We have embarked on the final frontier of our home improvement journey by finishing the basement. We kicked off the project by having Kevin and James (Kevin’s architect) come down for the weekend from Billings to walk the space and brainstorm ideas. During that weekend, we came up with a sketchup model (best 3D design tool ever) that we are working against. Below is a walkthrough of that model, which should be fairly close to where we end up with some minor changes.
Kevin has spent many weeks down here doing the framing, helping us select the subs and of course fine tuning the design. The wiring and plumbing is all done, the insulation has been blown (so the home theatre can be nice and loud without waking up the rest of the house), and the drywall is up and ready to be textured. At least now the dirty part of the job is done.
You may notice that we’re moving our office downstairs so we can set it up to exactly how we like to work. There is a lounge area in front of the wine room (despite my Dad’s warning that “you’ll never get through all that wine”), a service bar with a fridge and icemaker, a bathroom, space for our exercise machines, and a home theater.
This year Grammie and Papa decided to do an Advent calendar for the girls. This was always my favorite thing of the holiday – We would get the advent calendars that had chocolate pieces with the 25th being the big santa! Of course my parents took it to a whole new level …
Each day (first thing out of bed) Elsie picks a note that gives her a clue about her daily present
Here are a few examples:
What can make your lips so shiny? [lipgloss in a hello kitty phone]
Soak me in wter and see what happens. [dinosaur egg - which hatched in 48 hours and then soaked for another 24 - a very good lesson in patience]
What is a wonderful toy for girls and boys (its like a spring) ** [Slinky]
Its looking like we won’t have a white Christmas this year – but a few weeks back we had a big dump of the white stuff and Elsie headed out to make a snow man (with Mark’s help of course)
here is the snow blob or snow tower maybe?
Turns out Elsie was more into Eating snow than building anyway.
more England to come … but first Halloween. For the past 2 years I have been making Elsie’s costumes – her first year she was a black widow, and last year she was a chick.
this year she wanted to be a pig (sticking with the animal theme) and as I started to think about costumes – heather pointed me to a premade cutie. Mark pretty much pulled the trigger on ordering so he didn’t have to help with the costume sewing …
We visited Andersen Farms for the Annual Ghouls Gathering
We took a hay ride and stopped to feed some bulls
Elsie was pumped for Trick or Treating – she started at Googleween for a bit of practice and quickly realized how easy it was to snag candy – she was off!
This year we did our trick or treating with Saffie and Jaeger.
Elsie with Min (nanny)
We hid the candy when she got home – although Mark first went through to collect all of his favs.
Mark’s godparents Jan and David live in Steeple Aston (Oxfordshire) in historical Cedar Lodge (once home to Novelist Iris Murdoch). We decided to head to Steeple Aston for a few days of relaxation before the wedding storm. Jan and David are amazing hosts – and fabulous cooks! We arrived just in time to help make some fresh scones …
After scones it was out to feed Kissy the horse …
Jan and David live on 5 acres of true English garden all years of hard work.
Elsie picking a pear with Jan
Elsie was instantly attached to David, who spent much time touring elsie around the gardens and playing games in the house – she was hooked!
We had a beer at the local pub followed by another delicious dinner. Our rest was coming to an end.
David realizing we had two true Sladden’s with us (who are notoriously late) helped us get on the road on schedule and we were off to Dorset.
In October (yes, I realize its december … where has the time gone?) we all headed to the UK to celebrate Michael and Alison’s wedding. The crew included my parents, and Josh, Amy, and Saffie. To get ready for the Trip Elsie got her UK citizenship and entered England as a true Brit! Our initial plans of flying direct from Denver to Heathrow were foiled by United – luckily we happened upon the itinerary that now had an asterisk with a note that said schedule change. Our direct flight would now have a stop in Chicago (Boo!) and our 2 year old daughter (on a miles ticket) would no longer be sitting with us. We couldn’t decide if we should cheer – or actually call and get the seat changed. We opted for the latter out of the kindness of our hearts – no one wants a parent-less 2 year old next to them on a red eye.
The flight was uneventful and we landed in London prepared for a few days of sightseeing. It wouldn’t be a visit to the UK without pouring rain … so we decided to go with it.
The girls did a great job holding their own umbrella’s and staying dry in Papa’s dry cleaning bag.
After a short walk (well isn’t wasn’t short – turns out Mark and Josh may have Stanford Educations but that doesn’t help you navigate London streets to the nearest Tube station) we finally made it to the tube – the girls were fascinated by the tunnels and signage – I can already feel a budding graphic designer on our hand.
The rain was much lighter by the time we hit Piccadilly Circus and we decided our best chance at seeing all of the London sights with toddlers was the Double decker tour bus.
The tour was awesome – it was a great way to get history and see everything in a short amount of time. We were able to jump off the bus and head to a local pub to have traditional english lunch – Beer!, meat pies …
And Toad in a Hole (sausages wrapped in dough with gravy)
Elsie enjoyed the steamed carrots
After lunch the girls were desperate for naps – fortunately for us we had both a Grammie and a Papa. We finished our tour on the top level of the double decker bus with both girls cuddled and sleeping.
After our day of touring we headed over to Glynn and Cindy’s for a fabulous home cooked dinner. Elsie instantly knew who she needed to sweet talk to get her way …her Uncle Glynn.
Our first day in London was filled with activities. Mark and I were headed to Steeple Aston and my parents and Josh and Amy were planning another day in London sightseeing …
South Hampton Beach take 2 … this day the beach was fabulous, but the waves were much too strong for a swim (hurricane approaching) so we mostly ran from the waves
Mark and Scott decided to make the ultimate sandcastle which was perfect for the destructors …
Our last night in New York we took a ferry over to Connecticut to see Scott and Julie’s renovations and stay at Mart and Lew’s house (which had a pool!).
After some daddy swim time the kids moved on to the best game – SPLASH!
Niko and Elsie would kick their legs and make a big splash …
mark and scott would SPLASH
Kids squeal …
and repeat!
We ended our stay with dinner from Pepe’s pizza – MMMM. We love this trip with the Johnstons – especially with Elsie and Niko being partners in crime. We have a few years before we really have to worry about the two.
We couldn’t decide if we should cheer – or actually call and get the seat changed. We opted for the latter out of the kindness of our hearts – no one wants a parent-less 2 year old next to them on a red eye.
