Ronan's version of "Jesus Loves Me"

A few days ago I heard Ronan singing "Jesus Loves Me" in the van. When he got to the chorus line he had his own version of the lyrics.

Pancakes! Who'd have thought?!

Second day of resumed renos

Today Collin and his friend, Tracy, continued with renovations. Here are before-and-after photos of the portion of our kitchen that was opened up to the living room.

Before there was a wall and an old stand-alone cabinet (on the left) in the area.

After much work (including some structural modifications done in the attic) they got rid of the cabinet and made the wall into a half-wall, thereby opening up the kitchen to the living room.

We also re-arranged the living room furniture which made the area look even more open.

I am so excited for the final product! Of course I will keep you updated!

Renovations have resumed!

Since our first renovation project, the bathroom, is basically finished (only trim work is needed), Collin and I decided to begin working on the next phase of the renovation - getting rid of the hideously ugly wood burning stove in the living room. Ronan and Latham were shipped up north to the grandparents' so they wouldn't be underfoot, and Collin and a friend tackled the project head-on this morning.

Removing the chimney insert.

Jack hammering the chimney brick.

Once the chimney was down the back of the stove was exposed.

A before picture.

Notice the oh-so-beautiful blue foam bumpers that were duck-taped onto the hearth; our version of baby-proofing!

Getting rid of the surrounding brick.

The stove was so heavy (approximately 500-600 lbs) that the guys had to use an engine hoist to get rid of it.

A view of our living room through the hole from the garage.

The fresh baked banana bread that I made the boys for their mid-morning snack.

Swimming Lessons

Ronan started swimming lessons at the beginning of summer, and I was happy to enroll him in classes that didn't necessitate me going in the water with him. He was hesitant at first and did not want to follow the teacher's instructions, he just wanted to play in the water. During the second week of classes Ronan said on the way to the pool, "I don't want the teacher there. I want her to go home!" By the end of the session he was doing really well - even submursing his whole head in the pool.

Ronan and classmates kicking in the water (Ronan is the second from the left).

Practicing his front float with assistance from his teacher.

Kicking while on his front.

Practicing his back float. This is what he improved the most on by the end of classes - he had such a hard time trusting that she wouldn't let his face get wet!

Ronan graduated from Preschool One and tonight we start Preschool Two!

Lake Martha

This past week Collin, the boys and I spent a few days at Lake Martha, just an hour south of Bellingham. Although we were still close to home, we felt a world away and it was so nice to have a break from the everyday.

The view of Lake Martha from the kitchen of the lake house.

The kitchen

Master bedroom

Upstairs living area

Entertainment area downstairs

The precarious steps - we were happy that there was a baby gate at the top!

Ronan's bedroom
Latham wasn't as lucky - his portable crib fit perfectly into a huge storage closet beside Ronan's room!

Latham and Collin enjoying some father/son time.

More father/son time - Collin and Ronan went out into the lake on the paddleboat.

The view of the house from the lake.

Ronan loved being out on the water.

Paddling around Lake Martha

Fishing with Ronan - nope, we didn't catch anything.

Ol' blue eyes x 2

Collin and I perfected the art of smores while on vacation - it's all about preheating the graham crackers and chocolate!

Campfires every night!

Swimming in the lake.

A big smooch for mommy

We had so much fun jumpin' into the lake!

Vacation!

Hey, folks! We are currently on vacation at Lake Martha, Washington, so make sure to check back on Friday for a post of our vacation and pictures too.

July 4th Festivities

Happy Independence Day! We had a great July 4th - my parents came down to celebrate the red, white and blue with us.

Since I am the Mommy of two Americans, I have the right to wear this shirt.

Like father, like son.

The package of fireworks that we got were almost as tall as Ronan!

Lighting the first one.

Tackle tickle!

Grandpa's got his hands full!

My mom, Ronan and I.

Mommy and Baby Boy #1 lighting some fireworks. Once it lit we ran away...

...to watch from a safe distance.

My confused hubby - Holland shirt, American flag, and drinking a Molson Canadian.

In true red-neck style, we hung out on the driveway and set off the fireworks!

P.S. I swear Ronan has more clothes than just this one outfit. For some reason he is always wearing his blue plaid shorts and matching hat in almost all pictures that I put on this blog. Weird!

Strawberries!

As many of you know, I love to can. It is so much fun to make jams, syrups, salsas and sauces. Last Friday I dragged Collin and the boys out to a local strawberry farm to do some picking. We picked 31 lbs! It was a lot of work not only to wash and hull them, but also to process them all. I still have another batch or two (or three) of jam that I need to make.

Latham checking out some of the strawberries that we got on our excursion.

"I think I'll put this in my mouth and gum it a bit!"

"Aww Mommy, why won't you let me get a good taste of it?!"

Collin and Ronan returning from a hasty trip to the porta-potty.

Ronan after "picking" - really he just ran around between Collin and I. His cheeks are flushed because it was super hot that day - it was great!