Soft Shoes

These shoes a actually got for Karter this last year. They were a size 18 months and they were on clearance. I got them and he wore them last year and even though they were a bit big, they fit so well. Well, this year I pulled them out and they still fit well.

They go up the leg a bit, like a boot, and that keeps them on. I love how soft and comfy they are and how easy they are to just throw on his feet.

Karter has been playing outside a bit more. He loves to play in the dirt and make a mess. I'm so grateful that we have our big yard! I have been discouraged at times with deciding to get a home that needed a lot of work. Fixing up this house has been frustrating, but it was the only way we could get the big yard. It has been awesome to watch the kids enjoy just being outside and playing. The rest will come, but for now we have a yard to play in and appreciate.

Hardwood Floors

The hardwood floors started to go in this last week. This is what they got done the first day! They are staining them a dark espresso color this week!! Cabinents should be going in this next Monday, appliances coming on Tuesday. They will measure for countertops once the cabinents are in and then it will be 7-10 days before they will be installed!! So long to wait, but we are getting closer to a brand new kitchen!
I really do love the floors. We went with a 5 inch wide board! Our floor installer tried to convince us to go with a 4 inch board, he said it would hold up better, but I decided to go with the 5 inch. I'm glad I did.

Failed Attempts

Since having Karter, just the idea of trying to get a family picture has been overwhelming. Figuring out what to wear, dressing us all, fixing hair, keeping us looking good on the way to the photo shoot, and, when we finally are posed and ready, getting us all to look at the camera at the same time, smiling, without red eye, double chins, goofy looks, etc. It is a challenge!

Well, as you could tell from our previous post, we did it! We probably had about 50 photos to look through and the one that turned out was the very last photo of the group. I was getting discourage and resigning myself to choosing one where we all looked MOSTLY good. So very excited to find the one that turned out!

Here are just a few of our failed attemps. Love how they show our family's personality and spunk! I have an idea for a scrapbook page using a bunch of these photos that didn't turn out, documenting the process, the challenge of getting a good family photo.

Thank you Crystal and Melissa for taking these photos, working with us! We had two cameras going at once and lots of family to help position us, encourage us, and keep us smiling.

Gratitude Turkeys

We did these turkeys in preschool. So easy and fun! I asked the kids what they were grateful for, wrote it on the feathers, and had the kids glue their turkeys together. Isabelle was grateful for doggies, cats, mommies, grammies, and pictures.

All Of Us!

Outdoors

Here is the outside of our home. We decided to get the hardiplank exterior and will paint it soon. We will eventually match up the rest of the home with the new exterior.

Renovation Update

This was our house a few days ago. Insulation is in and sheetrock is up!! It is warm again. You can also see our new front and side door. Here is the opening that goes from the entry to the kitchen. This opens up the area so much!