Before and After: Garage

We've been gradually working on this since Christmas. Looking back at these pictures is somewhat embarassing. I knew it was bad, but I didn't realize it was THAT bad. We're not totally done, but I thought I should post some before and after because I can't believe what a change. We kinda want to paint the floor red or something fun. Would that be too crazy?

Credit for this goes to Nate for choosing to do this for his Family Life Merit Badge. Everyone in the family helped out. Cleaned, washed, swept, painted, hauled....Most of the credit goes to Matt of course. He spent many more hours out there than the rest of us. He still has plans for more shelving, but I think it is coming all nicely. Didn't he build a great workbench?

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Tubs

I wish the light was this nice everywhere in our house. Cam loves having a bath. Can you tell?

It is going to come

Found these today making their way out. Our snow is almost gone and now I can see all the work ahead, but I don't mind.

While I was away...

...a little snow came to Virginia. I was actually very lucky to make it home when I did. The next day another storm came and dumped another foot. The boys were out of school for more than a week and Matt didn't have to go to work most of that time too. It was kind of like a vacation, mostly because I didn't get much done all week. I guess that is not true. I was the head sled run designer and repairer. We had so much fun sledding and snowboarding all week, for two weeks, really three weeks. It felt like a Utah winter. I didn't take any pictures of how beautiful it was. Oh well, sometimes you just have to enjoy things.

Boys love to jump off things!

They also surprised me and Nate refinished the "shoe" closet. We are still going to add some shelves, but he painted, hung a low coat rack and made it so nice. Yea!

Tea Time

I had a lovely tea party with my nieces on Sunday morning. We listened to Chopin, drank pink "tea", and the girls were darling!

Elsie LOVED this little fork!

Sweet treats and pretty bracelets to remember each other by.

The tea party wasn't complete without some twirling!

The girls looking lovely.

Remember Aunt B loves you girls!

Bowling with B

I was able to take my nephews out, and we had FUN! It was great to talk to each of them and do something with just them. They we so cute bowling in their capes!

Cohen didnt' get to go bowling with us this time, but he sure looks cute in his cape!

Had to get us some Nielsons of course!

Remember Aunt B loves you!

Sister Time

The main reason for the trip home was to have a sisters weekend. I am so glad we finally arranged it! We went to a Time Out for Women event at Weber. I loved the speakers that we heard, but mostly I loved being together and talking. We didn't get much sleep but it was worth it.

We went to this cutie cute ice cream shop for dessert.

Love you girls so much!

Snowbird

My weekend in Utah started with a perfect ski day with Hill at Snowbird. It was AWESoME!!! I miss those beautiful mountains!

Valentines

Lovely roses from M. I still can't figure out how he got them to appear on Sunday morning.

Sweet notes left on our door from Nate and Sam.

For M, because I love him.

tied

Was glad I caught this moment awhile ago...

Almost over the hill

Matt turned 39 this year. His cake is pretty much a fire hazard now, taking much energy and skill to light. We had some friends out for sledding and lunch. It was a good thing that Nate and Brian took pictures because I somehow ruined the ones I took. I'll post the sledding pictures later.

Happy Birthday Matt! We all love you so much!