Removal of the Death Trap

We began the process of removing the 2nd floor spiral staircase out. It was a little sketchy with 2 young kids running around, so we barricaded it since we've moved in. We have been living at the in-laws for the past 2 weeks, since our 2nd floor has no railing...a bit dangerous for our accident prone Kyle. We think it will be done early next week, so here are a few photos of our progress:

The Death Trap

The removal of the Death Trap

Framing in the stairs

Dry wall...

Halloween 2010

We had a fun Halloween this past weekend. It started with dressing up for school on Friday, and continuing on to trick or treating on Harrison Blvd.

Alice wanted to be a princess, surprise, surprise. She was Princess Tiana, and got all dolled up for school.

Princess Tiana and her side kick 'The Chicken'.

Round 2, Princess Tiana decided she needed wings.

Handing out candy

Cruising for 'chicks'

This is my favorite house on Harrison, love all the jack o'laterns.

We went trick or treating with the Thompsons (Duncan & Malcolm). Kyle is signing and saying 'Hot' as he looks at the smoke machine.

Found a rainbow while we were out

Hanging with the Chicken

Boston

Tom and I headed to Boston for 5 days to visit family and go to his friend Eric's wedding. While we were there, we saw Aunt Pat and Uncle Ken, as well as cousins Lauren and Andrew. Lauren invited us to stay in her row house in Charlestown which was fabulous - thank you Lauren!!! I cannot believe I did not take any photos of her place, it was beautiful!


Here is the foursome that got to know each other while studying abroad in Australia: Will (Ohio), Eric (Boston), Tom and Chris (Vermont).


We visited Tom's Aunt in New Ipswich, NH. They renovated this old farmhouse and it is GORGEOUS! She had us over for a lovely lunch of lobster rolls - yum! While we ate, we watched wild turkeys trot across their yard, so fun!


Will and his lovely girlfriend Emma. Emma is from London, and will is moving there in a few months.


The only picture of Tom and I during our entire trip.


The church the lovely couple got married in


Yep, Tom took me to see Fenway...can you tell, I'm super impressed.

Ciao.

Yum, officially ate his first dirt clod.


Here are two trees in our yard, I just think they're pretty. The one on the right is supposedly the oldest ginkgo tree in Boise.



Kyle's new obsession...brushing his teeth with the electric toothbrush. At least it's a good habit!

Yep, Alice still hasn't mastered the art of makeup.

My Dad is a Stud!

When I heard my Dad was going to build a race car, I didn't quite know what to expect. Then I heard him start talking about buying a parachute to slow down the car and a flame retardant suit he had to wear...what?!?!?!?! Then I heard 'Well, I'm hoping to go 150 mph.' Eeeks!

Well, I am proud to report that my Dad ran his car at Bonneville last week and he rocked it! He built this car from scratch and raced it 6 times and made it to 159.5 mph. AND I still have a Dad...no problems were reported. Yea!

Congrats Dad! I can't wait to come and watch next year!

Tom Meets His Hero

Tom got to meet his favorite Cubs baseball player from back in the day, Bill Buckner. As luck would have it, Dana's family is good friends and neighbors with him. It was quite a surreal moment for 'ol Tommy Boy.

Happy Birthday Rowan

Today we celebrated Rowan turning one. And in true Grinnell style, the party was incredible! Here are some photos that Jen took during Rowan's fun day.

Rowan and Kyle bobbing for apples

Rowan not too sure about the bday cake

Fletcher patiently waiting for the go ahead

Dana did a balloon release, where everyone wrote down a wish, tied it to their balloon and let it go. It was in honor of their twin girls who share Rowan's bday.

There they go....

The fam watching the balloons float away

What a sunset!