random cuteness

they almost look like they get along, don't they? ;)

Bikes!

Exciting news!  Nedy graduated from her starter bike inherited from a neighbor boy a couple years ago to her very first brand-spankin' new bicycle complete with basket, bell and ribbons!  She had us remove her training wheels at the beginning of summer and has been riding her little heart out ever since.  In fact, Dan didn't get the "run down the block with hand on back of bike" experience because immediately after training wheels were removed she just got on the thing and rode it clear down the block.  (She had spent a good portion of time riding on a balance bike over last summer and fall, and I think that sealed the balance requirements for her.)

Recently Kam had been asking to have the training wheels put back on Nedy's bike so he could graduate from his tricycle to it.  At a husky 3, Kam had gotten a bit big for his trike and it seemed a good time for him to move on to the real deal.  Of course, Nedy loved this idea, especially since in her mind that starter bike was getting "way too small" for her.  Immediately, visions of streamers began swirling in her head. 

So yesterday she and I went to the bike shop where I let her pick out her new ride.  (Well, within reason. I did tell her right off the bat that we wouldn't be looking at the $500 model...)  Much to my delight and surprise, she skipped over the myriad of pink bikes and found a blue one.  The new bike is BIG--she went from a 12" frame to a 20"--but she handled the transition with her typical grace.  So while the bike looks huge, it's got nothin' on this determined 5 year old.  :)

And Kamron couldn't be more proud of his new-to-him ride, though he did tell me when he gets "wid of dose twaining wheews" he plans to "get a weaaaaallly big bike bigguh even den Nedy's."  Good times.  :)

 

 

of violin and running around like a maniac

Nedy is so funny.  She recently started violin lessons, meaning we practice every night.  Tonight she looked out the front window at all of the neighborhood kids running around like maniacs and said, "I know practicing is important, but I would like to just go outside and run around, too.  But, I already know how to play with my friends and it's important to learn new skills...so I guess I'll keep practicing so I can learn to play this violin...  Actually, maybe I should practice for a while and then go outside for a while--you know, do both?  Or maybe practice long tonight and short tomorrow night and go outside then?"  

Look at my little gal, already getting the hang of prioritizing and juggling.  She could teach her mama a few things.  ;)

 

proof that we still exist.

(Lawn-mowing with Grandpa is a newly discovered summertime delight.)

And yes, Kamron has since gotten a haircut.  Ahem.

house update

This blog is pathetic.  I know.  Moving on. 

I just took some updated pics of the house with my phone...the only camera I've used lately.  Sigh.  I need more hours in the day.  But that brings me to my point about the time drain that is the remodel.  I am happy to say it is getting there and I can, for the first time, unveil some interior shots.  (Remember, they're with my phone.  Go easy on me.)  

Stairway leading from the kitchen to the upstairs.  That window makes me smile every time I enter the space.  Dan designed and crafted the railings--maple and stainless steel.  The kitchen area below it is still in process. 

Common area outside of our master bedroom.  We kept the master bedroom smaller and instead chose to make more space that is useful for the whole family.  This space will eventually hold a low and long sectional--the Case Study daybed series in gray for my mid-century mod friends.  :)  The door leads to a back balcony.  This space overlooks the kitchen and feels loft-like.  (Dan still has to make that railing.  I should post a photo of our temporary railing--it's a hoot!) 

Hallway leading from the kids bathroom (I'm standing in there to take the photo) down to the common area above.  Kam's room is on the immediate right with the stairway just past his room.  Nedy's room is the doorway on the left past the paintings. 

Master bedroom.  Did I mention I have a thing for moss?

Master bath.  Well, part of it.  You can see the tile in the shower in the mirror.  And I'm standing by the toilet.

Nedy's room.  It has a lovely curved ceiling, more closet space than should ever be necessary and that really cool 45 window.  (Now if only there was a mattress on the platform bed...)

Kam's room.  So bright and cheery and with such cool ceiling lines.  And the view out his window is of the gardens out back.  Well, where the gardens used to be.  We have some recovery work to do out there.  :)

Kids bathroom.  Or part of it.  Their shower and toilet are to the right.  This is such funky space; I hope it makes for joyful teenage years whilst sharing it.  ;)

And that's it for today.  Stay tuned for more updates and exterior shots.  More importantly, stay tuned for an update on the kids.  I have so much to share it's hard to know how to begin!