Finished Basement!

We decided at the beginning of the year that we were ready to look into getting our basement finished. We decided to go with Kevin, who comes highly recommended as he has completed a handful of basements in our neighborhood and knew he did quality work. We worked with Kevin and Andy's parents to come up with the layout of everything. We decided we wanted a big open space, bar area, workout room, guest bedroom, and a bathroom. And, left over space for storage. We also decided to move our laundry room downstairs and make our laundry room in to a true mudroom. Construction started at the end of April and they were done in less than 8 weeks - pretty impressive. Everything went according to plan and we are very pleased with the end result. Now we are getting settled and have our first guest staying down there in a few weeks. My brother, Greg, is heading to Sturgis for work and is able to do a layover with us for one night on his way out. Then, Andy's parents are here in mid-August and my parents will be visiting over Labor Day.



New play area


More play area

TV area

Bar area

Workout room

Splash!

Avery and Ryan love splashing in the tub, so we got them a splash table for outside to enjoy this summer. We gave it a try the first night before bed time, so we didn't bother with swimsuits. They had a blast and got soaked! Later that weekend, we used swimming suits and it even started sprinkling while we were playing outside and they didn't even notice!



Splashing away!

Soaking wet

Ryan saying hi! to Raleigh

Mommy and Avery

Playing nicely together

Fighting over Elmo

Happy Ryan

Meyer Birthdays!!

On Saturday, we went up to Broomfield to celebrate Annabelle and GG's birthdays. Annabelle turned 3 at the end of June and GG turns 2 at the end of July. Our kids were a little young to enjoy the bouncy house, but they enjoyed everything else. It was nice to see the Meyers and Carlsons twice in one week.



Daddy pushing Avery and Ryan on the swings















Ben taking a break with his daddy

Jack with his new haircut - so handsome!

Ryan

Avery

Ryan and Avery racing up the slides - they were so proud to make it to the top!

Annabelle and GG blowing out their candles

Avery and Daddy

Avery and Ryan enjoying their favors from the party by playing peek a boo with the boxes

Miscellaneous Videos

Checking out the guest bedroom in the finished basement (June 23)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkHamyxPcv8

Dinner time - making lots of noise (May 23)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ustKmZuabNI

Brushing teeth - love our new monogramed bath towels from Taiten and Greyson (May 20)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEPuF03HPMU

17 months

Avery and Ryan are 17 months today!! They are playing with each other more and more every day and seem to make up games and laugh hysterically at each other. Avery had this deep belly laugh and can't stop once she gets going!

The words they know best are:
Elmo (scary how fast they learn that one!)
Ball
Milk
More
Car
Baby
Dog
Goal (tribute to the World Cup)
Cookie
Cheese
Mommy
Daddy

They continue to learn body parts and animal sounds. I think Chicken or Duck may be their current favorite. They still take two naps a day. And, still have very good appetites!


Avery playing the National balls from her grandparents.



















Ryan signing "more" even though he has a mouthful and plenty on his tray. He does love the grilled cheese!















Avery asking for more as well


Playing Peek a boo

4th of July Weekend

Andy and I were so excited for the long weekend that we were able to get started early by meeting on the golf course to squeeze in 18 holes on Friday afternoon. We both played pretty well.


Saturday, we headed to Cherry Creek in the morning and started at Jack and Jill's for a much needed haircut for Ryan. He loved the fire truck.

After the haircut, we walked around the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and went into a few furniture stores to cool off and look around. Saturday night, we had dinner at Wahoo's and were able to sit out on the patio. Avery enjoyed dancing to the music and they loved their quesadilla.

We had a low key July 4th and had the Angeliers over for a BBQ. It was storming outside, so Andy grilled under an umbrella and we ate inside. The kids had fun playing with Natalie. She loved playing with all the toys. And, Avery and Ryan enjoyed their cupcakes.

Monday morning, we headed to the zoo. It was a beautiful morning to walk around.

Monday afternoon, we had the Carlsons and Meyers over to BBQ. The weather was much better than July 4th! Our camera died at the zoo and forgot to charge when we got home, so I "borrowed" the below pictures from Jennifer (thanks!).

Jack, Ben, Annabelle, and GG got to try out our new table and chairs. Can't wait until Avery and Ryan get to use it!

Ryan doing his crab walk, it is pretty amusing.

BJ and Kevin entertaining the kids with bubbles!

Kelly rationing the bubbles (love the matches outfits!)

Double Trouble

Grams bought these outfits at Thanksgiving and they are just adorable in them. Looking forward to our next trip to the beach! Avery and Ryan are playing with each other more and more and just have a blast together. So fun to watch!






Getting close up to the camera



















Ryan is fascinated by Raleigh











Avery wearing Daddy's hat





















Giving daddy his hat back















Ryan wanting to try it on








Double trouble










Avery walking her doggy









Playing hide and seek