Renovations - Before and After

So, now that I have my new camera, I decided to take some "after" pictures of the work we did downstairs.

Who doesn't enjoy a good before and after?

BEFORE:

AFTER:

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Some views of the entry and hallway:

E's Desk

Click HERE to read about E's birthday desk:

It's Walleye Time

I was looking back to last year to link to the ice hockey game we went to in Toledo, but somehow I didn't blog it! I am still in shock about that... Anyway, during our Ohio birthday weekend we were able to attend another Toledo Walleye game and it was just as much fun as last year.

My bro-in-law is able to reserve a suite through his company. Let me tell you, that is the way to go when watching a sports event. Snacks, drinks, flat screen TV, roomy seats, nobody spilling beer on you... And then there's the DESSERT CART. Aw yeah! Oh, and there's some guys playing ice hockey, too. Almost forgot to mention that part.

"Suite" Sweet Seats

Trying to attract the give-a-ways 

The Dessert Cart DELIVERS:

Private visit from the mascots - another suite perk!

The Mudhen was welcome...

Until he tried to steal our pizza!

For "Kids Night" they had Spiderman live and in person:

I had fun trying out my telephoto lens:

Max zoom without the telephoto:

Max zoom WITH the telephoto:

Can you feel the action?

See, I was there, too!

The game went into overtime with a shootout. It was very exciting!

We love Ice Hockey!

Happy Birthday to...

Click Here to read about our fun birthday weekend in Ohio:

Springtime in January!

Yes, that's right. We actually experienced a freakish warm spell in January in the midwest! It happens. We took advantage of the nice weather to get outside and let C try out her new rollerblades.

I have been loving my new camera:

Christmas Crafts REVEALED...

This year was a big year for homemade gifts. I ruffled scarves, sewed and tied blankets, stitched ornaments, knotted a tutu and dried spices!

Isn't this sweet? It was a free pattern from Happy Together!

And finally, the girls designed and made these ornaments for Doug with my help:

Ohio Christmas 2012

Our fourth and final "Christmas" was spent with Doug's immediate family. The kids had so much fun playing all weekend, and we adults had a blast watching them! We also got in a lot of card-playing, which is always something I look forward to.

Four cousins lined up in order of age:

Pillow pets are still popular:

E was thrilled to receive more "Cheetah Style" clothing:

Great Grandpa watching to see how long it takes E to notice he's got her newest monkey:

G and B try out their football blankets:

Hello, grown-up girl. What have you done with my 1st grader???

 Just when I thought we were rid of cutie face...

The headphones and MP3 players were a HUGE hit:

It's not New Year's Eve without fondue!

What an awesome 2011! Can't wait for 2012. :)