Isaac's Sandbox

Papa Mike, "Ba Ba," decided, in the midst of trimming trees, clearing brush, trips to the dump, and stringing lights  in the tent, that Isaac should have a filled sandbox. So off he went to buy as many bags of sand as he could. And finally, after dinner, Isaac got to experience the joy of playing in the sand in his very own sandbox.

Thanks, Ba Ba!

Family Dinner at Under the Sun

A Chair for the Bride

My mom and I were perusing the new thrift store near the house this week and I found an old chair with beautiful dark wood but ugly upholstery. On a whim, I bought it for ten dollars, slapped some fabric on it (the quick and dirty way: with a scissors and a stapler), and decided I'd use it while getting ready for my wedding.

Voila! Not too shabby! (The upholstery looks crooked in this photo, but it's just the angle.)

Helping Nana Plant

Cool Guy

A Good Little Helper

A Schlug!

We brought home some tall grasses today, and with them came a big slimy brown slug. Ben spotted it first, having fallen from the pot I carried across the driveway. It was making its way slowly across the hot dry cement seeking cooler space under the unforgiving midday sun. We called Isaac over who immediately crouched next to it and pointed and screamed, "It's a bug!"

A slug, we told him. "A Schlug!" he screamed with excitement over and over again. He watched the slug crawl and came close to touching the slimy skin before jumping back, unsure of this new creature. Daddy stroked its back and assured Isaac he could softly touch the slug if he wanted to. I don't think he ever did, but he went back to the place where the slug made a new temporary home and investigated it often. If he couldn't see the creeping slug, he'd say, "Schlug, where?" with his hands out in question. And we'd separate the cool blades of grass until we found the slug once more. 

Here's a video of how Isaac says slug, which is of course adorable. He sure likes his bugs!

Helping Nana in the Yard

Yes, he calls her "Nana," which is the exact name I never wanted my children to call their grandmas. Still, it sounds pretty cute coming from Isaac since it's clear he thinks the world of her. "Nana! 'Mon!" He even chooses his nana over his mama, which happens almost never. (And I'm OK with it...for the week!)

Isaac and the Beetle

Powder Room Remodel

Have I mentioned our current remodel project? I guess I have shown some photos and videos of the job previously, but never formally talked about it. So we (read: Ben) started tearing apart our powder room in the winter, though he was also working on putting up dry wall in the garage at the same time. We gutted the bathroom and it sat for months while he worked on the garage, and then the garden, and then the sprinklers. Ben would go in to the small empty space every few weeks and pick away at a project: replacing the sub-floor, repairing the drywall, and so on. And then we sort of hit a time crunch and decided we needed to put more energy into completing the powder room remodel before our family arrives to Colorado for our wedding.

So here we are, so so close to finishing. It is unbelievable how much time it can take to gut and put back together such a tiny space!

Even with "help" from this little guy. 

The wall color and wainscoting was my idea (and I love it!). 

The floor, Ben's. He is quite proud of the way the floor looks. I was skeptical of the large tile in a small space (just like I was in the condo!), but I have to admit, I love it now that it's in.

After nine long months of work, I can't believe we'll soon have our little bathroom back. And it will be put to good use right away. Grandma Sheyla arrives next Saturday, followed closely by Cheri, Todd and family on Sunday.

One down, three to go! (And don't you think we could use one in the basement, Ben?!)

Morning Play

Wheely bug!

"Cheese!"

Isaac is very interested in pointing and "shooting" photos with the camera (with Mama's help). Here's one he took of his mama, who is of course by his side while he plays. He will have it no other way. (Don't even think about putting those dishes away, Mama!) 

Train table.

Race cars. He showed me the "onj" (orange) car today, which caught me by surprise. When I questioned him further on the colors of the other cars, he called them all orange. But I'm not completely convinced it was luck that made him name the orange car.

My boy, my fiercely loving boy, thank you for slowing me down, teaching me patience and presence on a daily basis.