Every Boy Dreams of Swinging a Hammer at a Wall

So after about a year of hand wringing, architectural and engineering work, and pacifying the obstructionists at City Hall, we have begun the remodel. In short, we are:

• Converting our old office, laundry, mudroom, and full bath off our kitchen into a larger laundry room, mudroom, 1/2 bath, and pantry.
• Opening up the kitchen and putting in a big island (or continent as the architect says) (I don't recall the exact moment the kitchen became part of this, but I am sure Jamie used some Jedi mind trick on me.
• Converting the oversized media room into a guest suite (and taking about 150 feet of adjacent attic space for a sitting room.
• Adding a back stair case to (1) allow the kids another option for sneaking out at night, preventing death from fire to our shuffling parents, and to prevent the inevitable stalemate at the existing stairs during our nerf battles. 
• Converting our formal dining room into a homework room/Jamie office
• Adding Matt's inner sanctuary above the new homework room.
• Installing a trolley joist system on the ceiling of the garage (hey, we have to add a new beam to support the existing one; might as well do something manly with it.
• Most likely rebuilding the entire house after I say "close enough" while doing the electrical work.

Brooke's "Selfies"

Brooke went through a phase where she came up to me several times a day and asked me to take her picture.  Here is a sampling:

Thanksgiving and Christmas 2014

Claire's preschool had a Thanksgiving dinner and program at school.  It was the cutest ever.

At IHOP, after the kid's did a big program at school.  Just as we arrived,  Matt's boss called and told him he'd made partner.  We were giddy (except for Claire, who just wanted to suck her fingers).

We had a few families over for Thanksgiving dinner.  Abby and her friend Liv made the name cards for the table.

Grandma Joan and Grandpa Stu came to town!  We had fun visiting -- including going to this hotel to see Christmas decorations and a giant train set.  My favorite part about this picture is how the Longhorn is framed in, like it's a part of the family.

Claire at preschool!  She has been enjoying it this year.  Notice her "You're taking my picture at preschool!!" face. 

I love little girls:

A shot of the Meyerson Symphony Center just before our Christmas concert.  I have loved playing the harp with the Millenial Orchestra & Choir!

Brooke and I went on a date to see the Nutcracker.  She loved it!  Her sixth grade buddy was even in the performance (not pictured).  

Nate made up this Lego nativity scene.  I LOVE it!

Claire's Christmas program at school -- lots of songs, games, and a pinata!  She was a bit shy about hitting the pinata.

Jake's Christmas party at school:

My parents came for Christmas and one of our activities was attending a German Christmas Market in Arlington.  It smelled like a German Christmas Market (roasted, candied nuts), and had some nutcrackers, but it fell way short of the real thing.  Even so, we enjoyed it!

Christmas morning.  

Misc. Fall 2014

We had a fun filled fall.  It started with an adults only get together for Brett and Jenn's 40th birthday celebration.  We went to .......  Dallas.  We rented a house near SMU campus.  We had such a blast!  Highlights included walking the Arboretum, the George Bush Presidential Library, and taking walks around the Highland Park neighborhood (home to old, unique, and expensive houses with lots of big trees!).  There was a lot of this:  (eating)

...this:  (laughing and/or being obnoxious)...

...and this (addicted to our iPads).

We love Brett and Jenn!

 Claire's first day of preschool.  She chose her socks:

Brooke, just because she's cute: 

Claire and I visited Matt at work one day, spur of the moment.  He was mortified that she was only wearing a leotard with her underwear hanging out.  I guess some things don't phase me anymore.

Abby went on her 5th grade trip to Sky Ranch.  She had an absolute blast!!   

Kid drawings, just because they are hilarious:

Brooke getting up close and personal with our skeleton: (creepy)

Brooke's field trip to the pumpkin patch:

In case you're seeing what I'm seeing, look more closely, Brooke is holding up two fingers, not one.

My friend Liz and I went to New York again this year and ate this:  Frozen hot chocolate.  Besides the excellent company, the food is obviously a highlight for me!!

Nate's birthday party - I guess this is the only shot I got.  They went bowling and played laser tag.  Always a hit with these boys!

 

We love our Boy Scout!  We just hope he starts loving it a little more.

Halloween.  Grandma Toni helped Abby make this Elsa dress for Claire.  Both little girls can wear it and they love it.  It turned out beautifully.

Claire picked a different Halloween costume for her preschool party:

Jake's football team, the Sabercats:

Painted our cabinets white...best decision ever:

Nate's purchase at the book fair:  ????