Let the construction begin

It wouldn't be summer in Michigan without some good ole' construction. Jason has talked about a 'bump out' addition onto our house for a long time now. He's had a vision and finally after many contractors turned down the smaller job or most likely got scared from Jason's knowledge on building, he got it started himself this past weekend.

The siding was the first to go Friday night and that's all it took. He got started and didn't stop all weekend.

He is planning on having the bump out for the main floor and have it open underneath. He mentioned something about a hot tub which was the first I ever heard of that, but I am not opposed! He also wants to screen in the deck and add a roof over that as well. Hopefully that helps us get more use out of it. Oh and with 4th of July around the corner, I am happy to see the bunting is up!

 

Below is the view from our window in the living room. This window will be a doorway into the new space. What is this space going to be? Good question. I think Jason plans for a sitting room, beverage center/bar area, and to open up the space in the dining room. But I could be completely wrong. I just nod my head when he talks about it. Whatever Jason touches turns into gold when it comes to building, so I try not to fight it much anymore. What 10 years of marriage teaches you.

By Sunday he had already made a lot of progress and spent a lot of time up on the ladder. Which had Ava calling for his attention as she swam in the lake. 'Daddy, Hi Daddy, Watch me Daddy!!'. I tried to explain to her that Daddy could fall if she kept calling out to him and this led her to run closer to the ladder and then call his name. Oh Ava.

I am planning on taking the kids to the cabin this weekend for two days in hopes that Jason can get some more uninterrupted time working on the house. Or maybe I am hoping he gets moving on this so he can finish all the other plans we have for the house. Basement, deck, studio.....some big ticket items that have me dreaming.

Memorial (Mario) Day

I told Ava that Daddy was going to be coming home for Memorial Day, just about 2 weeks before the holiday. From then on, she was very excited for "Mario Day".

The day came with glorious weather. There have been years where we have bundled up in blankets on the beach, but this year we were sweating on the beach while the kids never came out of the water.

Austin learned how much fun it was to push the girls on the paddle board.

Oh Ava, posing it up isn't she!?

And her infamous peace sign she breaks out for just about every photo I take.

Kora tried to surf the treacherous waters Austin was creating.

She missed Daddy sooooo much. She cried at school at times and sometimes she cried until late into the night. She is definitely Daddy's girl. It was so nice having him home for the long weekend after 6 weeks away. The hardest part was saying goodbye for two more weeks!

Cousins (or as my mom and her twin says Cousints) don't forget that 'T' in there.

Grant was running and leaping into the water making huge splashes. So here Austin, Kasen, and Isaiah try to do the same.

He used to hate getting water in his eyes and now look at him! Love that drenched face!

Jackie wanted to make sure I captured her floating so she could show her Daddy since he wasn't there yet. Way to go Jackie! I am so proud of all the kids that they went out in their swimmies to the middle of the lake. Each year they have more fun in that lake and I am so thankful. Its incredibly entertaining to watch them splash around with each other.

What a wonderful "Mario Day". So glad Jason could come home to be a part of it. Summer Holidays are by far my favorite. Surrounded by family and neighbors with more food than we could eat in a week! Thankful 4th of July is around the corner so we can do it all over again!

Summer is Finally Here!!

Boy, that was the longest spring of my life. Maybe it's because Jason was gone the last 6 weeks when these photos were taken but geez, the nice weather was long awaited!

It was time to break out the slip n slide as the lake was finally treated so it was a good excuse to get it out since we couldn't swim.

I had so much fun capturing everyone's expressions

Charlie holds a special place in my heart. Just love him so much. Maybe it's cause he took a long time to warm up to me and now when he holds my hand or sits on my lap, I just smile ear to ear.

They all took turns figuring out how to go down the slide different than the last time

Nice Austin!

I just couldn't stop clicking the shutter. These kids crack me up!

I said, ok guys, a quick picture all together, put your arms around each other. Apparently Charlie thought I said put your arms up in the air.

in a matter of five seconds they jetted off in every direction. looking forward to a summer of fun with these kiddos!