Hands Full - Taking a Break

"Hands Full" will return next week when I can give it my full attention.  Not to worry, my hands are still very full.  And busy. 

 This is Mark's last week home before starting a new job with the University of WA.  Time flies when you are having fun and we still have much to do.

This is what the yard looked like last week.

This is what we've been doing this week.

Creating an outdoor family room.  It's a work in progress but one that can be and is enjoyed at every stage.

Mark added on to his "Man's Room" outside and as a result, had to add on a new woodshed.  He's finishing the roofing currently.

No roofing didn't keep kids off it however.  This is going to be our new upstairs fire escape.

Kaysha enjoying the new family area.

Bunny likes it too!  We brought the gravel in today and I'll have you know that Daniel showed up to help shovel it without even being asked.  Now that's progress!

Are you done yet?

Alternate view.

Max is not terribly enthusiastic.

My neighbors keep coming over to look and say how nice things look.  For the last few years, the yard has looked like our lives have felt.  Horrible.  

Well, not anymore.

Next year we plan to have the fence in this area planted with climbing plants in order to have a pretty privacy shield. The rest of the yard with wood fencing as money allows.  We got it started last week.

We were not able to take an RV trip this year so we brought one of the things we love about it home, an outdoor fire pit.  We never tire of sitting by the fire at night.

No lack of kid entertainment here.  The circle swing is always a favorite but Mark just added the trapeze as well. 

The kids found out they have no stomach muscles at all.

On the roof.

Isn't Bunny beautiful?

We all know what Anna wants for Christmas!  Yikes!

Marcus on the circle swing.  This was Samuel's favorite swing.  I love it too.

Bushalee keeps watch.

The dogs love hanging out in the new family room.

Fang girl.

Max joins the party.  He loves all the little dogs and they all play really cute together.

Just need a few more chairs.

Here is a picture of no self control.  Mark and I go in for a minute and the next thing that happens is everyone is in the pool.

Sibling love at it's finest.

I see an evening fire in their future.

Here's Diego, aka Tubby, who is now over 15 pounds.

Look at how big he is.

He likes the pool too.

Outdoor family room, a good idea indeed!