The Kindergarten Graduate!!!

Our little Norah Jane is officially a Kindergarten Graduate

and will a BIG 1st Grader in the Fall!!!

Time has flown by with her and we couldn't be prouder!!!

CONGRATS NORAH!!!

- - WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH - -

She made these adorable pics for her

teachers.... she is so cute!!!

**Congrats**

- - The little graduate - -

Norah received the award for

"Best Storyteller".

Her teachers commented how she

is always telling or writing stories!

**SO PROUD OF HER**

*WOW*, I can't believe she is a 1st Grader already!

We are SO incredibly lucky to have such

a wonderful Nani!!! She came all the way

from Wisconsin for the little continuation

ceremony.... Thanks Nani!!!!

- - WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH - -

*The proud parents with the Graduate*

Sisters, Sisters....

I feel so lucky to have 2 daughters who are the best of friends....

I really don't know what they would do without each other!!!

These pictures completely reflect how they play together....

It just completely melts my heart how well they take care of one another....

Don't get me wrong.... they absolutely love their little brother too,

but they have a very special special bond.

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost"

-Marion Garretty-

Basement Update #2

Definitely seeing some progress on the basement project....

3 rooms are almost completely framed!

- - - It looks SO different already - - -

A HUGE Undertaking - - - -

So..... we have officially started the finishing of our basement!!!!

It's an enormous undertaking, but we are super excited about the possibilities. Since we moved in 3 years ago, we have been discussing options and exploring what we really want to put into this space. After lots of consideration and thought, we have an awesome floor plan that includes almost everything that we have talked about. Because our house is a ranch, our basement has a ton of square footage. Our floor plan includes a guest suite, 2 additional bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a sitting area, a playroom, a great room, a wet bar, a work-out room, and plenty of storage. This will probably take a year or two to complete, but it's so exciting now that construction has begun.

Our first step was to get everything organized and clean!!! I spent a TON of time this week moving boxes, cleaning, and creating a nice little work space for John to tackle.... John is attempting to do much of the framework himself with a buddy from work. We will hire out for drywall, electrician work, plumbing, etc... With all of the guys on John's fire crew, we have almost everything covered. My brother may even come out to do some electrician type stuff!

I will update with pictures of our basement adventures to show everyone our progress.....

Whoo-hoo!!!

**Initial framing of the guest suite**

(aka: nani's room)

Happy Mother's Day, 2010

Before you were conceived, I wanted you.

Before you were born, I loved you.

When you were born,

I saw your face and knew I was in love.

Before you were an hour old,

I knew I would die for you.

To this day I will.......

- - - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY - - -

We had such a wonderful Mother's Day. John and the kids let me sleep in a little bit. The kids showered me with the most adorable homemade gifts and John gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers! We all got ready, took pictures, and headed downtown for brunch at the Brown Palace. It is so fun being downtown and the food was delicious. We took a little afternoon family bike ride all together.

It was a great day,

I am so lucky to have such an awesome family!