatever we want~

Jay's Graduation

2011-06-19T09:00:00.004-04:00

Friday was Jayson's Preschool Graduation. Wes and I went to watch Jay get his "diploma!" It was a cute little event, with some songs and cookies and lemonade! I made a card for the Graduate- and felt pretty smug with myself. You see, A few times now Jayson has told me his name is really Kayson... and being the good Auntie I recalled this info and incorporated it into my card. I felt pretty cool- I made a flap to lift, so the card said Congrats Jayson or Kayson. I was pretty happy with the way it turned out, stuffed $5 crisp dollars into it and waited to see his happy face when he saw that I knew his "real" name! Well, wouldn't you know he ripped that card right open, looked at the front, turned to me and said "But my name is JAKE!" Burst my bubble. Sigh. Five year olds....!
Congratulations Jayson or Kayson or Jake... whomever you are, we are very proud of you and know you will have so much fun in kindergarten next year!

Wood and the Start of Walls

2011-06-19T08:38:00.003-04:00

Last weekend Dad and Bill made more progress!

We started off the morning at Home Depot... Bill is making fun of my windows. He says I picked ones way too small... but they are cute, they open easily, will allow for some ventilation and seem like they will be a breeze to clean. And most importantly they were in budget! Ten windows was quite a purchase, and I'm glad I went with the ones that only cost an arm, not a leg!
With everyone working we were able to get the "step" stalls all framed in, and ready for interior walls. It is fun to see the layout, and know what each stall feels like!

The "tops" of all the stalls will be grill work that Bill will weld up. That will be another big project. I have accepted that the metal bars and the doors will have to come later- we are running out of money (ok- we RAN out of money!) and purchases will have to come much slower now... especially with hay coming in this week! But, there will be plenty to do yet- as Oak Woods delivered our lumber!

From the stack of trees they took to this- a delivery of rough cut boards! There were 2 truck fulls, which was quite a bit to sort and stack! They did 1" and 2" as per Bills request, so we will hopefully have enough for kick walls, the rest of the stall walls, and the floor in the tack/grain room!

I think it is really neat that although we had to "loose" trees for this project- they will sort of still be here- in the form of all this wood!

Principals Award

2011-06-16T07:53:00.002-04:00

Last evening was "Promotion Night" for Savanna and her 5th grade class. Here in our little town we are part of a school district. Which means, that after this year she is funneled into a much bigger 6th grade school with kids from 2 other towns. A big move into the large group that will become their high school class- it's bitter sweet! I hate to "loose" her into the larger system; but she is excited and thinks it will be so much fun! She will have a locker and all..... It was a nice evening, with a slide show of the kids growing up, a song by Kate's Grandpa, and then the presentation of certificates. After all the kids had "graduated" they announced 2 other awards. The teachers and principal had seleceted 2 students who showed merit above and beyond. And guess which girl got the award?! Yup, Savy~ Principal's award winner! She got a nice certificate and a $200 savings bond towards college!

We are so proud of her- she really is a great kid! She is a good student, and a good friend and it was nice to have her recognized for being stellar!

And, to boot- the other winner was Brandon- a kid I have "loved" from the very beginning of these kids' school adventures! So, congrats to Savanna (and Brandon too!) and good luck at the Knowlton School! Oh- and by the way... you still have another week left in 5th Grade, don't forget!

A Picture for Mom

2011-06-12T20:18:00.003-04:00

Here is your "composition"

Fire on the Farm

2011-06-12T19:33:00.003-04:00

On Thursday we had a thunderstorm pass thru... it certainly wasn't the nastiest storm we have had, but it did create some decent excitement! The hail damaged a few plants in the garden, and, Grandma and Grandpa had a lightning strike down by their pond!

Grandma and Auntie and Baby Nick had taken Olivia to her riding lesson. They were there when the storm started and drove home thru to bulk of it. When the come up the road Olivia noticed "smoke." Auntie tried to tell her it was mist off the pond, but Liv insisted it was fire. Turned out she was right!
A big tree down by the pond got a direct strike, and since it was an older dying tree it caught on fire! It was quite exciting for our neighborhood- the forestry truck, and an ambulance responded with the police too! The firefighters used the tanker to put it out, but then it ignited again later in the evening. It made a pretty good spectacle in the dark! Grandpa was in his element "directing" the firefighters and all! The main limb that burned fell, and the fire was put out for good. Honestly, I was glad it was on the other side of the road even though no real harm done. Recently a barn in a nearby town burned, it is a total loss- and my worst nightmare! No animals were lost, but major damage and a pretty crushing blow to somebody's dream... Thankfully this was nothing like their situation; but what an exciting way to end out the week!

Wild Animal Kingdom

2011-06-12T19:17:00.004-04:00

This weekend Savanna and I were supposed to go camping on a Girl scout Mother/Daughter retreat. Things came up, I wasn't happy with the way council treated me- so we opted out. It was sort of a bummer, but it freed us up to go to York's Wild Animal Kingdom!

The hospital where my mom works hosts a family day there every year. We haven't been in a few years, and I just knew Wes would love it! Mom had to scramble to get enough tickets for all of us at the last moment, but she pulled thru and we had a blast despite a cool drizzle.

There are plenty of animals and birds to admire- the park is small but clean and friendly feeling. I have been enough times that I know the place well, and we can wander thru pretty quickly and see what we want to see! Grandma and Grandpa Houston came along as well, and braved the rain with us. They had not been in years and I think they enjoyed seeing the critters, and watching the kids!

It was pretty funny because most of the animals we looked at were hiding in some way from the rain- usually cozy in their "houses" while all of us humans were standing out in the rain staring at them!

As I suspected, Wes liked the animals a lot, and was turning every which way in the backpack (one of my prizes from the diaper pin!)

Daddy bought him a cone of goat food in the petting pen, and it scared the crap out of him when a big goat sauntered over and "stole" it from him! He decided then he would rather watch from the safety of his Dad! I didn't get a good shot, but the look on his face was price-less!

The big kids had a great time feeding the deer. Billy really wanted his picture taken with this one!

We were pretty wet by the time we were ready for lunch. We had out picnic in the back of our cars~ we warmed up a bit and the kids were still up for the rides.... we we did those!

I left my camera in the car after we went back in to ride the rides- I decided it was getting too wet. We missed having Olivia there (she spent the night at a friend's house) but the others had a good time despite the weather. I'm hopeful Wes will have as much fun at Story Land next weekend!

Wedding Picture

2011-06-07T10:32:00.002-04:00

My cousin Jesse got married a few weeks ago. She and her new Husband Craig went out to Colorado for their ceremony, and then held a picnic here to celebrate with family and friends. I was looking forward to a fun evening out, and also to the opportunity to get a good group picture! Mom and Mom-Mom and I had to spend a little time shopping to find an outfit for me, but we managed to get everyone all dressed up and in the same place!

The party was pretty casual, but I enjoyed picking out clothes for myself and the kids (and Bill too!) and I though we all looked pretty good! It's not often we get a chance to all stand in one spot for more than a second or two! Jayson was a little upset, but I think at least one person has to be "off" for it to be a real family portrait!
Congratulations, and Happy Wedding Jesse and Craig~ Thanks for a fun evening... and a reason to get all dressed up!

Walls and Shoes

2011-06-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

This past weekend Dad was able to come by for another work day on the barn. The main focus for the "crew" was getting up the sheathing. The walls needed the framing to support these pieces, then the outside of the walls started to go up!

The kids were a big help, between hauling brush, rocks and wood they did a lot! Bill and Dad of course were working full steam all day; but I also was able to be useful! I tend to end up getting things, hauling things, making lunch and tending kids. But, this time I got a power tool!

I didn't get a good shot at the end of the day, but here you get the idea- once the stall walls go up, you wont be able to see this but its the inside of the outside of the barn! The window holes will need to be cut, and the ends of the aisles are still wide open, but for all intents and purposes it is enclosed! we have a roof and walls! Yipee!

And... Bill was able to shoe in the aisle! It was so nice to have a flat, level space for working. Out of the sun, under cover and cross ties!! Yahoooooo~

I know Bill feels like there is still so much to do, but all I see is progress. It was so nice that he was able to work in the barn, I think it gave him a sense of what all the work is for, I am very grateful for my new space... and I can't wait to have it all done!

Milling Wood

2011-06-05T22:52:00.002-04:00

This past week Oak Woods Lumber came to pick up the logs Bill had cut. They will make the boards for us just down the street on Oak Woods Rd. I think it is so cool that these are trees from our property (from the arena site actually!) and that our "neighbors" can mill them for us! Wes and I had fun watching the guy load up the big truck. He sat over the cab and ran the arm. He picked them up 2 and 3 at a time and had a clean plan for loading up the rig. He made quick work of the big pile and pretty soon they were all stacked on.
I can't wait to see this wood come back.... all milled into the lumber we need for the interior of the barn!

Bridging

2011-06-05T22:44:00.007-04:00

Savanna and I had our end of the year awards ceremony with the other's in Troop 977. It was a nice evening and Savy not only bridged to Cadettes but also earned her Junior Aid Award (she planned and ran a meeting for another troop about Bullying) but also her Bronze award- the highest award a Junior Scout can achieve! The Troop earned the award together, they did a community service project about literacy. They gathered books to be sent to Africa, and also did a reading program for younger children at our local library. I am proud of all the work that that Savanna and the other girls did this year!

Pin Prizes

2011-06-02T17:18:00.004-04:00

When I decided to cloth diaper Wes I looked around on-line to find a place for information, and I found the diaper pin. www.diaperpin.com This is a great community of Mom's who all cloth diaper, but the site is so much more. I end up there pretty much every day: griping and venting, researching- asking questions and answering them, bragging- posting pictures and telling stories... there is such a wealth of Mommy information, and as odd as it sounds, I have *friends* there now! Well, a few weeks back the site celebrated their 11th anniversary, and held a week-long event with games and prizes... Look who won the whole shebang! Actually, I won Grand Prize, and the 1st place prize for game #9! I got my box today~ an amazing baby carrier, 3 new dipes, a new insert set and a $25 gift card to a diaper store! I was so excited when i found out I'd won... then today when I opened all my stuff it was like Christmas!

Roofin'

2011-05-31T22:19:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend, and then again today Dad and Bill worked on getting the roof up! They had to quit for the night just shy of getting the job done, but it's almost there!

I know Bill said that from here on out progress would be slow... but these 2 guys are cruisin' on the roofin'!

And, to boot, Bill got all the logs twitched out and ready for the logging truck to come and get them for milling!

Beach Day

2011-05-31T22:04:00.003-04:00

Olivia's birthday weekend was also Memorial Day weekend and the weather was beautiful! She had planned a day at the beach with her friends after a sleepover (with their tent in the new barn!) Savanna, Wes and I went along for some fun in the sun as the boys were all at the cabin in Conway.

I took the crew to Fort Foster in Kittery Point for the day and it was lovely. The park was very busy since it was a holiday, but we layed out on the grass and moved down onto the sand as soon as we could!
Wes had such a great time in the sand and water. It was about 80 out- warm but not too hot, a real perfect beach day. The water was cool, but of course Olivia ended up diving in head first! I think the girls enjoyed the activity, and I had a fun time watching them all- the one eating sand, and the ones catching crabs with boys. Wait- that didn't come out right.... well, you know what I meant!

I can't wait for more summer days- Westley is going to have so much fun this year. I think he might be the perfect age for all these adventures. Wait, maybe 14 is the perfect age...

14- yikes!

2011-05-28T20:54:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday Olivia turned 14! It blows my mind that she is really that old! She is such a great kid, hardly the "terrible teenager" people dread.

We had her family party today- after a few days of heat it was a bit overcast and terribly buggy. We bar-b-qued, and ate inside! The mosquitoes hatched this week, and they are terrible! Between the black flies and the 'squitoes, it's "at your own risk" outside!

Mom and Dad are taking all the big boys to Conway for the rest of the weekend; they are very excited to get up there and get to Story Land! Jayson wrote a very sweet card for Olivia- he obviously worked very hard on his letters, and was very proud to give it to her. It said something about him loving her, her loving him and them being best friends and playing together... very sweet~
These glasses were in one of the bags from Grandma Houston- Wes had to try them out!

Happy Birthday Liv!

Chorus Concert

2011-05-28T20:48:00.004-04:00

A little late, but Olivia joined the 8th Grade chorus this Winter. She made it in time to prepare with them for the Annual Spring Concert, which was held this past week. She was very pretty in her grey dress (which Bill felt was too low cut for his "little" girl!) and the kids sounded great. Wes was being too happy- squealing and making a lot of noise, so I listen to the bulk of it from the hallway; none the less I was very proud of her voice! I think we have her convinced to join the chorus at the High School!

Augusta with Billy

2011-05-27T21:50:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I went with Billy's 3rd Grade to the State House and Museum. It was a fun field trip- we saw a lot of very neat things, and learned a lot about the state capitol.
A trip the kids won't likely forget either~ on the ride home a boy threw up on our bus, then down the road a ways the other bus blew a tire and we finished the trip with all teachers, chaperons and the entire 3rd grade crammed 3 and 4 into a seat on one bus!

Creative Eating

2011-05-27T20:53:00.003-04:00

Recently Kelley had a blog post where Sam showed us how you can get more hummus into your mouth if you forgo a fork or spoon and use some creative eating! He found a hair comb much better for shoveling. Today Wes discovered that it is easier to eat cheerios by skewering them on horse hooves!

More Barn Work

2011-05-24T21:05:00.003-04:00

Trees came down today. I've been waiting for this day; although Bill was sad to see these pines go, in my opinion they were only standing in the way of my arena space!

After Dad and Bill worked this weekend, we had the basic structural supports for the roof up. All of the floor joists for my small loft space and the rafters were in place plus all the strapping for the roof to sit upon. It was a major visual difference- here you can see the rear elevation.
How dare Bill drive thru my arena! This space to the left of the barn will be my most favorite place on the property I think! I should easily have 60 X 120 for riding and I am thrilled. Getting them cut was the first step. The trees will now need to be limbed and hauled off for the guys from the mill, but it was good to see the job started. The stumps may prove to be a little more of a challenge- Bill had all these pines down in just a few hours! He did manage to drop one on the back gate trying to avoid felling it onto the stone wall. The gate is smooched but the tree is blocking the opening, so the horses cant get thru... so I'm fine with it this way! I'll just have to add a new gate to the materials list. I think it is fun that we will be using the lumber milled from these trees for the interior walls in the barn. I hope it gives Bill some comfort that they didn't fall for nothing!

I was warned that after today progress will seem slow. The major projects with the most visible differences are done. From here on out, its smaller, slower more tedious jobs. I told Bill I really don't care- I'm thrilled with where we are at already!

Spring Concert

2011-05-22T20:54:00.003-04:00

This past week Savanna and Billy had their spring concert. Savy played her drum in the band, and sang in the chorus while Billy played the recorder and sang with the 3rd grade. The school used the High School auditorium, and it was so much nicer than cramming into the gymnasium! We were proud of their musical performances~ they both did so well!

Barn Update

2011-05-18T15:27:00.002-04:00

This past weekend Bill and my Dad and I were able to dedicate a whole day to barn work. Bill has been plucking away at it, and my Dad has put in some long hours and hard labor and the progress really shows! I am happy with how quickly things are moving along- well up until this week of rain!
The gurters and floor trusses are all in and they were starting the strapping that will support the metal roofing on the back side. The stalls are all laid out and Ive got at least a load of stone dust into and level in each one. A few of them have settled and had another scoop put in. I think the next step is finishing up the strapping than the roof goes up! The rear portion will have a small loft, so the rafters need to be done there... but it's coming along!

I think you can really "see" now what things will look like- on this side it will be an aisle to the left, and stalls on the right. I think the first stall will be my grain "room" and then on the back end it is aisle on the right of the picture and stalls on the left. These stall are "tiered" and we still have to play with the grade; there will be a slope to the aisle. I'm hopeful I can coax Bill into cutting some trees soon so the arena work can begin!

Fistfulls

2011-05-15T12:23:00.004-04:00

Our front yard (well, backyard really, but that's beside the point) is blooming with dandelions...
Savanna has been helping Wes learn to pick lower down on the stem, not just ripping the heads off

Now, tell me this: what is better than a fist full of flowers from your baby?!

A Real Ride

2011-05-15T12:14:00.002-04:00

On Mother's day Wes had his first real ride. I finally got a helmet for him, so he was able to walk around more than he has in the past. Usually we just sit him on horseback and hold him there, but on this afternoon he was able to get in the saddle with me and walk down the driveway! Bill held his leg and Savanna (paparazzi) and Billy walked along beside us; it was fun. He was trying to hold the reins and was very cute! Beau was a good boy, even though the black flies are ferocious! I'm sure there will be many more (he was on Squeeke later in the week too) but this was a ride to remember!

Day 2~ Baby Nic

2011-05-08T21:32:00.006-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from today... did I mention I took 224 of them?!

Baby Nic

2011-05-07T18:29:00.002-04:00

Sadly i do not have any pictures... an unfortunate oversight meant my camera battery stayed at home... But, I am thrilled to report I have a new nephew!

Baby Nicholas Dean arrived this morning (1:48am to be exact) and made Auntie Anna and Uncle Eddie into Mom and Dad! He is an adorable little guy, all 8 pounds 12 ounces of him- a dark fuzz and deep grey blue eyes. He came into this world after a series of "anomalies." Anna did not react to the meds given in her epidural and she had to labor thru some pretty rough spots after they started the pitocin. He is broad in the chest, and although his head was moving down after 24 hours of pretty uncomfortable effort, the call was made and he came quickly via a c-section. He has done well~ we "mobbed" the room and he slept and was passed around from lap to lap all afternoon. He never made a peep and was as adorable as could be! I got *just* my fair share of kisses and snuggles... I need to go back with a smaller crowd (and no Wes~ he was pretty jealous!) Anna is doing well, sore of course and very tired but managing just fine! I am so happy for them, and very excited for this new nephew and playmate for Westley!

Building Changes

2011-05-02T14:42:00.002-04:00

Last week was my birthday... and for my birthday (and Christmas!) I got a new barn! Well, the building permit for OUR new barn that is! Bill and I have been talking about doing this off and on for years- and the time is finally right! We got started a few weekends ago, and it will be a project for sure... but I hope, by the time snow flies to have just about tripled our "barn" space! The barn addition will sit along the back side and back gable end of the existing shop/barn. We are adding 7 new stalls (I'll have 9 total) with a T shaped aisle. The shop will become hay storage, as we are not going up 2 stories. I can't wait to have a cozy spot to tuck everyone into when the weather is gross, and Bill is thrilled to pieces at the idea of a flat, level spot to shoe!

After the trees were down, stumps and rocks removed; we began on drainage! One of the things I hate the most in barns in mud! I can't stand a muddy door yard, and stalls need to be high and dry! The building lot is on a slope, and I do battle mud and much back here, so Bill was careful to address the drainage. I hope all the time, effort and $$ pay off~ I want a mud free zone around the barn!

Setting the posts became the first big job after clearing and drainage.... This will be a post construction, so these first poles are very important! Both Big Bill and my Dad came over this weekend to help- while I was away playing with Mom at CKC, they got a lot done! There are just 2 more posts to set, and then the leveling and filling will begin!

I have to admit, that having this space is thrilling me to pieces, but the prospect of starting on my arena space is what I'm most looking forward to! I can't wait!! We have been looking at portable saw mills to have someone come on site to mill up the trees we will drop for my riding arena- then we will use the boards for the interior of the stalls! It's looking like a wet week, so I don;t know how much we will accomplish (and my back is acting up again) but such is life when its a "do it yourself" kind of job~ I'll keep you posted...

Boys and Birds

2011-04-25T21:39:00.004-04:00

Now that the snow has melted Wes is outside at every chance. He will bring you his boots when he wants to go out, and if you ignore him he will bring you your shoes and/or coat. When he is told "no" or "not yet" he will stand at the slider and watch the horses, dogs and chickens. He just wants to spend as much time outside as possible! I swear he would stay out all day if you let him! I will admit to bribing him inside a time or two... "cookie Wes?!"

He has found the chicken coop and really enjoys watching the hens. Now that we have the new chicks he likes them too, but he most enjoys watching the chickens eat! I can throw a scoop of scratch mix into their pen and he will be entertained for a long time! He hoots and squawks to them, and is especially interested when Billy hand feeds them. He didn't much like it when Brother tried to make him feed them too, but other than that he adores the fowl. Now, if he would only eat eggs!

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T16:37:00.004-04:00

We had a great Easter this year- after the snowy day before, Easter Sunday was warm and sunny! It made for a perfect family day; after we hunted eggs and found our baskets we worked and played outside all afternoon! Then we had a nice dinner at Anna and Ed's with Grandma and Grandpa Houston. It was the perfect end to a lovely weekend and busy April vacation!

With the egg hunt and birthday celebrations, there was candy and good food all around! Wes had his fair share of high fructose corn syrup... but chocolate is good for you right?! He figured out opening the eggs pretty quick... and Ill be on the look out for foil coming out the back end- he was chomping down things left and right!

The bunny hid Wes' basket in a pretty easy spot. He especially loved his green match box car, and the egg toy from the first picture.

I got the kids new baskets this year- we needed one for Wes and Billy's was damaged last year. I found a matching set, and they worked out great! Billy had a blue theme, Wes green, Savanna pink and Liv, orange.

As usual Olivia's basket was the hardest to find. She had "given up" a few times and had to be coaxed to go back and look in some of the places she had already searched! She finally found hers well hidden in the linen closet in the bathroom.

After working and playing outside we got cleaned up for Easter dinner. I figured that if 9 month pregnant Auntie cooked us a full Easter dinner SOMEBODY ought to wear a tie! Wes was very cute~ but I admit my bias!!

The meal was great- Anna and Ed made a turkey since we had ham the day before at our house. The food was wonderful and it was a nice way to end the day! I love the family time we get to spend at holidays.