I can't even begin to write everything that's happened since the last time I posted, but I'll try.
Big thing: The move. The house next door became available on a Friday night, but then the carpet cleaners and painters had to finish, so it was the next Friday before any moving could happen. I only helped pack and unpack and didn't have to carry boxes across the yards, but it was still crazy.
Even Graysen made a few trips, but it stopped being fun after a couple of times.
I took almost no pictures during that time. I wonder why.
Here's Emily in her working clothes directing the (very pleasant) movers. They worked really hard along with Ryan and his dad, and got almost everything moved over in about 3 hours. Millie and I worked hard also keeping the children out of the way as much as possible and finding lost things.
This is a picture I took earlier of the paint color, which Ryan and Emily decided to change to a neutral color all over the house.
This is a before picture of what is now the playroom.
Ryan suggested (and still may) taking out that storage unit and putting up the closet doors, but I begged for him to postpone it because, believe it or not, all those toys have a home now with a few empty spaces. There is a drawer just for tutus and one for dress-up things. Lots of things are behind the doors up high (out of sight, out of mind) to come down when they get bored with other things.
The girls' bedroom before the prior owners moved.
Painted Proposal pink - without overhead lighting or bunk beds yet.
The new kitchen. All of us are having a hard time knowing where things are, but that will get easier. The pillow in front of the refrigerator is a mystery.
The pantry is quite nice also.
This is going to be the happiest place ever this spring and summer. There is a covered roof, cozy patio, and even a hot tub - which has already been used a lot by Emily, Ryan, and Graysen. There are two fairy gardens, one shown in this picture, and the girls and I are looking forward to working on it and adding some new fairies.
There is still a lot of work to be done, but the hardest part is over, and we're all enjoying the new spaces.
It was such a help and such a pleasure to have Ryan's parents here for a week. I felt a little more freedom since we could relieve each other when needed. Millie and I just see eye to eye on everything and work well together. I miss her company. I only took one picture while they were here. I hope she doesn't mind my sharing it. These girls love their Grandma and Grandpa.
On a cold rainy Monday morning, I had the privilege of being a center leader at Graysen's school. I loved every minute of it. I thought I managed my 4-at-a-time charges very well and helped them make a booklet of counting owls. Five wise owls sitting on the barn door. One flew away, and then there were 4 - and so on! Owl stickers and pre-K students equal fun. I couldn't compete with the clay owls at another center though - or dramatic play. I pretty much had to drag the boys away from that, but they were all really sweet.
Drawing an owl under the direction of Ms Tricia:
That spotted mound in the foreground is the doggie mascot Tater with his head resting in my lap.
The rest of the week, we enjoyed deluges of rain, all day, every day. We managed pretty well though with lots of time inside. I love to see the playroom vignettes at the end of the day.
For Emily's birthday, she and Ryan went out for a nice dinner in Seattle, and I babysat.
After baths:
I didn't notice until the next day that Katherine's left eye was swollen. The next morning, it was much puffier with some discharge and a worry for pinkeye.
So no school on Friday and a trip to the pediatrician. Such a precious patient. She allowed herself to be weighed (33 pounds) and prodded and listened to. No ear infection and no lung problems. It was definitely pinkeye and spreading to the other eye.
After a nice visit there, we headed to Target to buy a birthday gift, but she kept getting sleepier and sleepier - and made it almost home before succumbing to a nap.
Still holding her grape-flavored popsicle stick.
And her yummy lollipop.
Unfortunately, the nap lasted only about 10 minutes, and she was wide awake by the time Emily got her upstairs. Pleasant though, so she worked with her blocks until her sister got home.
And then the weekend. I had a very nice rainy Saturday to catch up on sleep and housework. It was much needed.
Today I'm working on taxes and more housework. Elise and I are also watching several episodes of "the Crown."
I think I can count on February being a little bit easier. It started out with a birthday for Alan and an upcoming one for Graysen. I think I can say that Graysen is a little more excited about hers than Alan, The first day of February, she started celebrating, and it will only increase until her party on the 10th. It's a joint bowling party with her friend Brooklyn who is 2 days younger, and so far they have 10 friends coming. Sounds like fun!
