Panties and Pops: We have been trying to potty train Adeline for 15 months on and off. She almost got it before Heidi was born but then she went on a total anti-potty jag for the past 6 months. Well, yesterday morning I got up and she was sitting on the potty. She said, "Hi Mom. I need some panties." And she's been pretty successful ever since. She gets an Otter pop (which we just bought Tuesday) after she potties successfully--maybe that was the secret all along!

On Monday I stayed home with the girls while Rich worked on the house because Heidi has been sick. Addie and I made cupcakes for one of my visit-teachee's birthdays. Addie loves to help in the kitchen! 

...And that's Rich with Addie and Heidi on a big log at the ranch. 

That's Heidi and me out at the ranch Sunday night. 

On Sunday night, we celebrated "Labor Eve" by roasting marshmallows our at the ranch. In this picture, I am snuggled up with Adeline and Heidi (that's my dad-in-law's arm). 

Rich's brother, Jess, and his family are visiting us for the Labor Day weekend from Minot, ND, where Jess is a B-52 pilot in the Air Force. Here they are at Chico--that's baby Summer (born May 4th), Kelli, Jess, and TJay (just turned 2). 

Adeline at the hot springs with my inlaws tonight. She's a fearless little water baby! 

Here is the front of our house, facing north. The gravel is for the drive way (under the concrete). 

Here is the back of our house (looking south), all wrapped up like a Christmas present. 

Bob De Paso Rocks Our World

After a couple of months of wasted time and money at the house project, we sadly had to let our construction supervisor go this week. We were kinda freaking out because we had no idea how we would proceed without him and how long it would take to find a new guy. Luckily, the city inspector stepped up and brought Bob the Builder to our meeting this morning. To our delight, we had a short meeting and (literally) rocked the house (s) today. No delay, smooth transition. Needless to say, we are overjoyed. We LOVE them, especially for giving up their holiday weekend to serve us.

So the house is wrapped and the garage is framed (I'll post the photo as soon as I download it) and it's still possible to be in by the holidays. Yay that.

I am windburned and achy and Heidi is achy, too, from her 4 month shots and a little cold she has. She and I stayed home tonight while the rest of Clan Melin are at Chico Hot Springs. Heidi weighs 16lbs 5 oz and is 26 inches long. Doctor says she is tall and healthy and very social. That's my girl...

All is well in our northern town. More soon...

Drowning Our Sorrows

We are working out some kinks with our housing project and there are all kinds of frustrated people and conflicts, which Richard and I always have a hard time with.

Last night after a (fairly fruitless) meeting, we got the girls to sleep and decided to drown our sorrows with gas station nachos. Lemme tell ya, if you are trying to quit the sauce, nachos might be a good substitute. We got drunk on the queso and watched Dick Cheney and all was right in the world.

Now if we could just get the dang house done...