It's a family affair...

On Saturday Rick headed over to the property to get some things accomplished before the big push on Sunday (see below) while Brynna and I headed into her doc's for her flu shot. She was in such a great mood, even after the needle, that we decided to surprise Rick with some coffee and the offer of help. He was over there by himself and having a tough time getting things hoisted into place on his own. Grammie Nelson had the same idea...not wanting Rick working alone. I fully expected to be there only an hour or two before the munchkin was bored. Much to our surprise that kid played, in the rain, for 6 hours straight (even missing her nap)! The ladies were able to help out and we got the sill plates into place. Grampie showed up after hunting and we hung some more joists. Brynna entertained herself by "helping" - sweeping the slab, instructing us on the dangers of a drill...

Cleaning Daddy's "mess".

Pretending to be useful.

Putting Grammie to work - on rickety ladders no less!

???

B informing us she has filled the gas can with water.

On Sunday we had a great crew to help hoist the center beams into place. Mimi Jo watched Brynna while Papa Don, Grammie and Grampie Nelson, Uncle Darren, Uncle Lance and Jim (or Yimmy - as Brynna calls him) provided the skill and grunt labor.

Testing the reach.

Uncle Lance working the magic with the excavator. Our initial plan was to muscle those puppies up. Lance saved many a back on Sunday.

Up we go.

Steady

Grampie had the great idea to build these temporary braces instead of us fighting with the heavy columns at the same time.

Giving Jim a helping hand. Considering all of the help he has given us - Rick is becoming a master at coercion - Jim is now part of the "family". Something he may regret.

For the ladies...

so cute, so rabid

With all the recent news about rabid skunks in our state, Marcy and I have been concerned about Chance and Grace's safety. It's easy enough to keep Grace inside and away from Pepi La Cujo but what to do with Chance? His litter box would be the size of comically named large litter box and would require a snow shovel to clean his dukes. Not really an option. It turns out, though, that the real danger was from within:

To be honest, I had no idea that a 3 yr old would foam at the mouth when inflicted with rabies but it certainly would explain her mood recently and here I thought it was just because she's mommy's daughter. Jokes on me.

Thankfully, after 10 belly shots and a good night's sleep later, she was back to her old, annoyingly obnoxious self.

Me

Yesterday, I was honored to be interviewed by a super illustrious magazine, Construction something or other Quarterly. It's obviously the bestest construction magazine ever (with a circulation hovering in the 10 range) so I was honored when I found out myself and my co-worker, Marcus, would be sitting down for a phone interview. Along with the interview, I was required to provide a head shot to be included with the article. Marcy would kind enough to take some pictures. Through the marvel of modern technology Marcy was able to take my superstar mug and make it appear like I'm one of you, the common man.

Here are some of my favorites:

hmmm, do I smell cheese?

oooohhhhh, yes I do!

Apparently I love cheese!

Rocking the Goth Princess Attitude

Dress rehearsal. The wings didn't survive the trip her preschool class made to a local nursing home.

As soon as the tutu went on the rocker attitude came out.

No words. Rick loved this photo. I think it reminds him of himself. It scares me how much alike they are!

Happy Halloween

The spider princess and the tarantula

These two held hands almost the entire parade route.

Those spiders got very comfortable in B's curly hair.

Watching the costume contest.