House before and afters

Where does the time go?  We've been busy checking things off that big "To Do" list!

The Week of July 7th, Jay was out of town on a work trip and, (because this is how it goes) our daycare was closed that week.  So, Ella had a mini-vacation at Grandma Jolyn's!  Which meant, I was all alone at the new house.  I tackled a few things, including painting the outdoor lights.  They were forest green.  Ugly.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

I used Rustoleum spray paint in a Bronzed Copper finish. They took a few coats, but I think the results look great, and much easier on our budget!  At some point we can replace the lights, but for now, I think the change looks great!

Also, a little fun fact for you.  Jay installed them upside down, leaving off a topper thingy-a-bobber for a much more modern lantern-style light.  Love it! 

When Jay returned, we tackled the ugly faded green shutters.  The results are pretty great in our opinion!  I don't think the pictures do them any justice, but trust me, it looks a million times better. 

BEFORE:

 (sorry, Jay had already removed the shutters from the lower window...)

AFTER:

 Million times better!

Now I just need to get the green storm door painted....

This weekend Jay worked on the landscaping.  There are still things to do, but he made some pretty great progress in the backyard.  There were 2 areas in the backyard with former garden plots.  We don't have any time to tackle a garden this year, so we're taking it out and putting sod in.  Jay rented a tiller.  Let's do this!

BEFORE:

 

AFTER (PART 1):

Big improvement!  Apparently the entire south Metro is re-sodding their lawns.  Jay had trouble getting sod on Saturday, went back Sunday and had the same problem.  So, there are still areas to cover with sod, so when we get it completely done, I'll have to update with another "after" picture of this area!

Ella Lately

So, I haven't been very good about getting posts up on the blog.  Some before and afters on the house projects are coming soon, so stay tuned!  But, I thought I'd share what Ella has been up to so far this summer!

The week of July 7th, she stayed with Grandma Jolyn because Jay was out of town, and our daycare was closed!  She had a great time seeing her cousins, playing at the park, helping Grandma and baking cookies!

She wrapped up Session 1 of Swimming Lessons a few weeks ago.  Unfortunately, she did not pass.  She's heading to another round of lessons starting next week, so I will keep my fingers crossed!!  She went off the diving board in the last session (with assistance) and loved it (even though the pictures look like she's terrified!)  HA!  She loves to swim, I just hope she can pass the tests this time!

She's been having a great time at Sara's this summer playing with the big kids and also being a great friend to the little ones!  Sara snapped this cute picture of Ella at the park last week!

I've tried to incorporate some fun activities!  

At-home pedicures!

Spontaneous trips for ice cream!

Playing with homeade silly putty ("Frozen" silly putty including the all-important glitter!) 

NOTE: Must wear Frozen shirt when playing with Frozen silly putty.  HA!

And playing in the pool!

 We have also made weekly trips to the puppet wagon shows in Rosemount, but I haven't gotten any pictures from those.  Ella has a great time at the shows!

This past Saturday was a bridal shower for Jay's oldest sister, Tara.  Here's Ella before she devoured the cupcake!  (And she kept telling me it was decorated with a wife.  Ha!  I think she means bride....)

We love summer!

 

Weekending....

Hello!  It's been a bit since I've updated on the latest and greatest in our little world.  Little by little we are settling into the new house, so that's encouraging.  Although the "to do" list just keeps growing!  I have never been to home improvement stores more times in my life (I may have said this before).  

We celebrated the 4th of July in Worthington this year.  We got to spend some quality time with our new niece, Little Lexi. :)  She is TINY!  And adorable and all kinds of cute.  Ella got a chance to hold her, so this is the lone picture we took with Ms. Lexi.  Not sure why we never got around to getting more pictures!!

Big brother Chase wanted in on the picture taking too!

Other shots from the 4th festivities:

 Ella on the 4th.  I wanted to get a picture and she decided hands on hips would be best.  HA!

The City fireworks didn't start until like 11 due to a totally random and not in the forecast downpour which lasted on and off for about 2 hours - stupid.  So, we didn't stay up to watch those - it was TOO late.  Ms. Ella did get a chance to do a sparkler in between the downpours! She told me she wrote her name and drew a house!  :)

Happy July!