Last Hoorah

I think summer is over here in Austin. We might have a couple of more hot days, but the 100 degree weather is out of here. AMEN!

Put a brick on 'em!

I tell ya what. These kids are growing so fast. I can just imagine what my grocery cart is going to look like in the future. Porter and Abigail both have a good appetite. Never really a struggle to get them to eat. They aren't very picky eaters either. Abigail doesn't eat alot of meat but that's ok. Porter loves hot dogs, chips and salsa, broccoli and steak. Abigail loves macaroni and cheese, corn and pizza.

Abigail and Porter are really into acorns as of late. We always look for them on walks. Both Abigail and Porter still like to swing in the baby bucket swings at the park. I remember when I could fit both of them in the swing at the same time.

We are ready for fall here in Austin. It has been a brutal summer. Our break is around the corner.



Kids loaded up and ready to go to the park




(SCREEN SAVER ALERT!!!)
They must think I'm funny or something

All that's left is the headboard

I am still in the process of rejuvenating the furniture my parents had when I was growing up. It was fine for that era but I thought it needed a makeover. The honey color just wasn't doing it for me any longer.

Here is the highboy.



So far I have rejuv'd the end tables, highboy, lowboy and 7 drawer dresser. It has been easier than I thought. I did buy a Wagner power painter that really made the end result better than just a brush.

My technique:
Of course, remove hardware.
1. If you need to, lightly sand the piece with 350-400 grit. I did just for good measure.
2. KILZ the whole thing.
3. Let dry about an hour and you're ready to paint.
4. I used Behr Snowy Alpine for all the pieces. My husband said it made the room cheer-y.
5. In between coats that have dried AT LEAST 2 hours.........I sanded with 400 grit.
6. Add another coat and sand again.
At this point I am done.
Add your hardware back on or change it. I decided to keep the hardware it had. I like the way it looks with my decor.

My headboard is the last thing to rejuvenate. We have the headboard that Raymond and his wife have on Everybody Loves Raymond. Isn't that a hoot?


Dad and Porter watching videos on a rainy day

I'm thinking of an offbeat color. Maybe something in the pea green or yellow-green category. Something bohemian or Anthropology-ish. I dunno. I'll definitely do something to play up the little do-dad decorative thingy on it though. But I'll post it again on DIY Day.

Happy DIY'ing everyone. Thanks for droppin' in.

-Shannon in Austin ya'll

Best friends. Wombmates!

Our hike in Lago Vista Mountains

Well sorta. Nancy and Scott's property is on about 20 acres. We hiked it after dinner one night. It's a little bit of a hike through some rough terrain and some cedar. Was kinda fun. Hot summer night.

A pleasant surprise
We try to go walking in the mornings. One morning we were surprised to see the firetrucks being cleaned out. I've never seen this before. The kids had a great time. We got to see the trucks up close too.



Turning the corner



Lots of foam



Big spray arch





Turning the hose off





At the station





Abigail looking on



Bubby was ready to go to work with is Firetruck T. Put this boy to work.









We will be back. Free entertainment!

Me and my Daddy

Just a few pics of Porter and Carey hangin' out together. Porter loves his Dada.

Build-a-Bear Party

We attended Lilia's 1st Birthday Party a few weekends ago. We had never been to Build-a-Bear. The kids didn't quite know what to do, but we mustered through it. They each got a brown bear. The bears are really fluffy. They got to pick out a heart and even kiss it before they stuffed and sewed the bear up. Porter's bear's name is Brownie and Abigail's is named Princess Bear of course.




Uh oh. Someone's not happy



Porter looking on



Liesl in the yellow and her husband Tom on the right.



Big Brother Andrew. He's one of our favorite friends.



This lady was the leader of the party. She was so nice. She was very patient with each child and took her time. Here she is stuffing the bear.



Bubby hugging his bear before he is stuffed



Washing the bears



Abigail finally enjoying herself



The men lined up on the bench. The kids were all getting their pictures taken.



My Buddy



Taking rides on the escalator



Hot dogs and cake







Happy 1st Birthday Lilia!!!!!