Nemo - aka Blizzard of 2013

Southern New England didn't have to try to find Nemo this weekend. It was our first blizzard in the new house and, I've got to say, we had a blast! It was the best snow we've had in years and the kids were big enough to really enjoy it. School was canceled on Friday, driving was banned on Saturday, and we had some good times with friends and as a family on Sunday. Here are some shots that illustrate our experience with Nemo.
(By the way, isn't that sad that this is the best snow? I know MA is more southerly than VT, but really??)

"#%@!^", says Romeo looking at the wall of snow blocking his way out for his morning excursion.

Pitties are NOT snow dogs! 

The wind made measurements impossible. Early Saturday Justin saw 16" in one spot, 26" a few feet away and there was still a few more inches to fall. The drifts in the back were above the top of the fence.

My little snow bunny - even losing her boots in the snow banks couldn't stop her smile.

The end is nearly in sight...

..except that my van is under this 12' mountain of snow. 

We are waiting for the balcony to come tumbling down but it keeps proving us wrong.

 And when it gets too cold, find a purple mitten for your mouse hand.

Luke is learning to spackle as we hold the stir-crazies at bay by patching holes in the guest room. 

Painting was a fun way to keep the kids busy and productive while Justin was doing homework.

Hopefully our guests have an appreciation for abstract art!

And just like that life will go back to normal. But while it lasted we really enjoyed the blizzard. Perhaps there should be more driving bans, spontaneous meals with neighbors, and all out playtime.

When Dad's away...

... the kiddos will play. 

It seems that whenever Justin goes away for a day or two I find that the kids and I do a lot things that we might not usually do. Maybe it's novelty since he isn't away often. Or maybe it's just that I spend so much more 2-on-1 time with the kids when he is gone. For whatever the reason, the past two days have certainly continued that trend. I was able to catch a few of the activities in pictures but many more that I missed such as Jam Time with Abby & Logan, a hike with the dog, loads of laundry (literally!), making apple coffee cake, and early morning cartoons in bed. It's been a fun start to the weekend but I'm looking forward to J getting home tonight and things getting back to normal. I'm tuckered out!

The guest bathroom saw lots of progress. Just need to go shopping for all the trim 

lumber before I can move forward and that is definitely a two-parent or zero-kid activity! 

 Tot soccer began today. After the initial trepidation Anna rocked it!

Luke had fun kicking the ball and yelling "Home Run!"

  

Anna consulted on a new haircut for Lucas. What do you think?

Pancakes, melted cheese, and sausage for dinner with Lady and the Tramp.

What a great way to end the day!

1st Annual Block Party

We've been in our place for nearly four months and I keep waiting for the "shine" to wear off. But it hasn't and I'm starting to think that we've just stumbled into an amazing place to call home. And today's 1st Annual Block Party really reinforces that!

A few months ago our next door neighbor Kelly started planning a get-together for the neighborhood - the numbered streets of Maynard. Although it was a bit steamy, and a few storms boomed around us, there was a great turn out. We were able to meet new neighbors, hang out with friends, and let the kids play in the street. There were people who had been in the neighborhood their entire lives, newbies like us, a great feast including 30lbs of ribs, a bouncy house, and - Luke's favorite - a visit from the Maynard Fire Department.

 

Can't wait until the next year!

(And next year I'll try to take more well rounded pictures. We were just all very excited by the big trucks! And how can you resist the joy on his face. Thanks Dawn and Rebecca for a few of these photos)

Before / After

One month past move in weekend we are really starting to feel at home! We have fallen head over heels in love with Maynard and the neighborhood. And although we still have much work to do (and will have for decades to come!), I wanted to share some before and after pics to memorialize some of the work that we've done to date. We certainly couldn't have done it without all the support, heavy lifting, and skills provided by all of our family and friends. Much love to everyone!

Only Mother Nature can take credit for this metamorphosis but it sure is spectacular!

November 2011

May 2012 - Check out that Dogwood!

The back yard is the most dramatic change visually and one of the best decisions we've made to date. 

With the broken down extra large pool there was no safe place for the kids to play.
And the fence kept out the world.

Now it is a welcoming, safe place for everyone - including bunnies, ducklings, squirrels, and more!
And they've stayed out of our gardens so far.

The bedrooms upstairs were nearly inhabitable when we closed on the house (I only say "nearly" instead of "totally" because there had been people living there recently.) We tore up carpet, deodorized the floor, kilz-ed everything possible, painted, and scrubbed every surface repeatedly!

The kids have two rooms - one for sleeping and one for playing. As they get older they'll each get their own space. But for now, a play space is fun for all. 

The kitchen doesn't look too bad in this picture but what you don't see is the moldy fridge that is missing drawers and shelves, the smashed glass stove top, the light fixtures that don't work, and the microwave that doesn't cook or vent.

With hand-me-down appliances from generous co-workers, a new counter and place for a dishwasher, and part of the cabinetry removed, it is now workable for the next few years until we decide to undertake a renovation project of larger caliber. 

The half bath upstairs was supposed to be the "easy win". But... it was much more work than we had anticipated. The extra primer, the torn up floor, the priming of the floor, and it goes on. Boy was I delighted when that project was done!

Stay tuned. The journey has just begun on Third Street!