Weekend at the cabin

Wow...this post is NOT a "House update"! :) We finally got to get back to the cabin this weekend...and the weather was PERFECT!!! Chris and Doug went up there Friday night and got to go hiking and fishing on Saturday. On Saturday afternoon, Doran & the kids got up there. I didn't make it until Saturday at supper time (I had a scrapbooking event on Saturday during the day). It was still such a nice weekend!

So, when we were getting ready to eat supper on Saturday Ryan got very upset that we weren't eating the fish that Chris and Doug caught! So, Chris made two of them later on that night. Both kids just ate it up!! We couldn't believe it, but they loved it. Also, here is a picture of the flowers/weeds that are up all over now. Hailey loves seeing them...and picking them too.

Sunday was Chris' birthday....so we started the day with a birthday breakfast complete with candles. :) The kids got to help Chris blow them out. :)

Then we finally got to go to Wild Bill for a kid fishing trip. They were both so excited to use BIG FISHING POLES instead of the little ones this time. Hailey of course loved her PINK one...and Ryan just got an old one of Chris' (this gives Chris the excuse to go buy a new one for himself ;) ). Ryan and Chris caught the first trout....

The kids both really enjoyed their time fishing...and caught quite a few of them. Hailey was really excited to cast...and just wanted to do that over and over and over again! :) She actually started doing GREAT at it...better than me! Just need to continue to work with both kids on watching their hooks AT ALL TIMES!!! :)

The kids fishing :

Hailey casting :

And, a cute one of them together! :)

It was hard to leave on Sunday as it was so perfect there, we know we will have so many more weekends up there this summer too! :)

House Update (6/26 & 6/27)

There is plenty going on in the house, but just nothing too exciting to take pictures of. :) Do you want to see the floor vents? the 3-zone heating ducts? where our shower is? all the vents for the plumbing? I didn't think so. :) BUT...today was kind of fun...our windows are all stained and ready to go in!! They were going to go in today (Friday), but they weren't sure when they would be delivered, so they are waiting until Monday. I will take pictures of them in!!! :) Just for a preview, here is the sliding door and the STACK of windows!!


Kind of a fun one for me....my kitchen can lights are in! :) There will also be a pendent light above the kitchen sink and also 3 pendent lights above the island (oh, and I get my under cabinet lights again too!!! building is fun :)).

House update (6/24 & 6/25)

Sorry for not posting as much...life has been busy with working, getting the house back in order, and meetings for the new house! There has been a lot of activity at the new house this week. Not a lot to take pictures of though. The plumbers are doing great and they might finish up by the end of the week. The mechanical guys are in ... and made good progress yesterday. We have the gas lines in too. And, the electricians are working today! Here are a few pictures....

Tuesday, 6/24 :
The fireplace in the main floor living room is now framed. The furnace is in. The bottoms of the pillars are getting ready for rock! The kids have a bathtub. And a fun little feature...a natural gas line to the backyard for a grill. NO MORE PROPANE TANKS!! (Chris likes this one!! :))




Wednesday 6/25 :
Not too many pictures as we were talking with the A/V guy so we had to concentrate on that. :) The kids did like being out there tonight and playing around. Big change was the pillars...closer to rock now :)

Vacation recap

Here is a brief review of our vacation to MN...all the excitement in one post! :) We are finally home...after 12 hours on the road on Sunday and over 2,200 miles in the car!!! It is great to be back to our house...and back on a schedule again!

I hope to come back and put a few pictures from each day in here...but I have 900 to go through so it will take me a little time!!!

Tuesday, June 10 : We left Billings a little after 4pm. Nice storms most of the way...and a late arrival to Bismarck (12am their time). The kids of course wanted to go in the pool, but it was off to bed instead!

Wednesday, June 11 : The kids and Chris went into the pool right away! There were 3 water slides...one that was 150 feet and 2 small ones. Hailey loved all of them....but mostly the big one. She probably went down that one a good 10-15 times in the hour they were at the pool! Ryan even went down the big one with Chris a few times, and then down the smaller ones too. We went out for lunch with Grandma and Papa B and then we left Bismarck around 12:30. The kids went right to sleep! :) We had bad storms ... again ... but made it to Perham safely. The weather was too bad to play outside at night, but the kids still had fun. Chris left late to go on his golf trip.

Thursday, June 12 : Our first full day at the lake...and it was actually really nice out! The kids had fun being outside and helping with picking up sticks from the storm yesterday. Of course being outside helped them. Then we had a nice little picnic on the deck...they always love that! After "resting" for a little bit, it was time to play outside more. We got out the t-ball stuff, only to have a little accident. Hailey accidentally hit Ryan in the back of his head with her metal bat. The sound was terrible...but it ended up being not as bad as I thought. While we were eating supper, a big storm moved in....and brought with it about a 10 minute HAIL storm too! I was very glad to have my car in the garage :) We then just relaxed inside that night.

Friday, June 13 : This morning the kids got to spend some time with Papa riding around in the golf cart and working on a few little things in the morning (Grandma was donating blood and I had to work). After lunch, Grandma and Hailey got to have a little time alone and went to town for a bit. Of course Hailey couldn't come back empty handed. :) I took the kids to their first garage sale...but thankfully there weren't too many toys for them to see. :) Then, Gma and Gpa took us out to Pizza Ranch (Ryan surprised them again at the quantity of food he can eat) and finally the kids got to go fishing out on the deck. They each got one fish and were very happy...but of course they wanted to stay out longer, but it was getting pretty cool outside.

Saturday, June 14 : This morning it was great to wake up and not have to work! :) The kids played while I got things ready to go. Ryan and Grandpa got a little alone time and went to town to the boat store, bait shop, and grocery store. I am surprised Ryan didn't come home with more ;). Right before lunch, Auntie Donna and Toots came over for a quick hello. It was great to see them, but of course was too quick of a visit. We hope to see them next week again. After lunch, Gma and Gpa took Hailey and Ryan back down to the dock to go fishing again (Hailey wanted to go again...kept asking and asking and asking!). The both caught 5 fish...with a little help and "help" counting the ones that got away too. Unfortunately it was time to get back in the car. Hailey threw a pretty good fit when she had to let her frog go...but hopefully she will find another one when we get back there again. We made it to Tim, Kendra, Owen and Mason's in the afternoon and got to play outside before going in the house for supper. We went on a walk around the neighborhood and then a nice little wind/rain storm came into town. We went to the basement...and finally to sleep! :) At least there wasn't any damage!!

Sunday, June 15 : Happy Father's Day to Chris, my dad, and Doug....and all the other fathers too! We woke up at Tim, Kendra, Owen and Mason's, and then had a fun morning playing with them at their house. After lunch and naps, Chris got there and the kids were so excited to see him and give him his Father's Day cards. We then loaded the cars up and went to the Mall of America to go to Underwater World with TKOM. The kids LOVED IT!!! Ryan got a few scares from Chris...but then asked for more. :) All the kids loved seeing the fish and the SHARKS too. :) Then we went to the park in the mall and Hailey wanted to go on a ride. It worked out that Ryan was tall enough to go too...so off Chris, Hailey and Ryan went on the Log Chute ride!! Ryan got off and told me "I was scared mommy!" and Hailey got off crying and throwing a fit because she didn't get to go on it again! Poor little girl! We ate supper at Bubba Gump's and then had to say good-bye to TKOM and made out way to Rochester. We didn't get to Kris, Eric, CJ (or PJ as Ryan calls him) and Hanna's until 9:30 so it was time for bed! :)

Monday, June 16 : The kids got up to see CJ and Hanna before they had to go to daycare. The morning was spent playing inside the house while Kris and I battled with the wireless connection to try to work! :) After lunch and a much needed nap for Ryan, Hailey and me, we went to the mall with Kris and then went to get CJ & Hanna. By 5:15 we were at the park with McDonald's for the kids. Not long after we got there, Chris came and then Eric. Then...the Whitney family got there and then the Harney family. Shane even showed up too!!! It was so wonderful to see my friends...and all their families too! We keep in contact via email and instant messaging, but actually seeing them in person was GREAT!!! It has been a year since I have saw them, so it really felt good to see them :) After the park, the kids needed baths and it was time to call it a night again!!

Tuesday, June 17 : Today Hanna and CJ stayed home from daycare to play with us!! We played at the house in the morning while we got ready, then we went to the Oxbow zoo in Byron. The kids loved running around and seeing the animals. The otters were their favorites by far!! I got some great pictures of Hailey out there by a tree...I am sure I will have to post a few of them :) Then we had a fun picnic in the park...and the kids were sure hungry too!! :) Finally back to the Tree house and then to naps. What a difference a nap can make too...they woke up in great moods! Chris, Hailey, Ryan and I went to supper at Bilotti's, and then over to Smoley's. Madison and Hailey were instant friends again!! And, Aiden and Ryan played a little too (give them a year and they will be instant friends too). We wish they lived closer so we could get together more often. Then we did stop over to Shane's...and got to play a little Wii! :) Ryan and Hailey played bowling and Hailey won. Then Hailey look on Chris....and beat him too!! And, Chris didn't "throw" the game at all! :) Finally it was back to Kristine and Eric's house...and to bed late again!

Wednesday, June 18 : The kids got up to share donuts with CJ and Hanna before they had to leave for daycare. Seeing Hanna eat a donut was priceless! :) I wish I would have bought them on Sunday night so I could have saw her do it again and again and again! :) The kids got to play outside in the morning with the sandbox and soccer ball. About 11:00 we went to the mall to meet my friend Julie for lunch. The kids got to play at the mall playground while Julie and I talked...and then got some ice cream too. :) Back to Kris' for a much needed nap (too many late nights for them and early mornings are getting them very very crabby). I actually got to go to Kohl's while they slept (thanks again Kris....and Kohl's thanks you too :)). Then it was time to pack up and say good-bye to Kris (that wasn't fun :( ), and pick up Chris to drive to the lake. The kids do great in the car .... thanks to the movie player!! We didn't get to the lake until 10:30, so ANOTHER late night, but exciting since Becky, Emily, Allison and Sarah were there too!!

Thursday, June 19 : It was fun to wake up and see my nieces!!! The kids loved having someone to play with too! After getting ready we drove into town to the turtle races and playing outside. The kids got to play/jump in the inflatables too...and that helped get some energy out of them. Then it was time to go home, cool down (it was hot out!), eat lunch and naps again (gosh I feel like I say that a lot!!). The kids woke up, played outside again, and had a good time. After supper, Chris was able to finally take all of us out in the boat for a boat ride and fishing. The kids didn't last very long fishing (they don't understand WAITING for the fish :)) but it was still fun to all be out there together. They liked going "FAST" the best...so that is what we did. Nice way to end the day! :)

Friday, June 20 : Another busy, but fun day in Perham! First thing in the morning Papa got his new John Deere tractor. Ryan wanted to go on a ride...so of course he did with Papa. Only problem was that he didn't want to get off!! We all went to town later in the morning...there was a craft show, etc, but not too much for the kids to look at. We did run into more family there.... my aunts and cousins and their families. We cannot wait to get together with them! We did go back to the house for lunch and naps...they needed it. Then it was time to get up and go over to Bob & Judy's to play on their beach and in the lake. Both Ryan and Hailey were in the water. It was FREEZING cold if you ask me, but they still went in it...and had fun! All 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren were there...and my grandma too! I cannot believe we ALL made it! It was the most fantastic time being there with everyone!!! We had supper at Bob & Judy's and then all the kids got ready to go back to Perham for the parade. Wow...this was a loooong parade too. I never thought it would last 1.5 hours, but the kids of course loved getting the candy. Ryan and Kylie were dancing in the street too! :) The kids were excited to get to go to Bob & Judy's again tomorrow!

Saturday, June 21 : We decided to stay the entire day and make the trip home in one day...instead of two. Ryan did go to the lake association meeting with Grandma and Papa...and got to play "2 games" and have donuts with them. I am surprised they got to hear anything with him there!! We basically spent all day at Bob & Judy's...outside on the deck, beach, and water! We took a ride on the pontoon ... that was COLD and we even got wet! Ryan was crying "I want my Papa" and got upset when the waves got him, but ended up finally falling asleep on the boat. :) Hailey had fun playing with ALL the girls! She had a good day and even got to have make-up on and get her hair done (thanks Kelsey!). We stayed over there until after 8pm, and then home to get things ready to leave in the morning and see Chris. His tournament didn't turn out as good as he would have liked, but I think he still had fun. :) Becky and I ended up going over to see my cousins again after the kids went to bed...that was nice!! :) Then we loaded up and it was time to get a little sleep before taking off!

Sunday, June 22 : I got up at 5:15....Chris at 5:30....and we were on the road at 6:00 am (Central time...so 5 am Mountain time). We decided to take the boat back with us, so it was a long drive of going a little slower than normal, but the Trailblazer did great pulling it, and the kids did great as well! Ryan was getting bored, but we are proud of how they did for having to be in the car for TWELVE HOURS!! We got back to Billings at 5:00 PM MT. We had a great time...but it sure is nice to be home too!

House update (6/22 & 6/23)

It was great getting to SEE the house on Sunday night. It was raining, but we still had to go out to see it ourselves. And, it look GREAT!!!! I could not believe the size of the front entrance pillars. I knew they were 6x6 posts and 4 on each side...but seeing them there...they are HUGE! The front door looks amazing and we LOVE IT! It is exactly what we wanted. And, the living room ceiling looks great too. It is a large vault...should be fun to heat! :) I could not imagine putting the roof on here...what a mess if you ask me! Here are a few pictures from Sunday night......

The outside of the house :


The living room (I am standing by the big wall of windows looking towards the front door...you can see Hailey's room upstairs too) :


I don't have a picture of this until now...but this is the view from my kitchen window. Maybe doing dishes won't be as bad now :) (yeah right!!!)


On Monday we went to the house 2 times....there were so many guys in there working!!! The plumber was in there, the mechanical guys were in there (the furnace is in the basement!!) and the electricians started as well!!! Now we have to work on finalizing our plans for lights, cable, phone, etc...it is all coming together very quickly!! They need to slow down a little though....we haven't sold our other house yet!! We hope to go out tonight and maybe there will be more pictures. :)

House update (6/17 & 6/18)

Tuesday and Wednesday were more good days to build a house! :) There are now steps from the garage into the house, looks like they are getting ready for shingles, and the exposed beams are up now too...and look great!! :) I cannot wait to see it in person!!

Kari -- you are AWESOME! Thanks so much for being there for us and sending pictures to us EVERY NIGHT! We love you!

House update (6/12, 6/13, 6/16)

A great big THANKS to Kari for keeping us updated on house progress while we are gone. She is so good...she even sends us pictures!!! :) So, what has happened in the last week? The big news...we have a roof! They have started to enclose it, the beams are ready to go up, and the mechanical is starting tomorrow! We also got the front porch done...well, the cement at least. Pretty exciting and we cannot wait to see it!

Thursday, June 12


Friday, June 13


Monday, June 16

Tuesday (6/10) house update

Today there was more progress...I gotta love that! They got a few of the rafters up above Chris' garage and above the master bedroom. The upstairs is ALL framed in...and looks great. And a few little things: the landing in the garage (but no stairs), the race track ceiling in the office, and I think there was something else, but I forgot it already. :) The kids got to go upstairs with me today. They loved seeing their rooms and even got to go into the basement for the first time too! I think they are getting excited as well. :)

Not a very exciting post, especially without the pictures, but oh well, that is life! :)

6/26: Finally ... pictures!!!

Here are the kids looking out Hailey's bedroom window...and Hailey taking pictures in the basement.

BBQ/picnic time

Last night we went over to Doug & Doran's for a family bbq/picnic for family to see Tim & Owen. It was sad that they are leaving this morning (probably already driving right now), but so exciting to know that we get to see them (and Kendra and Mason) on Saturday!! It was a great turnout of family members, and of course great food, so it was a fun night!!

Hailey took advantage of the party by having a lemonade stand. She has been asking for that for some time, so this worked out great. She did great getting the glasses ready...even writing your name on them so we knew who's was who's. And, she is excited to use her money to buy something on vacation. :)


Here is Ryan making sure Uncle Tim has some soap for his mouth! Uncle Tim said "Chicken Butt"...we don't say that word so Ryan ran and got the soap for him! :) And, the kids all got travel pillows from Grandma...very cute!!

Monday house progress (6/9)

Finally a nice day....most of the day. We still got some rain, but that didn't start until 9pm thank goodness. It was a windy day, so I am sure the crew loved working on the upstairs yesterday!! Glad it was them. ;)

They got the outside walls all done on the upstairs, and also got most of the interior walls done. They need to put up the wall that separates Hailey's room from the bathroom and then a door for her closet. Fun to see their rooms finally!

(1) Look...the house got bigger! Last time that happens :)
(2) They finished framing in the wall that borders the staircase.
(3) Standing in the living room looking up to Ryan's room.
(4) The view that Ryan has! Poor kid!!!
(5) Hailey's room (the one wall isn't up yet).



They also got the steps in going downstairs as well. That means I FINALLY get to see the basement!!! It looks GREAT down there. The bedrooms are a good size. The fireplace looks great. The living room is nice and big. My "multi-purpose" room is HUGE...not just for scrapbooking anymore! And I love all the storage I will have too. And we are very happy with our decision to have the ceilings be 9ft down there. What a difference it makes!!

(1) Steps going to the basement.
(2) Basement fireplace (bedroom behind there).
(3) Standing in the storage room looking at the bathroom and then a bedroom.
(4) Storage! and the craft room next to it.



Finally, kind of a neat picture of the house. As you can see, there aren't any houses around ours yet. We don't like that, but kind of nice too. :) The kids will love watching the other houses go up I am sure.