Waiting for the Dark

Today was a banner day at the house. For the first time in more than a year and a half ... we have lights! We have been painting and re-wiring them for weeks, but the electricians put in the switches TODAY! So, we spent the afternoon adding light bulbs and anxiously awaiting the dark. These pictures don't do them justice, so you'll have to stop by sometime! Between the fixtures, Edison bulbs and dimmers ... it's really quite a sight!

Rainy Day

Making dinner on a beautiful stormy afternoon.

In other news, the electricians have begun putting in our outlets and switches and will soon be hanging our fixtures.  Let there be light! 

And, if you think about it, pray that our AC man will come back to finish the job, because it is getting hot, hot, hot over there!!

Best Surprise

I go on vacation with the kids, and this is what my amazing husband does while we're gone!  

And he managed to keep it a secret, so I was completely shocked....and delighted!! 

One of the best surprises I've had in years:)

Archaeologist

Did I mention that he's already found his vocational calling? He does this at the house for hours and has amassed quite a collection. We are hoping his "diamond mine" yields the real thing! 

More Evidence

A sweet juxtaposition found. More evidence of our life right now...and the beauty and adaptability of our kids in the midst. 

Maryland Move

This is why we came. I caught this moment between Kip an Avery, who is here playing while Gus is at school and Amy and I are working on the house. Hard to see, but Kip is giving Avery a push on the swings. So sweet!

Despite the craziness of the house, we are so glad the kids have this time with their cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. Just wish everyone from the Noll side was here, too!

So content

Some days I wonder why we have a basement full of toys that my kids are not playing with.  We brought a few of their favorite toys with us to my parents', but most of the things downstairs are saved from when my brothers and I lived and played here.  It was awesome for the first few months, but lately, the kids have seemed more interested in playing with things that are not technically toys or fussing with each other as a result of boredom.

Not today.

Gus the engineer set up an entire town of micro-machines, then provided play by play commentary that was yelled into the kitchen to me while I made dinner.

And my darling Kip dressed her baby doll, fed her dinner at the big table with us, then got her ready for bed and rocked her to sleep.

 

Life is sweet tonight.

Pitching In!

In addition to working hard to be content and entertain themselves while we are at the farmhouse working, the kids are starting to pitch in. Kip spent some time painting yesterday. Gus helped garden briefly...before returning to his archaeological dig. I swear that boy has already found his vocational calling at six years old!

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Ok. So we don't have a dog, but our old cats are learning more of what life will be like with a four year old girl in the house.  Kip is increasingly trying to pick them up and has recently been helping Mariko to accessorize!  The cats dont get much time to themselves or personal space when she is here and not otherwise engaged.  I have to say, though, that other than a scratch or bite here and there (which only briefly deters Kip), they are taking it all in stride. 

In other news, we had a good day at the house yesterday. Now that I've fixed my camera, I will try to take some pictures. 

Shazam!

Rockin' the Stove

This is the perfect time of year for this stove. Its so great to be outside at night in the spring, sitting next to it if things get too chilly.