Hmmmm

I went back to work this week and we're wondering how in the world our building is going to be ready for students next Tuesday?! The construction crew has been working all summer, but there is so much more to do. We knew that the new additions {classrooms, main office, & gym} probably wouldn't be done for quite awhile because they were such huge projects. But, we've been assured that the rest of the remodeling all over the school will be done by the first day of school. What do you think?




Today I got to unpack boxes and move furniture while a giant bulldozer worked outside my room. At one point I was covering my head with my arms and looking for a safe place to hide! I was positive the ceiling was going to come crashing down on me judging by the roaring sounds and violent vibrations that were shaking the walls! I'm told that students will get used to the construction in no time...


And then there's the view from my window...

What happens when it's "too quiet".

Weekend Project

We got the girls bunk beds! Alison was super excited to sleep in the top bunk, and although Merilyn wanted Ali in the room with her, she didn't want anything to do with the bottom bunk. So, we kept the crib in the room and she slept next to the bed for the first couple of nights. Having the girls in one room freed up another room to make into a playroom.

Ali's old room became our office {and my scrap room}, the office {or "off-room as Ali calls it} became the room where all of the gazillion toys are now kept. The girls are thrilled with their new rooms! We all are, actually. I love my new work space, and I love that there aren't toys in every room of the house.

8 Years

Some days it seems like forever ago, and other times, I think it was just the other day when Trav and I got married. I couldn't ask for a greater guy. Although sometimes he frustrates me, {I'm sure he's never frustrated by me!} he is an amazing provider and Daddy. He would do anything for all of his girls. Mom took the girls for us and we spent the day hanging out together. {When was the last time that happened?} We shopped at Ikea, saw Mamma Mia, and had dinner at Macaroni Grill. Happy Anniversary T!

Long Day!

The girls and I rode with Kristen to Tillamook for this month's Book Club. Our friend, Sue, and her family moved out there and we thought it would be fun to see her and have book club at her house. It was great to catch up with everyone, and Ali was having such a good time with the other kids that she didn't want to leave. From there, we hopped back in the car and drove all the way out to my principal's house for a back-to-school BBQ. The girls were great all day... but they were very happy to be home again at the end of our very long day.

Halloween Project

I have been working on a project for my sister and her Southern Living show... She is creating a Halloween table for an upcoming convention. I've had this rolling around in my mind lately, and have noticed that many businesses do as well. My favorite stamp store and Michael's already have their full-on Halloween displays out. {I haven't even bought Ali's school supplies yet!} Anyhoo, I made a couple of cards as long as I had the orange and black out. Late night card making and the Olympics go very well together!

Another Scorcher

{But, I don't mind too much because we stay in the air-conditioned house!} Although, too much time in here, and I need to get out. The girls and I made a quick trip to a couple of favorites: Michael's and Starbucks. The summer has been flying by - only one more week until I have to go back to work. Boooo! I have mixed feelings actually... part of me is really ready to go back. I can always hope that the construction won't be finished and we'll start late...

It's Hot!

It was pretty dang hot today! I'm not sure how hot it actually got, but the temperature says it's 97 right now. While I was watering plants this evening, the girls enjoyed a ice cream bar to cool off. {Notice Merilyn's pony tails are long gone.}

Playdates

Playdates have been a big part of our summer. Picnics at the park, running through the spray fountains, McDonald's Playland. The girls love having them. {And they help me keep my sanity!!} Today Meg and her girls came over for some girl time. We talked about how much fun these get-togethers are at this age {for us!!} because the kids play together without the need to monitor them. We don't even need to worry about the little sisters, because the big sisters always let us know what they're up to!!

Meri's First Pigtails

Merilyn's hair is finally long enough to try new things! Her hair is pretty curly and crazy - and doesn't really have a natural part, but I gave it a shot anyway. I thought it was cute and she was very proud to show them off... "Daddy, yook it!!"

Just another ordinary day in our house... Meri gets pretty distracted, but comes in every now and then to bust a move.

Family Reunion No. 2

We packed up the pathetic trailer {in the pouring rain!} to move down to Tillamook for Trav's family's get-together. Unfortunately, Trav couldn't remember where he had made our camping reservations! {He left all of the information at home...} By the time we got the trailer together and on our way, we were running so late for the reunion. So, we made a quick decision to park at the Best Western's RV park and get on down to Oceanside for the gathering.
It was so nice to see everyone - some of them we only see at this time of year! It rained for a little, but then it cleared up for a beautiful sunset.



On Sunday, we went to breakfast and then the girls were able to swim at the hotel with Trav and Ross. After Morgan's wedding reception that afternoon, we decided to leave a day early. We just couldn't bear the thought of dealing with more trailer issues! {And, to be honest, I was really ready to be home and sleep in my own bed!}

Family Reunion No. 1

My side of the family had their reunion at Fort Stevens this year. Trav and I rented a pop-up trailer. {It seemed like a good idea at the time!} However, we were plagued with many problems along the way. The water pump and heater didn't work, a fuse blew so we didn't have lights at one point... water was leaking along the floor from a pipe under the sink... OY! We still managed to have a good time and enjoy the week with family. Alison would probably say her favorite part was getting her bike! She had really outgrown all of the "kiddie" bikes and it was time to move her to a bigger one. She also enjoyed spending so much time with her cousins. She followed Holly around every minute of every day!

Casey and her family came later in the week, and Natalie joined Ali in following poor Holly around. She was a great sport - and great with the girls. Thank you, Holly!

It was a full week! We golfed a couple of times, a group took a 5-mile hike along the dunes, we walked {and rode} many times around the loop, and one day a group of us went into Seaside. The girls loved the train and carousel. Meri screamed a full-pitched shriek when it was time to get off her carousel horse!


The girls love Uncle Bobby! Here they are following him to play a little frisbee.


We couldn't just get Ali a bike... Meri loved her helmet!!

Camping with the Girls

Who: Casey and her girls, Mom, Midge, Suzann, Angie and her girls, and me and my girls.

Where: Camp Sherman on the Metolius River. {It is such a beautiful place.}

Why: Annual camping trip with these girls!

What: The girls loved spending time together - they had quite the time coming up with and performing their many shows. Alison loved sleeping in the tent! It got pretty cold at night, so we would snuggle up in the sleeping bag. The weather was absolutely beautiful. The girls loved playing and splashing in the river... even though it was soooo cold!! Merilyn was shivering like crazy, but she didn't want to get out of the water!

We went up to the fish hatchery on our last day. We were able to feed the fish and Ali got a kick out of the fish that would completely jump out of the water for the food!