A,B,C,1,2,3's

I finished this project just before my mum and dad arrived....when I was supposed to be cleaning the house... but it turned out to be perfect timing because apparently the guys really like to play with them!
I had seen this idea a while back on a blog... not sure which one exactly but I saved the picture for inspiration and eventually found the source of the picture was this etsy store. So if you would like to get your own I would highly suggest purchasing them from there- her prices are super reasonable.



Of course if you are nuts like me and have a bunch of beautiful wool felt that your awesome mother has sent you and decide to make your own I would recommend using these magnets.

I made a full set of upper and lower case, an additional set of vowels and 2 sets of 0-9... I have been informed though that more vowels are needed!
just when I thought I was done!
I have a lot more to show you I know I kind of dropped off for a while... and probably will again... but lots is going on... and eventually I will get pictures of it and show it to you!

First Things First

When we arrived this is one of the first things we did.

We need another tandem to have enough seats for the whole family that is present here at this time.

We were contemplating a peddle version but Jess and I decided, not so much…. 

This shop is fun because you get to try out the different models. Ask for Cody, he was awesome.

We think we know which one we're getting now. Are you going to come kayak with us??

On The Other Side

Our pack out was exhausting but not bad as far as pack outs go. We were able to clean the apartment as space cleared which meant by Friday we were done. There were some last minute touch and go items that I wasn't sure we'd finish. There were some things I completely forgot. By Friday night we were ready to relax and try to enjoy our last two full days in Germany. 

I decided we should try out the V8 motel in Boeblingen. It was hilarious. We I chose one of the novelty rooms. It was comfortable, quiet and fun.

The next day we hopped on the train and made our way down to the Bodensee. We took the ferry from Friedrickshafen to Meersburg only to find out we were there on the busiest weekend of the year. After three and a half hours of walking and one more ferry ride into Konstanz we finally found a place to sleep, quite possibly the last room available. It was 9:30pm, the kitchen was closed, and we were hungry. We asked the waiter if he could make us a sandwich he asked if we liked fish and said the chef would not mind making us a plate. In other words, excellent customer service beyond our expectations and the food was fantastic.

A fun garage over looking the water

My dream home

The next morning we walked to Mainau and saw some gorgeous scenes. 

That night we were back in Stuttgart at the Movenpick, another absolutely wonderful hotel. It's right across from the airport so it's very convenient.
Kelly came the next morning to have breakfast with us, see us off and help us schlep our ridiculous amount of baggage (all essential, really) to the airport. So ends our time in Germany. When are you all coming to see me here?

The Clean Up - More Wall Paper and Misc...

Thankfully the wall paper in the study was a quick fix. We wet it down and it practically fell off the walls! We only have one more room with paper on the walls now... the master bedroom... hopefully when we get to it, it will be this easy!

Just for laughs. Can you see our toilet grave yard? One of the first things we replaced were the two disgusting toilets. Courtesy of  favorite son-in law and Costco (for a total steal) (have I mentioned I love Costco?) I have one piece porcelain dual flush toilets that are BEAUTIFUL and don't leave anyone feeling like they're in a public restroom. Sadly no pictures but I am sure you will see them soon!

The Clean Up Begins - Painting Edition

 This is what a little bit of cleaning will do to improve a room!

Can you see the fire in the background? This was in December. No I am not crazy enough to have a fire now....

We painted the two front rooms a yummy brown color. Unfortunately none of the after photos show it off very well!

So far I love the color. Good news is, if or when I don't, it's only paint and I can change it, because it's my house!

That Wallpaper Has Got To Go

 I think this wall paper was as old as the house... which is really unappetizing in a kitchen!

Yes you can be this excited about a full size fridge! You Know Who made jokes about my lack of cooking.... Who would not be motivated by this appliance? Space = organization = happy creating. 

Of course I have yet to prove this theory....

What a huge improvement no wall paper and shiny appliances can make! Of course not everything goes as planned... Both of these appliances had to be replaced! The icemaker went out in the refrigerator and some last minute mind changing had me calling Lowe's for an upgrade on the stove... thank goodness! Have I mentioned I love Lowe's? It's definately a decision that I won't regret!

So much work to be done.....

Office and Craft Room

You Know Who gets to have an office all his own.

Don't worry, that wall paper is sooooo gone.

I get to have a craft room.

I'm kinda giddy about it.