A Walk on Easter Sunday

I used to walk a lot in my neighborhood, in fact almost every day. That is until I broke my ankle in 2007. After that my ankle hurt after a walk to the point it wasn't worth the pain. So it was with great anticipation on a day of sunshine and temps close to 60, that I joined hubby when he went for his daily hour walk Sunday afternoon. After 5 blocks I knew I couldn't keep up with him, so sent him off ahead while I continued with camera in hand. I was specifically looking for signs of spring. What I found was familiar sights...

 Mr. VanDyke Horst has his barn and animals

set up on the corner of his yard. The barn and

animals have set in the same spot each spring

and summer for at least 10 years.

 He has added a boy and girl fishing from a bridge.

He also has the Dutch windmill, boy and girl and a family of 

chickens under the tree. There are some new additions 

since I last walked by their house.

 One yard still had a pile of dirty snow.

 I am wondering if these hay bales surrounded a crèche?

 The Sioux River has over flowed its banks this spring. 

The 'river' was next to my friend's barn.

The river has receded some since we have been home.

Another icon in the neighborhood which has been in the front 

of this house for more than 10 years. I have no idea why. 

But nice to know some things are still around even if I

haven't been!

Play Time

Here are some photos of Willa playing 

with the bucket of tubs

 

The tongue peeking through the lips...

that is exactly like her daddy and her grandpa

when they are concentrating intently on something.

Story Time

Grandpa read to Willa on Wednesday.

 The little tongue is hanging out

 See the three bottom teeth?

 That one, Grandpa!

 I can read it myself, Grandpa!

Runny nose, drool on the chin

What a little sweetie!

Wednesday with Willa

She hasn't been feeling the best; a little fever, a very runny nose, a cough, and new teeth. Willa took a 3 hour nap this morning and has been up eating and playing for 3 hours. Now she is back down for a nap. Here are some pictures from today of Willa playing to reassure Mommy & Daddy that all is going well...

 This was the 11:30 look...

 This was the 12:15

playing with the tubs

 12:30

playing with daddy's slippers

 12:45

playing under the table

 

1:00

walking around the furniture and then

repeating all of the above

She entertained herself for two hours!

2:00 bottle & nap time

(for Willa, not Grandma!)

Work in Progress

Here are some photos from Monday & Tuesday...

 The room was prepared

That is the popcorn ceiling of the 70s on the floor tarp

That is the 'new' knock-down ceiling surface

 The walls have the first coat and the windows have been primed,

and the ceiling is done

 These are the two colors on a very dreary, gloomy day

I think I will really like the contrast of the white woodwork

This is my navy blue wall...

I LOVE it!!!

I asked for the knock-down finish on that wall,

dining room wall,

to give the room some texture.

I am so pleased with it.

Living Room Facelift

With much anticipation the living room is getting a face lift. The paint colors are chosen. The new carpet has been selected. Here are the before and the today photos.

 Before

 Today

 before

 today

We have been moving furniture for 4 days, a little

at a time so as not to wear out our backs. The garage

is full as is the spare bedroom.

Some of the furniture was not easy to move.

 before

The dining room wall today.

Yes, even the wall paper will go. The contractor

wanted to know how easily it would come off the

wall. I could have striped it myself and saved some $$!

I am not sure what I will do for window treatments.

That is totally undetermined.

It will be a week before there are any after photos,

so stay tuned.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Miss Willa!

Today you are 1

Bars

"You aren't the only one caged in here, Rocco. We're both behind bars!"

Favorite Toys

Willa enjoys playing with the stacking cups, a Christmas present from Aunt Steph, Uncle Shawn & Cousin Jake.

 I took them all out, all by myself.

Sports' Team Day!

It was theme day at the Y, so I dressed Willa in her Minnesota Gopher gear. It still fit from last fall!

 Grandma isn't a morning person, but Willa sure is!

 Gopher onesie & hoodie

 A little cereal on the seat of her pants...

OK. I'm dressed...

let's go!

Grandpa Feeding Breakfast

Grandpa got to feed Willa breakfast before she left for daycare on Monday morning. It could have been a disaster, but actually went quite well.

 I'm ready, Grandpa...

She is a good eater! Not too messy, Grandpa! Good job.