Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Penultimate Reveal of the Third Floor

Welcome to the Third Floor Master Suite! We have it almost 100% done-- we are still in need of the new windows in the front and back of the house and we need the sconces above the bathroom mirrors. Both sets of missing pieces are either en route or about to be.

We have slept up there for about a week now and it is lovely, though a *bit* hot when the temperatures outside are ridiculous, like now (105ยบ F today!) We have most of the furniture in that we want. There might be one more dresser/table and a really comfortable reading chair to obtain at some point. We need to think about window coverings, especially in the bathroom.

With the a huge number of guests over the 4th of July weekend, Will and I were blissfully unaware of the crying babies or wake ups in the middle of night while up in our hide-away.

We have a need for some window seat cushions, but we have moved in plants!

Here is our lovely king bed and new linens. The mattress is really quite comfortable and we are losing each other in the spaciousness of the bed. I can finally sleep through the night!

We are also in need of some decorations on the wall and we have a special Sylvia request. She doesn't know it yet, but we would like her to make a silver mobile to hang in the peak of the ceiling. We have taken a poll, and we all agree that would be quite nice to have.

The towels in the bathroom look quite nice with the cream and lava color tiles. The shower is amazing. We are getting used to not having our toes underneath the sinks.

Our dual-flush square toilet with a surprise bonus of a soft-close lid (no more slamming of the toilet seat in the night!) is quite something. And it is not as bizarre as I thought it would be to sit on a square loo.

We went to the Container Store and contained our clothes. We managed to fit *all* of our clothes into the space. We still need to sort out the shoe closet (where the stained glass door is), however.
This is my corner-- I have to be careful not to hit my head on the angled roof. I have done it several times already. One day I will get used to it. I have a light back in there so I can see my clothes better. The mesh drawers are very fancy and they slide in and out with great ease. Plus they hold a lot!



Will and I are discovering items of clothing that we had forgotten about-- almost like going shopping but better because you already own it!

All in all, we lay in bed, gaze around at the transformation, and are in awe of the work that Big B and the Two Mikes did. It is something to behold and you really should come for a visit--after all, you have lived through the renovation via the blog. Best to come witness it in person! Especially since we have a whole floor of guest rooms waiting for guests. And you can be sure, that up in our enclave, we will not hear you at all.

Monday, July 5, 2010

The Great Escape

Caught in the act of escaping:



A quick and slick move (I am jealous of his flexibility!) underneath the fence! This was the second attempt to escape, captured on film. We got Brando in the front yard as he tried to make a break for the neighbor's porch. Cheeky monkey!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

4th of July

Brando wanted to see the sights in DC. He has never been to DC and knows that there is a lot to do, lots to see. And where did we decide to venture too? Why, a two block melty-hot walk to the National Cathedral and the Bishop's Garden. It was a gorgeous day, even if it was on the tab-bit hot & humid side.

We wandered through the gardens and enjoyed the beautiful flowers and trees, taking a moment to sit and take it all in.
Not to mention, a quick (though highly illegal) dip into the Bishop's coy pond. I am sure that the fish and the froggies were a bit surprised at their guest.

The cathedral is certainly beautiful and what a gorgeous sky! It is perfect weather for fireworks!

We had a bbq and friends stopped by, with the perfect present for Brando: another little boy who loves cars! Rex and Brando played with the trucks, cars, and garage before going outside to dig in the dirt.

Daddy Darren and Brando had fun playing (and drinking) and swinging (and drinking) and eating (and .... well, you get the idea).
After dinner, we waited to get dark and got up on our roof to watch the fireworks go off over the National Mall. It was a lovely night and we have a marvelous view of the pyrotechnics. It was a wonderful visit, but tomorrow, they have to get back on the road to head back to Kentucky.

Brando, upon hearing the news, doesn't want to leave:

He wants to stay here with Auntie Miriam and Uncle Willy. Can't say that I blame him-- we want him (and his parents) to stay too.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy Birthday, Erin!

Happy Birthday, Erin!
Hope your day is marvelous and full of fun!
We'll raise a glass (or 4) in your honor!

Happy Birthday, Caroline!

So happy we can celebrate with you in person!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Playground!

After dinner, we went to the playground with Brando and Stirling. We needed to get some ya-yas out.

But the best part of the playground, the front loader!

No, the blue car!

No, wait, the red car.

No, I got it! I got it! The see-saw!
Yeah, that's it. The best part of the playground, Caroline and I on the see-saw!

Invasion!

The Hausses & Taylors have invaded for the Fourth of July Weekend! It is Will's favorite holiday, don't you know! They caravan-drove from Kentucky through the night to arrive fresh as a daisy this morning!

This weekend is a big one 'round our family. Not only do we celebrate Independence Day, but lots of birthdays and anniversaries.

For example, we are celebrating a DECADE of marriage with Caroline and Darren! 10 years ago we were all in Sonoma, CA watching Daroline drink from the wine glasses of happiness (and then to watch the minister drain the rest of the glass!). Congrats to a wonderful couple! So thrilled to be able to celebrate with you two.

Not to mention it is also Caroline's 28th birthday! That is all the Chloe counted, so that is all the years that Caroline is counting too. She and Dad, whose bday it was a few days ago, got the same thing, but oh, what a thing!

See, Dad/Ronnnn/Grandaddy/Dado is already showing Brando how to use the bubbley water maker!

We all went for a walk to the restaurant to have a wonderful meal, with Caroline, Chloe, and Will taking the lead.
Brando is making his great escape!

And at the restaurant, Brando, aka The Godfather, makes sure that we are ready for the toast.


It is exciting to have everyone here! The house is full. The weather cooperating. And the company: delightful!