Deck

Not so sure that pulling the front deck off the house was the best 'quick weekend plan' but after we pulled it off, we realized it was a good thing. Maybe a year into owning the home the front deck quickly got labeled a hazard for using as an entrance into our house. Lately I have felt we needed to put caution tape across the front. Although those who were not too familiar with our situation would quickly realize it was really unsecure and use our side door.

Whoever it was, and usually we blame the previous owner for all the mishaps, did not pull a permit or think about building the deck to use long term. Kelly pretty much pulled the deck out of the ground and off our house with not too much effort. These same folks did not seal the wood behind the deck with any type of house wrap so if you scroll down you can see what the deck's absense revealed. Rotten wood which leads right into the house. Oh for fun!

On the positive side we now know the situation and Kelly has already saved the day. We also have decided to put on a little bit bigger porch rather than a small one that had existed previously. We have removed the bushes (or we are in process) and hope to have the deck run the length of the house. Our view is decent so why not. And at the end of the day, we were lucky enough to have a rainbow. This made Brinnon's day...she's rather obsessed with rainbows and if she could, would certainly love to climb on one.

Random pics

Iowa 2009

The family took a road trip down to Iowa for a McLuen family reunion. Instead of returning back to Duluth with Kelly, Brinnon and I detoured to Osky, Iowa to visit Kate, Bill, Eva and Baby Sam Snellman. It just so happened Linsay, Issac and Jack were there too (they are our neighbors/Linsay and Kate sisters). It was a full house of people and the Snellmans were more than gracious to host us all. Brinnon quickly fell in love with Eva and they played so well together. She is quite the lady. We also met baby Sam. I've never met a baby so....well....perfect. His worst case scenario is a miniscule screech, if you could call it that, for a second to say I'm hungry. It's amazing really.

Eva and B in their suits B loved this bouncy chair...sorry Sam
Morning
Got it!

Earrings

Outdoor fun with Eva

Birthday Weekend

Grandma made me Strawberry Shortcake

Lil made me this bakers hat and apron to go with my new kitchen

Jess, this one's for you! :)

Holiday with Jessa

Jessa was visiting from Seattle and invited us to come stay at the cabin with her near Cass Lake. Mom and I made the three hour journey and boy was it well worth it. By the time we left I was begging to go to sleep. Jessa's dad laughed because he had never heard a one-year-old plea for a nap. Thanks Wubbels for an amazing time.

Learning the ropes from Cap'n Wubbels Yee Hah. I love this lake! Neenert!

My mom couldn't believe there were lady slippers on the property. What a sight to see!

Mom caught a fish and I loved holding it!

Yes there was even a full moon that night!

The next morning I was ready for another cruise!

This time Jessa let me drive. There were a few times I nearly lost my mom overboard. I haven't yet executed the wheel. My turns need a bit of help.

Falling asleep with Jess

Harvesting Chard

Picnic for Karen

Garden Girl

Lights Camera Action

Brinnon in action. I am pretty sure at one point she spots a flock of seagulls (not the band) in the sky and counts each bird. At the time I didn't know what she was saying but as of late she counts up to five... it sounds similar to what she says when she sees the birds.

Debbie

Debbie (Brinnon's doll named after one of our best friends) has suddenly become the highlight of B's day. She rocks her, pushes her all around in a doll stroller, puts her 'night night', changes her diaper (which is very stinky according to B) and is just plain obsessed. It really happened overnight. Her actions are just hilarious. One moment she is a major caretaker and minutes later Debbie is whipped on the floor for something more interesting. Sorry Debbie. Welcome to Brinnonland.

Photo Albums

My Grandma Linda made photo albums of me for my mom. This was my mom's gift but I just LOVE them. It's so fun to look at me, a little baby, with my mom. Thank you Grandma.

Weekend fun

We had weekend visitors over my mom's birthday. Katy and Mac came up to celebrate. My favority dolly also got out and about. Her name is Debbie.

Dirt

Can you believe all this dirt? My mom and dad ordered so much dirt to fill their new garden boxes. I got to help fill the wheelbarrow over and over. Eventually I got bored and started to make dirt creations, which yes included me getting covered with dirt. Please note my lovely white hair in the sunshine. . . pretty stylish.

Love the hair do!

Bracelets