Ins and Outs

Another busy week around here as we start to contemplate some sort of normal schedule. We enjoyed a day at a friend's lake house while Reina and Liam went to their first movie in a theater...Ice Age 3 I believe with Gina-mom, Katie and Austin. Bill began his job officially, started moving into his new office and working a couple of shifts. My sister-in-law, Jen, gave her PhD defense...many rats lost their lives for the advancement of science, her study was on reducing the side effects of medications given to treat Parkinson's disease. Starting Monday, she'll be a 3rd year med student again, Dr. Student-Doctor. Congratulations Uncle Jen! My parents came down to witness that and to spend some non-structured time with the grandkids.

Reina loves being outside these days and our yard offers her seemingly limitless exploration. She is enjoying our hand-me down hammock courtesy of Nana and P-Ga and has discovered some very bouncy pine tree boughs that make a great horsey-ride. Jedi and Hermes also are loving our finally finished fenced yard. Chasing birds, squirrels and chipmunks. I can't be certain, but I believe they are also working on controlling our mole infestation as well.

Bill and I both are working to make the new/old house our own. I am by moving furniture around and organizing shelves, Bill, by purchasing "on sale" obscenely large televisions and untold amounts of internet equipment. Whatever it takes to feel at home...


All right, as promised, a few inside photos. Granted many of you have seen the inside or even grew up here! Please take into account the some of the clutter is a work in progress and not nearly enough pictures or window treatments are up. You'll get the general idea, however. We are learning the quirks and how to love them, finding our favorite spots to sit with a cup of tea, and trying to figure out where to stash all the toys.

happy little dude

Celebrating Jen's PhD (while she was defending it to her panel of advisers). She got to party later.

How cool a kid do you have to be to get your own personal helicopter tour?

Reina wanted to take the inside photos herself. Quite possibly the weirdest picture of me ever. No hips or torso. Is this how my kid sees me? If so, it could explain the strange looks she sometimes shoots my way.

So proud in her new blue room. New rug, my old bed. I did not tell her to pose that way.

Built-in bookshelves in Liam's room, aka former and future office.

Master bedroom. Needs a little something. A new 42 inch flat screen tv? Not quite what I had in mind...

Front hall staircase

Family Room, that particular enormous tv we already owned.

Dining Room with a fireplace!

Love our kitchen, you can only see half of it from this angle.

Bill and my Dad changing a light bulb. Oh the joys of ownership...oh wait, we still don't own it. That's another story, hopefully with a happy ending soon.

Reina and P-Ga swinging from the trees.