Thursday, May 24, 2012

Daytona Beach

This past week we spent in Daytona Beach, Florida.  It was the first airplane trip for both girls.  For the past few months Nora has been talking about airplanes, pools, and the big sandbox(beach)!  The full group consisted of Heather's parents, the girls, and Heather and I.

It was definitely a different vacation than we are used to.  Even with all of Dale and Carol's help there wasn't much rest and relaxation going on!  But regardless of the difficulties it was well worth it and even if the girls don't remember it we will and we'll be showing them the photos. 

Nora and Anneli did great on the plane, we had nearby people telling us our kids are angels!  I think at the start of the flight they saw two young kids and figured, "great, this will be fun".  The cutest part of the flight was when Nora always insisted on holding both Heather and my hands during takeoffs and landings.  I learned that it is possible to change diapers in an airplane lavatory!

Below are a bunch of photos from the trip to show you the fun and excitement along the way!

Heather and the girls napping.

Nora at the beach, at this point she didn't want to go near the water unless being held.

Nor

An 8 foot alligator sand castle we built.

Nora riding the alligator.

Anneli getting ready for her first swim.

Grandpa Dale with Heather and Anneli, Nora and Grandma Carol in the background.

Anneli's first swim!

Nora and mom enjoying the pool at the rental house.

Giggly girls.

Grandma and Anneli snuggling.

Family photo in the pool.  I'm also wearing a rash guard and someone didn't do a fantastic job of spraying sunscreen on my back.

Nora mini golfing for the first time.  Most holes she just walked the ball to the cup and put it directly in, she got a lot of hole in ones.

Watching Grandpa putt.

Nora loved watching the lizards.

Nora was captivated by the waterfall and bridge.

She was covering her mouth in wonder at the waterfall.

This photo didn't turn out but I thought it was too neat not to post.

Nora checking out the baby alligators.

A four foot sea turtle sand castle we built the day before we left for home.

Nora finally warmed up to the ocean, she loved going in the big rollers with daddy, we would jump up right before the waves broke on top of us.  Her expression and smiles were priceless.

Nora and daddy posing at the ocean.

After an unsuccessful nap we did some more swimming in the pool.  Nora literally fell asleep in my arms while running her hands through the waterfall between the hot tub and the pool.  That was a priceless memory!

Grandpa enjoying sitting poolside.
It was a great trip that proved to us that it is possible to travel with two kids, 2 years and 3 months of age.  Not easy but possible!

House Building - Week Three

We spent the last week in Daytona Beach with our daughters and Heather's parents.  When we got back this is how far they were on framing.  They would have been further but the weather has slowed them down some.

East side of house.


Close up of east side and stairs into the basement.

East side yard.

Basement via stairs.

North side of basement, basement framed.

Basement and back side of garage stall.

Basement from west side.

Inside basement looking north.
  

Garage and main level of house.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

House Building - Week Two

The building continues.  Over the past few days they've poured the footings, poured the walls, and insulated and waterproofed.  Here are some photos to show the progress.

front garage footings

back and side footings

forms for walls

back footings

garage with poured and insulated walls

porch and front poured walls

looking down at front porch footings - about 6 to 8 feet down

garage floor and back walls

back wall to long garage stall

basement walls with drain tile

basement walls

front basement walls

front basement wall with drain tile and sump pump basket

sump pump basket in black, that is in the utility/storage room

basement west wall, that is the long garage stall

back yard

east side yard view

driveway, looking from the west

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

House Building - Week One

We are off on a new adventure!  We recently bought a lot in Dayton.  I guess we figured that our family is changing so we might as well change the rest of our living situation!  Wish us luck!
 
Here is the sold sign on our new lot.

Today they broke ground, this is a shot from the back yard.

This is looking from the North West towards the out lot.

Stay tuned as there will be more to follow!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sleepy Nora!

The other day I Nora dozed off part way through eating. I could see what was happening so I got her cleaned up right before she fell asleep. Fortunately I was able to catch her on video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN4Yst5O5QI

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Nora Giggles

Nora has begun to giggle in the last few weeks. Of course when she did we never had a camera around. Well, we finally caught her on video!




For a clearer video, view it on youTube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VIH2p3nnk4

Nora's Baptism

We haven't updated this blog in awhile do to the flurry of activity that a newborn brings. Nora has been a joy. She just recently was baptized on August 8th. See pictures below.