Starting a playhouse for Christmas

We wanted Hailey and Evan to have a playhouse for Christmas so Steve and his Dad started to build it while Steve has time in between jobs.

Steve was more than glad to have his Dad help him.

 

 

These types of projects always take longer than you think; another reason to start early.

 

Steve came up with the design and really wanted a tower with a steep roof.
 

Steve is particular about what he wants. He insisted on stained wood floors.

Poor Hailey caught a nasty stomach bug from Church and was sick and feeling horrible.

We made a couple of trips up to Steve's parents' house. It helps that his dad has all sort of tools and saws that we don't own.

Hailey has lots of small figurines and fairies that will soon reside in this mansion. I specifically wanted a house that had smaller rooms and did not want a Barbie doll house. Despite the fact that most kids her age already have Barbie dolls, I just don't want her to have any this young.

 

We are going to get some "Calico Critters" to put in our house. Hailey loves animals so this is perfect. For some reason not only do the Calico Critters animals seem more innocent, but I am convinced Barbie will teach Hailey to play hookie.

Hailey is obsessed with cats, so she will most likely get a cat family, but with so many rooms they can have friends who are porcupines, squirrels, rabbits, mice or many other animals.

Even Hailey put her two cents in.

This is Steve at 2:00 in the morning busy painting.

 

 

Steve is going to cut out wooden window frames with panes to go around all the windows, and wooden shutters for the outside windows.

When we finally get this home we are going to have to hide it in the garage for a few months until Santa comes.

 My guess is the little LEGO men are going to have to fight to get a spot in the tower.

Funniest thing ever.  If looks could kill..... that would be when Steve told his Dad he had crown molding for ALL the rooms that needed to be cut!

This is just the beginning. Steve hasn't cut the decorative dormer windows for the taller roof yet.  There is still a lot of painting to do, and molding to glue in, but it's looking pretty awesome for only 2 days work so far.

 

Oh, I wish I could put him in a jar and keep him this age forever.

Evan fell asleep sitting in his Bumbo.  So sleepy!

 

Steve is much more comfortable than that Bumbo.

We have been playing Small World and Dominion lately.  It's been a while since we've had friends over to play with but, ah well, someone will take us up on it sometime.  In the meantime we'll occasionally break out the games for just the 2 of us.

He likes the little mirror on top of the swing.

Evan's Blessing

With Evan dressed-up in his blessing outfit and Hailey with her matching white dress it was time to head off to Church for Evan's blessing.

The proud father with his special little guy.

Back at the Ashcraft's it was sweltering hot. Hailey had to take a lemonade break but Daddy insisted on one more picture before we could change.

Evan was so good today.

It was nice to have the McClellans and the Cammaratas here for the blessing.

Hailey wanted to join Bri at the piano... and play with her feet.



New Hats

Hailey loves to wear dresses. She takes one out of her closet and tries to put it on herself before coming out and telling us "I'm pretty."

We told her she could pick out a treat at the dollar store. She wanted a hat.

And Evan got one too (Hailey's a little jealous of his hat).

When Hailey wants to hold Evan she puts her hands out and says "here."

Evan gets hugs and kisses all the time from his sister. He's a good sport about it.



First Pony Ride

Hailey was so excited for her first pony ride. 

Pony Rides

"Hailey, do you want to ride the horsie?"

"Sure!"

We took Hailey to Griffith Park for her first pony ride.

She was so excited she could hardly contain herself.

Trying to make friends on the horse trail.

The first horse got a little excited and started trotting down the trail pretty fast before someone stopped him. Hailey did really well, though I think that caught her off guard. The rest of her 3 pony rides were all at a walking pace.

From the pony rides we went over to the Equestrian Center to visit the big horsies.

Hey horse, how's it going there?

 Hailey was so excited to see the horses. She thought they were her friends.

She was pretty upset when we left and threw herself on the grass.

But how can you stay upset when we have such a cute baby in overalls?

 This was a good spot for a picnic lunch before we headed home.

So nice and relaxing in the shade (and so hot out in the sun).

Out and About

 The coolest cow hat ever. (She made this in nursery last Sunday.)

 Evan wishes he could have a cow hat.

 On an outing on our way  to visit a fancy dollhouse store.

Steve recently gave blood and in return they gave him a free coupon for ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Hailey made it home with her favorite thing, a cone with sprinkles.

Kenneth Hahn

It was time to get Hailey out of the house and let her run around and play outside.

We headed out to nearby Kenneth Hahn Park. It has a stream and waterfalls, rocks and trees.

Hailey ran around, jumping and climbing all over the rocks.

Surveying the land.

She had such a great time.

This Parks and Recreations truck pulled up and the ducks climbed out and waddled over there. They knew he had food.

Hailey got to help feed the ducks.

It was nice and relaxing next to the stream.

Steven took Hailey all around the park to play.

The leaves on these trees are so pretty.

The babbling stream.

Evan had a great time. We held him and he napped pretty much the whole time.

Hailey also got to play on one of the playgrounds.

Evan just loves being held.

Aw, so nice sitting with Mama on the bridge.

The water makes the park feel realy tranquil.

Poke it with a stick!

Daddy and Evan took a nap together on the grass.