We shared our first annual "gingerbread house" making party with Grayson, Vance, Gavin, Avery, and Micah the day after school let out for Christmas break. We used graham crackers for the walls and ceilings and then just icing from a tube to glue it all together. The tube icing is a great idea for cutting down the mess (as opposed to Royal Icing), but doesn't dry hard enough. When the boys went to decorate the houses, they all collapsed! It was fun, though, maybe next year we'll try the R.I. instead.

Each year at the local railroad station, there are model trains set up and a vintage train car to take rides in. This was our second year to go, Daddy had to work, so Mommy schlepped the three kiddos and the camera down there. The boys really enjoyed the train ride (despite the long line), as you can tell from their grinning faces.

Merry Christmas from the Wachtmans!

Christmas 2007 was very exciting for all of us. Even though it was Ava's second Christmas, it was really like her first, because now she was very aware of what was happening. Much to our suprise, she pretty much left the Christmas tree and ornaments alone, but she did continue to eat the dirt out of our tall "house tree" by the front door!

The boys were really excited, talking constantly about which toys they wanted to get (we're going to work on taking the focus off of that next year. . .), and really enjoying the weekly Advent candle lighting and Bible stories. The baby Jesus story is finally sinking in with Alec this year, along with many suspicious questions about Santa! Benji is just happy with everything, and pretty much goes along with what ever big brother is saying.

I really enjoyed the nearly two weeks off from school that Alec had and the very long week between Christmas and New Years that Marvin had. We had a really nice time and enjoyed each other's company. We saw a movie, an art exhibit, went to the Ohio Historical Socitey Museum, and several other fun activities.

We've got all of Christmas put away now except the tree; I've been a bit pokey on that this year. It will happen this weekend if not this evening! Any of you who live close can drive by tonight and see if there is a giant tree by the curb!

Ava and first birthday cake mess

Showing Ava what twinkle lights are all about

December 17, 2007

I just wrote my annual Christmas letter and realized that I desperately needed to continue updating my blog. In case anyone has actually been keeping up with us, I apologize for the huge gaps!
The kitchen project and the "clutter monster" are both under control. The front room is now useable as a playroom/my sewing room again, and the kitchen is also totally functional. The crown molding still isn't up, and there are one or loose ends still, but I'll still post some pictures.
We are almost ready for Christmas, I still have a couple of things to purchase for Marvin and something for my nephew, but that's it. We went all out on the decorations this year, celebrating the fact that I wasn't preggers!!! ;-) this time, and the house looks really pretty, if I do say so myself. The kids are getting really excited (well, Alec and Benji are), and I'm really looking forward to Christmas break- a whole week of wallowing in our pj's with everyone home. Hopefully we can refrain from making too many plans.

Ava
Ava enjoying her meal (broccoli?)



Look at those eyes!

Bathing Beauty!

My three darlings!
(August, 2007)

September 6, 2007

I actually for a moment forgot that I had a blog! The post-remodel clean up is now mostly complete, but has taken it's toll on us. The actual "dirty" cleaning is finished, all the remains is the terrible clutter monster lurking in the front room. I"ve made pretty good progress- the kids can now get to their toys and actually have some floor space in there, but it's still not a desirable room to be in.
I haven't taken any "after" pics yet, because the crown molding still isn't up on the tops of the cabinets. Maybe that will get finished before Christmas. . .
Speaking of Christmas, can't believe the year is almost gone and Ava will soon be celebrating her first birthday! She's crawling now, at nine months, and is extremely agile- pulling herself to standing on nearly everything she sees. This is all new to me- the boys just basically sat still until they were 12 months!

August 1, 2007

Today the sink and dishwasher got installed! I had an uncontrollable grin as I turned on the faucet and let the water run over my hands. . .I think next to the birth of the kids and the day I got married, today ranks right up there with one of the best days of my life! The kitchen is now officially fully functional, and all that is left are some cosmetic (but no less important) details. The carpet cleaners are coming on Friday morning to hopefully make the past 18 or so weeks of food spills on the living room floor disappear. That means, however, that I've got a very long day ahead of me tomorrow trying to get everything else cleaned up and off the floor in the living room and bedroom.
Fortunately, McSarah is coming to help me in the morning, and maybe if I pull an "all-nighter" tonight, I'll be finished. . .