Dentist

The boys had their trip to the dentist for the year. They both did awesome and were great for the hygentist and the dentist. This was Braden's second visit and Hunter's first. We were very proud of them. Both boys are missing two teeth on the top (which gives Braden his big space and Hunter his little one). But I think Braden is getting used to people asking him what happened to his front tooth! And we'll just look forward to the orthodontics bills in our future and rest on the fact that the dentist said it's better to have extra space than be cramped or have too many teeth!

 Braden is getting to be such a big boy.

 She said he didn't have any plaque or build up and told him to keep up the good work!

 Hunter got to observe so he knew what to expect.

 He decided to wear the cool shades. 

 He did give her a few looks during the tooth "tickle!"

 Hunter was checking out what this guy was doing to his brother.

And of course they both loved the treat carousel! 

New ways of doing things!

 The kids enjoy our new way of washing dishes! I can honestly say I miss a dishwasher more than a stove and oven! 

 Laundry outdoors really isn't all that bad. I can see the places that need the stain remover more easily... and with these two, that's a lot of places!

 Poor little Hunter got an awful rug burn of some sort on his arm at the McDonald's play area. Braden had a little scratch on his upper arm. When I looked at it he said, "That's not a boo-boo. A GrapeNut just got up there." It did actually look like a little GrapeNut somehow got "up there" on his arm. :-)

For a girl who's worked for a copper mining company for almost 10-years now... this is a lovely site. Not to mention it means plumbing is in!

 This on the other hand is not something I was ever expecting to experience - a toilet in our front yard! At least we haven't been eating pies lately (for those who have read "The Help")!

 The boys found other modes of transportation in the toy shed this morning. They told me they were heading to San Diego. 

 He got hot and tired and decided to head home instead. Plus he realized he was still in his pjs.

He got a shot at the scooter, too. Because anything that his brother is doing or has is totally cool in his book!

 Hunter's first round of putt-putt!

 Braden actually got two holes in one!

 Love my boys.

 We decided to hit Jambo again. This time with Toby... which always leads to silliness.

And in a few months there will be another Eriksson boy joining this mix! That reminds me, the other day we were at the park swinging and I was talking about my brother Mike and telling Braden he's my brother like Hunter is his brother. He then asks, "Can I have a sister sometime?" Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, no. But thanks for asking! 

The essence of Hunter.

Man, does this kid love life! Blessed that he brings so much joy to ours!

Baseball, Jambo and work.

We went to a Diamondbacks game Friday night. Probably our last for this season. It was fireworks night, so we knew it would be a late one... it ended up being a super long game, but the kids were champs. And there was a grand slam, although unfortunately for the Giants. I don't think the fireworks started until about 10:15... well past bedtimes!

 We spent some time at the playground.

 And hanging out with the large headed guys.

 The chocolate cake they have in my company's suite is always a huge hit. And both boys ate the entire piece. Didn't seem to affect Braden, but Hunter on the other hand...

 Although Braden's favorite will always be chocolate. Hunter is quite a fan of ice and found this "humongous" (one of his favorite words these days) chuck of ice in the freezer. 

 It was worth the wait to see the fireworks!

 And then when we were walking to our car there was a train on the track under the bridge. Oh the joy!

 Saturday we went to Jambo Park with the Minnick's. Someone asked me if Braden and Kyndal were twins. We actually get that fairly regularly about Braden and Hunter, but not Braden and Kyndal. These two do have a special bond, though!

Taking a train ride. 

Hunter wanted to be in the engine by himself.

The crew waiting to ride the zebra and elephant. 

Hunter opted for the elephant.

Braden refers to Jambo as the bowling place. So they got in a few rounds!

And at least 10 rides on the swings!

Today Braden told me he was going to work. So he went outside and started to play "remodel." Anthony made a castle out of  the new sink boxes and then the boys spent an hour or so today remodeling it.

At least they clean up after themselves!

Bikes and things.

We've had a cool stretch, so the bikes are getting primed up for their season of use! Braden has graduated from wanting to use the tractor to his bike and, who knows, maybe we'll have the training wheels off before the end of the bike season. Hunter has also figured out the tractor and can successfully motor it around the neighborhood. So it works well all around!

So serious!

 He started laughing when he realized there was a 2nd gear that sped him up quite a bit!

 Gotta love lip whistles.

 Ready for plumbing for the new bathroom! 

They took the extension down off of our garage. Anthony will no longer have to duck when he's walking in.

Our project!

  No.. this is not it! This is our friend Cammy's new little puppy, Gracie, that she brought over for us to meet. Did I trick ya?! We are still very content with our current pet - Rockie, the Beta.

THIS is our new project. Bye-bye...

 painted wooden beams, archways and awful tile, 

 full house intercom and speakers (now, if this worked, I possibly could miss the intercom.) If only I understood the reason/need for Instagram, I think this picture would be a prime candidate for sepia-toning!

awesome almond hood, 

 matching counter and wall tile (although I actually saw pictures of this style in Houzz), 

 and, saving the best for last, recessed lighting and fan! Will I miss any of you these things? Let's think for a secon... actually I don't need a second. NO!

 So we had a pancake party the last morning and did some artwork on the wall!

  Then we officially started demo on September 4th! 

 The kids were most intrigued with all the goings-ons!

Here's where we're at after 3-days of demo (no, Braden and Hunter didn't do all of this). No more kitchen... for an anticipated 3-months!

But PJ, our contractor, has been great about creating a temporary living space for us. So basically the only rooms in the house he won't eventually be touching are the bedrooms. 

 And this is our outside kitchen/laundry. A colleague at work today referred to us being related to Honey Boo Boo... huh? Should be an interesting few months, but we're looking forward to the end product!