Basement Re-Do!

A few years ago, we spent many a winter night transforming our basement from a dismal space below the earth to a playroom. We didn't feel skilled enough to build walls and put in a ceiling but knew we needed barriers and storage. So we created "walls" made of storage shelves and enclosed with bead board. We painted the floor, added some color, and laid down a rug. All was good. It was used occasionally and was a great holding place for all the toys that didn't fit elsewhere.

And then the flood hit! We lost a lot of toys, the couch that we stored down there, all the rugs, and lots of random basement kind of things. So we emptied it, cleaned, added a new rug, and prepared to enjoy the new space with what seemed like a lot more space (minus the couch and some toys!). But as we anticipated Christmas this year and as we lived with toys surrounding us in the living room upstairs, we knew it was time to expand! We wanted the toys out of our living space and we know there are many new toys that will be arriving!

So here are results of our efforts today (when I probably should of been resting...but I can never pass up a chance to organize!):

Looking from the bottom of the steps

(Daddy's workshop area is behind the gate)

From the other side

View from the back

And looking toward the stairs

We are loving it...and so are the kids! Tater was so excited she was practically crawling out of her skin and Bruiser wanted to play inside instead of going outside with Daddy!

Keeping Busy

In spite of the ick going through the house, we've been keeping busy! Here are few recent shots to appease the grandparents!

Tater has been practicing her letters, especially since she is now officially registered for kindergarten!
Love those letters!

A view of the sick in her favorite spot today...glued to Mama!

Tater doing a "project"!

And where was Bruiser? Since he was healthy, he was at school!

Tumble Tots!

Our local rec center offer some amazing programs for toddlers...for free! One program that we take advantage of each winter is "Tumble Tots." Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are able to play and move under the direction of several instructors. There is little structure but lots of energy burning! And this year, for the first time, Bruiser is old enough to join in! So bright and early Saturday morning, the entire House of Sprout headed out to enjoy some fun!

Miss Wiggles felt a bit left out!

Bruiser was right on target with the stretching...

...and twisting!

He did the circle play ... for a few minutes!

He smiled to show how much fun he was having...during a drink break!

When they divided into smaller groups, he had to hold the teacher's hand.

It was partly his choice and partly a strategic move on her part!

He had a bit of trouble rolling like a log...

...he kept going crooked!

And waiting in line was very HARD!!!

Oh, and Tater was there too! She was just so independent that we didn't have to worry about her!

Photo Proof!

They do get along...sometimes!

Wordless Wednesday #2

Play Time with Daddy X3!

A Quiet Sunday (Revealed to You on Tuesday!)

After our busy and wet Saturday, we spent a quiet Sunday, resting after church and grocery shopping and football watching!

Miss Wiggles giggling as she peaks out the door!

Wonderful noise makers - notice they are outside?

"Is my food ready yet?"

Building with Daddy!

A Family Kind of Day

With a three-day weekend looming, back to school on the horizon, and looking back on a stress-filled summer of tough news and many good-byes, we decided to head out to the beach for the day. And we thought it would be fun and relaxing? HA!!!! Remember growing up and hearing your parents say "Why do we try to do anything nice for them?" We now understand completely! No one was happy at the beach...including Daddy. Then there was all the work it took to get there and back. Then, when everyone had a nice quiet ride home, and we decided to stop for ice cream to bring home, all Bruiser did was scream that he wanted "right now!". Then we get home, eat our ice cream, watch a DVD while Mommy goes food shopping, and everyone complains that the fresh, made from scratch meal (more on that in another post) isn't ready soon enough! But we (or should I say the children!) survived dinner and baths. Tater is watching a kid show, the other two are in bed, the laundry is going, the kitchen is waiting for clean-up #2, and I'm tired! That was our escape from reality...not so good, but right along our standards!

Summer Swim!

We had our first chance to fill the pool and splash away in our backyard today. Everyone, and I mean everyone enjoyed the summer weather! Bruiser actually melted when it was time to come in - he enjoyed the pool so much!

This was before G-Baby found the leaves to chew on!

Love that smile!

I think there might have been a leaf behind that toy!

Tater making a bridge

Even Shadow joined us out side.

And this is where I got to sit and read a WHOLE magazine!

Lunch Time!

Tea Party, Slumber Party!

I didn't take a picture - I was too tired - but I probably should have! Last night I put the kids to bed at 8:00, as usual.

About 8:45, I heard a couple of doors opening and closing. I shouted up the stairs for them to get in bed and go to sleep. All was quiet, so I assumed that was what happened. I should have known better!

At about 9:15, I heard something hit the wood floor - a toy perhaps? So I drug myself off the couch and headed up the steps to check it out. Bruiser's bedroom door was open and there was no Bruiser in his bed. Tater's door was closed and I quickly opened it. There on Tater's bed sat Tater and Bruiser with very guilty looks on their faces.

What were they doing? And what was that loud noise I had heard?

They were having a tea party! And the sound had been the plastic teapot falling off the bed!

I quickly sent them back to bed and told them that it was too late for playing. I worked very hard not to laugh at them!

When I posted my status on Facebook, one friend commented that I was just jealous that they didn't invite me! Not so much! I was more upset that they could play that nicely at 9:00pm instead of 3:00pm!

Random Pics!

These are some random pictures that have been on my camera and instead of creating multiple mini-posts, I decided to make a collection of the randomness (is that a word?).

Bruiser and Mimi took a ride on the carousel...can you find them?

Papa and his girl walking on Secret Beach

Taking a break on Secret Beach. The tide was so low this day!

We walked the farthest we ever have on Secret Beach.

Mommy chasing her duckings ... luckily there was no where for them to go!

Bruiser hunting for shells ... must be a bit of Grandma in him!

She played so hard!

Yes, he is licking ketchup off his plate.

Yes, there were five grown-ups watching him.

Yes, we laughed.

Yes, we took a picture!

Tater was decorating Pop-Pop with napkin pieces ... they were even in his ears!

Bruiser learned how to open his bedroom door! It was a sad day for Mommy!

This is how he spent the hour and a half before Tater woke up.

He loved playing with the Little People camping set (Thank You, Mimi and Papa)!

Tater and Mommy had a "Girls' Night" last night.

We got dressed up, went out to dinner where the animals on the wall talked, and then went to the Dollar Tree so Tater could spend her own money (with some guidance from Mommy!).

Daddy claims Shadow isn't allowed to sit on people's laps and be on the couch.

This is what I discovered when Daddy fell asleep on the couch the other night!