Not quite 100%...

Ok, so many have asked...and here I am FINALLY revealing the 99% complete bathroom renovation photos!!!! Now the photography is less than amazing, so if you're truly interested in our project, you'll have to come visit to see the results in person!
You may ask why we're only at 99% completion...well, we have a couple of spots where paint needs to be touched up, we had to reorder one wall sconce as the wrong one was delivered, 3 cabinet doors arrived in the wrong size, we need to hang mirrors and other various fixtures and we still haven't found bedroom furniture that we like. But, we can bathe upstairs once again, we can sleep in our room, Stella doesn't have to sleep in the basement anymore. We are happy!
Speaking of Stella...my new favorite thing: She can say FRECKLE! It's so cute!

And now on to the pictures....TA-DA!!!!

Master bathroom...double vanity/sink area (other side looks identical)

Master bedroom wall colors...decided upon after much scrutiny

Nick's closet...I have one on the other wall almost identical

Looking from bedroom into bath...these rooms were not originally connected, there was a hallway between. I can hardly remember what it used to be like. Partially because we started the project WAY BACK in May and partially because the design by Nick and his dad was so good!

Guest bath/Stella's bath

Linen closet

No, the tile isn't yellow...it's white! I said the photography was less than impressive!

Little seat/bench at end of tub for bath toys, etc...

I'll let you know if and when we arrive at 100% completion! :)

Turned On!

e finally have power, we're back home after escaping to Grandma and Grandpa Bettcher's for a few days and are starting to catch up on everything (once again).
Many friends and family have recently asked why didn't we have power? The answer: Hurricane Ike decided to make an impression on Ohio before it was done causing havoc in Texas and other mid-western states. Sunday, the 14th was filled with 60-70 mph winds that blew for about 6 hours. We had the pleasure of experiencing this as we drove from Cincinnati, up 71N, back home to Columbus. We witnessed stalks of corn "raining" on the highway, a blown over semi, trees splitting, limbs falling and an instant loss of power the moment we arrived home. We actually opened our garage and the lights went out...until Thursday!
So, here's a little "hello" from home. We're here, our milk is cold and our electronics are all functioning once again. A great blessing out of all of this...we got to see Nick's mom and step-dad, his sisters, brother-in-laws and nephews and niece! It turned out to be a much welcomed inconvenience! ;)
By the way, Stella is 19 months old today! Woo-hoo!!

More time to play in Lake Erie! --perfecting her rock throwing skills taught by Grandma Freeman

Round and round and round again!

Stella, Mike & Ellen

Mike, Stella, Tom & Ellen

Cousin love!

Doesn't look like anybody was too unhappy about the power outage, huh?

Does it work THIS time?!?!

Thanks Jimmy!

I just got a package in the mail from my brother, Jimmy. Included: a CD of his photos from our trip to Canada AND a delicious box of cookies that are apparently "Cindy Crawford's cookies." Yeah, I'm sure she just hoarks down loads of cookies at a time. Anyway, they're delicious! I don't have a photo of the cookies, but I can share my new favorite pics of Stella with you:

***THANKS Christy for the darling outfit...I'm thrilled she can finally wear it. Just in time for fall!

Oh Canada!

We are back from a fantastic Labor Day weekend in Killarney, Ontario. We arrived on Friday afternoon to clear, blue skies and perfect temperatures. We played, relaxed, fished, hiked, blew bubbles, rode ATVs, ate, ate again, and then ate some more...the weather got better and better as each day passed...it was a treat! It's not often that Nick and I can get together with our parents at the same time. Thanks for making it happen!!!

On our way to the house!!!

We're here!!!

The men---Grandpa Larry, Nick, Uncle Jimmy and Grandpa Freeman

Mom and Liz

Jimmy's first encounter with a bb gun

Mom teaching Nick a thing or two about archery from her days at camp!

This really is the good life!

Dinner by campfire...everything was cooked over the open flames! YUM!

Jimmy's first time driving a boat!--escorting us to our morning hike

Jimmy's attempt to save us as our car broke down with a flaming tire on the way to our hike!

The Grandmas

Stella's first ATV ride!

Setting up for Grandpa Freeman's surprise (early) birthday party!--a mouth-watering fish fry, outside over the fire, complete with fresh fish, potatoes and onions, coleslaw, fresh fruit, cold beer...ahhhh, I may be drooling once again!

Chief Birthday Boy

Definitely the most entertaining canoe trip I've ever been on, thanks to Jimmy!

Ready for a boat ride!

Loving the ATVs at Uncle Bill's house

One more time blowing bubbles before we go...

Heading home...

Not only are we able to celebrate our WONDERFULLY relaxing weekend in the great north, we are also celebrating the arrival of a new baby boy. Our dear friends Rob and Jackie welcomed Cullen Robert O'Brien into their family yesterday 9/2! We can't wait to meet him and share photos. We'll be making another trip to Cincinnati next weekend for a wedding and will get a chance to catch up with friends and introduce ourselves to the newest baby on the block! YEA!