The Brittons

Gracie riding the train at Prairiefest Gracie participating in the tractor pull Our kids had a full day at Prairiefest in Huxley. They both showed up to watch me finish the 10k race that was held bright and early in the morning. Then they rode in the parade with the rest of their friends from Lily Pad Learning Center. Gracie had a great time throwing candy to everyone. After that we ate hotdogs and Gracie played on the inflatable rides. She loved the slide and the bounce house. Nick entered her in the kiddie tractor pull. She was in the 3 and under group and represented the Brittons very well. She pedaled over 21 feet! Not very many kids beat her. Not bad, not even turning 3 yet. I took kids home for naps (which they did not do, unfortunately) while Nick helped with other activities at Prairiefest. Owen playing at the park Owen eating a frosted cookie on his birthday Gracie in her pretty dress at a wedding Tony, Gracie, and Ryleigh Ryleigh, Sarah, Gra...

Before... ....after Swimming in the lake Owen playing in the sand Gracie on the boat I must say, going to Saylorville brought back memories for me! The kids both had such a good time. Gracie loved running from the beach into the water. They both liked going fast on the boat for a limited time. Owen laughed and giggled every time we hit wake. Thanks Gramma Deb for letting us use your boat! We need to get out there again.

Owen and Gracie on Grandpa Tom's boat Gracie watering Annie's grass Owen eating some sweet corn The Brittons riding the 4-wheeler Gracie and Owen on the little 4-wheeler Our trip to the lake was over three weeks, ago, so I am kind of behind. We had a great time while we were down there, even though it rained. We got to go to Chad's shop to play on his toys and also went out to their house. Gracie was very interested in the hose and helped water the grass for Annie and Chad. Gracie wasn't really into going fast on the 4-wheeler like she was last summer. I think she finally has the sense that she is not invincible. We all swam in the lake, but didn't take the boat out because of the rain, but that was ok. Since our Ozarks trip, we have had a lot going on. I posted the pics of our house being built. Unfortunately not much more has been done since then. We were held up by Xenia Rural water, which has finally been done. But now we are waiti...

Basement walls done This will be the area below the main living area and master bedroom Garage is to the left and house to the right Basement walls with the forms still on Looking west Looking to the east We have finally started building our house. The top pictures are what it looks like after one week of construction. In the first week, the driveway and culvert were done, hole was dug, footings poured, basement walls formed and some backfill was done around the house. I think we are waiting now for water so we can do plumbing. We have a master schedule that says it will be completed mid-November, but I think that is very optimistic. I will hope for the best, though. There is so much to do and think about between now and then. I have many other things to write about, but don't have time right now. Nick also has some pretty good pics on his facebook account that he posted last week. I just wanted to post some pictures here to keep people informed. We are ...