Snowy Fun!

The kids enjoyed some fun time out in the snow the past couple of days... and most likely the next couple of days! They spent time exploring the white powdery stuff, tasting it, building creatures and a snowman. All followed by mugs of hot cocoa with marshmallows in our cozy little house! Fun times had by all!!!

Pumpkin Carving 2011

Holly & Bryan carved pumpkins this weekend while Hudson drew on his pumpkin. They went Saturday morning to the pumpkin patch together to pick out a couple of good carving pumpkins. They chose one for me too... however, I have not had time to carve it. Maybe I'll keep it around for the month of November for harvest decor.

As always, they carved two wonderful pumpkins. Hudson enjoyed coloring his pumpkin! They had a lot of fun together. This year Holly saved a few pumpkin seeds to dry and see if they will grow next year - that should make for a fun little experiment next summer!

Leavenworth

Since Holly was born we have only visited Leavenworth in the winter for our annual holiday weekend away. We have had a blast each time and look forward to that trip each year. However, we realized that Holly has never seen Leavenworth in the Summer months. The beauty that region offers when not blanketed in a white mask. So, we headed up there for four days last weekend to celebrate Bryan's 37th birthday and enjoy a weekend away.

The weather was of course hot, very hot! We took in some sun and a lot of shade. Frequented the pools in town all weekend and stayed cool. The little local pool in town in really nice and perfect for families as it is not crowded at all - which we just found amazing! The KOA we stayed at also has a pool on site and we spent some time there. Holly really enjoyed the pool time.

We also hit town for a bit and enjoyed dinner in town. Drove around to see some the local scenery and also took a visit to the local fish hatchery. The fish hatchery in Leavenworth is the best one I have ever been to - very informative and family friendly. As well, this time of year the salmon are starting to return for spawning so we were able to see very large salmon in the holding areas who worked the way back from the ocean ready for the last phase of their lives. It was amazing to witness that life cycle and Holly seemed to get it by the time we were done.

We took a one mile valley walk to take in some local nature. It was nice, however my only fear was the massive educational board of rattlesnakes before you start the trail. As a parent that raises your awareness to an entire new level and you suddenly hear every imaginable sound in the forest... and I mean every sound. We fared well though, saw no snakes and had a nice time!

The weekend was a nice little break and a wonderful celebration for Bryan -- Happy Birthday Bryan!

Living Roof

We have a living roof on the playhouse now!!! It is so very cool!

Last weekend Bryan and Hawk finished building the roof portion and setting up the drainage for it correctly. Today Bryan worked on getting the dirt up to the roof, patted it all down firm to keep it in place and then we started planting it. The upper roof is filled with succulent plants since we won't be caring for that level as much and has a lot of sun. The lower roof is filled with several varieties of lettuce and some strawberries. We can reach that roof easily and will actually harvest the foods from that level and replenish some. It is so neat and rare to see in the area. I can't wait until everything starts to grow and fill in more... than it will be quiet a sight!

The Plans

I have had many people ask about the plan for the playhouse, wondering if we purchased a kit or bought plans. Most are surprised to hear that Bryan is the one who designed it. The first drawings are on some fancy architecture paper (skinny paper?) that are not accessible right now - however, I found these drawings in his sketch book. These two drawings are two of Bryan's original drawings that show just how to true to design we are.

The siding design has changed and we ended up with more windows than originally planned (due to a steal found on Craigslist) and we still have not finished the pergola (5 foot square on the side), but over all - it is the same. Personally, I think it is very cool to hold them up and look at the house to see it come to life. I think he is really enjoying seeing the reality of his design too!

When all is said and done I can't wait to post a final photo next to the drawing, should be pretty neat!

Great Daddy

Bryan has been working hard in this icky, wet weather to remove the concrete for Holly's playhouse. It has been a dirty job, a wet job and a hard job so far. However, that has not ruined his enthusiasm or determination - he heads out there each moment he can to make progress. What a great daddy!!!

Sweet Papa

Our little house has been busy with many Valentine crafts and activities. Holly has really gotten into the spirit. We have enjoyed exchanging valentines with our playgroup and our preschool friends, we have mailed some to our Grandparents and we have crafted our little heart out! Tomorrow we will enjoy a festive celebration with some of our Mom's Club friends too. Then comes the final day - Valentines. While I had some ideas of what to get Holly I had not shopped yet. I figured I would do it tonight while alone or on Friday.

Well, Bryan beat me to it!!! He came in last night after Holly was down with a balloon and a bag of goodies for her. He was cute and said "I am not sure if you already did anything for her, but I did. I hope that is okay?" How sweet is that!!! He picked perfect stuff for her too ~ a really cute classic pink teddy bear, a Starbucks cup covered in hearts and a couple of candies! I did have a small heart basket and a jingle bell necklace for her - so, it made the perfect kids gift basket with a balloon on it. We have it tucked away for Saturday -- but, in the mean time I am all a flutter with how sweet it was for Bryan to think of it and take care of it. What a sweet papa!!!