Winter prep:

Jonas is in full-on "Winter prep" mode around here.  I think he really loves being a home owner and doing all of these little upkeep chores, and for that, I am very grateful.  :)

Saturday was a beautiful fall day around these parts, so Jonas spent a good portion of the day outside, working in the yard and on the exterior of the house.

Our bedroom windows look out over our backyard, the garage, and over the roof of our 3-season-porch.  Layla had the thrill of her young life when she was allowed to go UP ON THE ROOF with Papa and help him install a new window.  She had to just sit still and hold screws, but still--she loved it.  :)

Getting ready to hold the screws.  

Taking her job seriously.  

It was rather bright...

The view from inside one of our bedroom windows.  

A perfect day:

Today was THE day.  The day Spring kicked Winter's ass.  :) 

It was fantastic.

I asked Layla to show me her beautiful pink shoes with flowers on them.  She can't stop looking at them.  :)

So of course Finn wanted to show me his shoes too.  :)

Who says a princess can't get dirty and do real work?

Jonas put up one small piece of the play-set while waiting for Greg to arrive for help.

Finn was a little unsure about the speed of the slide at first.  

THEN Aunt Andrea and Uncle Greg showed up with Nym, and boy was Layla thrilled!!  She spend about 30 minutes trying to get the dog to eat and drink and calling her from all corners of the yard.  :)

The play-set, beginning stages.  

A princess and her aunt.  

A prince and his aunt.  

Going up the ladder for the first time.  

Finn loves the wheel.  

"Mama, I in a house!!!"

Tightening the wheel.  

Dreaming.  

It was hard for her to climb in the dress.  :)

A twisted swing ride from Aunt Andrea.  

Admiring the work of his hands.  

The final product.  We put it on the dead grass patch for now... ;)

NOW we're just waiting to add a little wading pool and a sand box to the mix, and our back yard will be THE destination this summer for all things cook, kids, and fun!  Hooray for owning a home!  Hooray for back yards!  Hooray for a fence to keep the kids IN said backyard! :)

What a guy!

I came home very late last night, and Jonas surprised me with having our back 3-season porch all set up.  Candles were lit, plants were potted everywhere, decorations were in place, etc.  It looked so calm and peaceful.  :)

Here he is this afternoon enjoying lunch on the porch.  

Layla was zoning in the chair from Uncle Greg and Aunt Andrea.  She found them again in the garage today and has been bringing them everywhere with here.  She is currently upstairs in her room for rest time...IN the chair.  :)

MR. CRANKY PANTS.  He has had a rough 3 days.

But tickles from Papa can always make things better!

Layla decided to join the action at the table...or, under the table.  

The corner by the door.  I ruined it by putting some boxes out for recycling.  ;)