Faster than a speeding bullet...

We're in the thick of the superhero phase over here. Griff quickly shifts between SuperGriff, Batboy, Spiderboy, and Fireboy. Since Diego is emulating Griffin in just about every way, Diego is completely fascinated, as well. The first song he learned to sing was "nananana Batman!" Which is kind of funny because neither of them has watched Batman. 

We recently took a family hike at Lair of the Bear. It's a very family friendly trail with lots of trees for shade, and mini-trails for exploring. It was the first time that Diego hiked and he loved the freedom. They've both had major changes recently...including Griffin starting to draw people. 

I love these beginning people drawings! Little treasures...

A Little Facelift.

The last task that we were rushing to do...that had to be checked off the list...was painting the exterior. Paint was peeling off the trim and we couldn't stand the colors. We really were itching to get it done. Like many of our changes, we went back and forth in our decision-making. We talked about painting the brick, not painting the brick, dark trim, light trim. When it comes down to it, you just have to go for it. We're pretty excited about the changes! Take a gander...

Before:

Paint selection...

After: 

Oh, and we're getting rid of the spherical light, don't worry!

Our New Home!

We spent a couple months standing on the verge of deciding. One day we'd be sure we weren't making it to closing, doubting that this could be our house. The next we'd be so fired up--the house was ours and we'd totally live in it. It's been a whirlwind and we've been in a bit of a haze, but we feel like we're finally coming through to the other side. Not only did we make it to closing, but we survived ten days of insane renovations and the following days of more work, projects, and shopping...lots of shopping.

We've had serious parental assistance working our way through our projects. And, it's really starting to look like a home. I keep saying, "This is my favorite room." Each time we finish a project, I change my mind. Yesterday, the coat closet, so organized, was my favorite. For just a minute. But, really, I think the master bedroom is at the top of my list. So, without further ado...

Before:

Master bedroom ceiling. (The room was just brown and plain, other than the ceiling!)

After:

Before:

After:

My parents worked like maniacs while they were here. I can't believe how different the place looks because of their hard work. And, they still took us out to dinner. How great are they?! 

Building up some closets.

Griff's first time fishing.

My mom and Jose working hard in the yard.

 Dinner out at Delizios on Main Street.

Nest.

 So we bought this house...

It was a foreclosure. It needed a lot of work. And, our underwriter (I think) generously gave us ten days to do a month's worth of work...at least. Now that we're nine days in, it seems possible, likely even, that it will all get done. And, we are just so excited to live here.

Work so far:

Before...

After...

Before...

After...the dragons and pegasus are gone as of today. Photos to come!

The boys are already loving the backyard. Whenever we're there to check on progress or get some work done, they don't want to leave. I literally drag Griff back to the apartment.

And, I have to say, we would not be nearly this far with Jose, Joe and Georgia spending the entire Memorial Day weekend at the house working like crazy. While the boys and I missed having the family time, I am just so grateful for the hard work.

To Be Outside...

3 and 1.5

There's something about 18 months that is blissful, but also tricky. The words that are thought, but can't be spoken yet. The excitement that is palpable and looks like running, climbing, and wiggling feet. Some days are so joyful and others are, well, just long. But, oh, it's amazing to watch Diego learn and understand so many new things--so many things from Griffin--like wrestling and book love and playground playing.

And, Griffin. He is so three. Explorer. Cuddler. Feisty Superhero. The emotions and passions are so strong. He can talk about rockets for hours. He can also break into tears at the drop of a hat. But, if we're outside, life is better...so much better.

This intensity is what I see from Griff most of the time. He's so focused and thoughtful.

Diego is sure he can do whatever Griff can.

On the run...always on the run.