Building a House - Well at last, Breaking Ground!

A second well has been dug and has passed inspection and water quality testing.

Woohoo!!!!!!

Which means we were finally able to break ground on our foundation a couple of weeks ago. Its hard to get too excited because we've had so many set backs. But I'm excited!

Madilyn standing in 'her room'.

Gotta love an excavator.

We're moving forward. Yay!

Camping/Memorial Day

Ok this wasn't camping or Memorial Day but it was a good picture of us making soap with Aunt Amanda. Uncle Chris played constructs with the boys. I love my radioactive soap, which we did take with us camping.

Over Memorial Day weekend we went camping with some friends to the coast. It wasn't very warm but that didn't slow us down.

This was Madilyn's creation, a turtle with crabs shells to make...its shell.

Garrett's creation using crab legs. I gotta say, I find it a little creepy although creative.

Emma's creation...using crab parts.

Annnnd Grant doing whatever it is he does.

The day after Memorial Day I took the kids to visit the my uncle and grand parents grave sites. It was a great opportunity to talk about the temple, genealogy, and forever families. Nice thing is the temple is only 5 minutes from the cemetery where they are buried. 

Grateful for my forever family.

Turning 11 or Sour Patch Cake

Madilyn turned 11 last month. E-l-e-v-e-n! Ugh. No, no, and no. It happened anyway. 

Madilyn and I got on pinterest to find cake ideas. She wanted the Sour Patch Cake, which, if you've ever been on pinterest, happens to have a lot of fails. But, thankfully, I think ours turned out alright.

I've told her the growing up must stop.

But she doesn't listen. Sigh

Love this spunky, responsible, determined girl.

Uh, also love this goof ball that wanted a box to wear at the party.

I'm not the only one that loves her.

Garrett insisted on the number candles. A fun time for our special 11 year old. 

Happenings with Emma

All of these pics have to do with Emma. Her turn in the spotlight right now. Emma's artwork was chosen from her class to be displayed at the Puyallup Spring Fair.

The Puyallup Spring Fair had a poster contest for 2nd graders. Emma's poster was one of the honorable mentions displayed at the Fair. So proud of this cute girl.

2nd Grade music program. I appreciate dedicated teachers. Both of the girls music teachers are wonderful at their jobs, putting together these programs is no small accomplishment. 

What a cute girl. Love her and grateful to be her mom.

What's Been Happening

What's been happening at our house? With the house we've been building...nothing. But life goes on and we're plenty busy.

Madilyn had her first band concert. 

Madilyn also got an award at school for being a good example to others.

Jeremy made giant bubble wands for the kids.

Another trip to the Pacific Science Center.

More bubbles, different day.

Rainy day playing with legos. Grandpa got 20 gallon size bags full of legos at a garage sale. Hours of fun.

At our house the Easter bunny brings snorkels. Why wouldn't he?

Three!

This adorable boy turned three last month. He was so excited to blow out his candles that he kept blowing them out before Jeremy could light them all...there were only three.

He's a snugly little monster that loves to cuddle but you feel like you've taken a beating afterwards because he's so wiggly. He has a cute little lisp that melts hearts and mischievousness that makes me want to pull my hair out. Love this boy.

Building a House - Well, well Power!

I haven't updated on the house, or anything, for a while. 

The well was dug. The water sample failed. A generator was bought. Well ran dry. 

Yup it was that good.

Long story short, a bad test happens and you're supposed to run the water for a few days and usually it clears up. Ours dried up.

Now we are waiting to start digging well #2, which of course we need a new permit for. It only took 4 months to get the first one soooooo...

It's discouraging to say the least. 

BUT in the meantime, a 1,000 foot trench

 was dug and holes were bored under the road for the power.

The conduit was laid on a very, long, rainy weekend and this week power was put in. 

That's something right?