Happy Birthday Kara!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my wonderful wife a very Happy Birthday. I hope you are enjoying your special day. It is also her golden birthday so happy golden birthday as well.

Happy Birthday Sweetie

Love Nick

Sore and tired, but still had fun.

With the house being done we decided it was about time to have Kara’s family over. We started out the afternoon with a 16 mile bike ride (and this was after Kara and Nick had taken the dogs for a 4+ mile walk trying to tire them out) in the downtown area starting at Grey’s Lake. For the most part the scenery was beautiful and it was hard to imagine that only a few months ago it was all under water. After the bike ride we headed to the house for grilling out, homebrews and s’mores by the fire. Of course the kids had milk and lemonade verses homebrews- they are a little young for that although Uncle Nick told Alex that when he got older he would teach him how to homebrew (Alex is 3 ½ right now so it will be a while). Anyway, the kids had a great time around the fire and Natalie thought s’mores were great (Alex did as well!) We hope the sugar high didn't last too long after they got home.

The day was a lot of fun, but Kara is pretty sore and definitely tired after a full day with lots of go-go-go. Who would have thought that going to work was the break in the week!

Here are some pictures of the busy day.

Mom and Dad taking a

break and enjoying

the view of the river

in downtown Des Moines.

Megan must not be too

tired from the ride, she still has

energy to make silly poses.

We are not sure about Mike.

Everyone gathered

around the fire.






Natalie found Grandma,

AND s'mores!

After Grandma's s'more

was done Nati moved on

to Uncle Nick! Alex was a fan

of the 'special treats' as well.

Spare Bedroom #1: AKA The Dog's Room

After

It is amazing how we have a 4 bedroom house and all the rooms are fully occupied- we don't even have any kids! The bedroom below used to be known as the 'red room' for the imfamous red carpet. It is now known as the dog's room since it is where they spend their free time when we are not home. In addition, it is used as the computer room, Kara's closet and random overflow (which we tend to have a lot of around the house at this point.) All this room needed was some new blinds (and still needs curtains), new carpet and a new coat of paint. By far one of the easiest rooms to remodel in the house.