Cheers!

Why yes BCW, we did get a new kitchen.

Well, we didn't do a GREAT job of getting before pictures. I really love the compare and contrast, so here is the best we got...

This was taken when C was 4months old. Christmas of 05. You can see the bar, dark cabinets, and dark panelling in the back...

And now, it is wide open to out living room.

This one is from when the workers had started tearing down the walls and removing the old cabinets.

And now.

We still need to paint and choose some tile for the floor...in time:) Maybe when we get our tax refund!!

Here is a closer picture of the counter top and back splash. That was a tough decision that we feel worked out well!

B went out of town this weekend...

His brother moved into a new house on Jan 15th and although it is very nice, it needed some work done. B left us to help paint, fix the fence, and replace light switches. The weather here was so amazing. The kids and I took full advantage of it. Sat we had a picnic lunch at a play park...with a fire engine!

I am so glad that C hasn't stopped lining things up. Here he said he was gathering "mallow sticks" for roasting marshmallows.


On Sat evening, we had some friends over to make English muffin pizzas and decorate cookies.

The kids used 3 things of sprinkles, but I think it was worth it. They should really make those things so the sprinkles don't come out so fast...

Here is AM taking a spin with her boyfriend. His birthday is 2 days before hers...they met at school.

On Sunday, we played and had lunch after church.

Time for another slide show!

Happy Birthday Aunt Joyce...and AM!!

Soooo...We planned to have TWO ponies for AM's birthday party on Sunday. A deuce of ponies if you will. Well, things fell through when it rained all day Fri, Sat and Sun. We even contemplated cancelling the party. We knew we would have to stay inside, so we just made the best of it! We had a backup plan :)

We started by opening presents... Truthfully, AM couldn't be held back from all the beautiful pink and sparkly gifts. The other kids helped out as well.

Then, the kiddos raided C's room, AM's room and the toy room. I think every toy in our possession was out on the floor.

Finally, B lead a short sing-a-long... The back up plan was a hit!!

Then, we played with all the new toys for the rest of the day.

Okay, so...here it is. I had to talk B into leading the sing along. I was hesitant to post this because unfortunately, I was trying to help B sing...it's really embarrassing. I hope its worth it :)

Zoo!

B and the kids have next week off for Spring Break. I have THIS week off for Spring Break. Although I have TONS to do, I really wanted to take the kids to the zoo...just like old times! I truly miss staying at home with them and being able to do things like this a couple times a week! I had a GREAT time! I think the kiddos enjoyed it as well...We were so fortunate of have some friends along too!

Here we go! I can't tell you how many times these two got buckled and unbuckled in the stroller...its got to be in the 100's. I kid you not!

Looking at the leopard...everyone unbuckle...and back in!
I think my favorite thing was the Carousel!

Petting Zoo...always a good time. Brushing the goats!

Elephants! Everyone out of the stroller...and then immediately back in!

Here is a video! The weather was nice and it wasn't too crowded... I hope the little ones had half as much fun as I did!!

On the 32nd day...There were cabinets!!

And the kids loved to hide in them!!

This is our new pantry. We added an extra cabinet with all pull out drawers where Cedar's food used to be. It feels perfect right now...we'll see. I don't think Cedar minds!

Still deciding on the floor and back splash. The middle one is the counter top, smaller ones are the possible back splash. I know it is hard to tell if it will look right. How do people make these life altering decisions? :)

This is my FAV possibility for the back splash. I think B says it wouldn't be too expensive. The super cute small brick pattern will be a great contrast...don't you think? :)