Shed Extravaganza

OK, so maybe "extravaganza" is a bit strong. But, it was one work-filled Columbus Day weekend here at the Fitzgerald household. We ordered this shed from Costco a couple of months ago and its been sitting in our driveway just itching to be built. It seems like a pretty durable shed. My Mom agreed to watch the girls on Saturday while we began this endeavor. It was actually a little strange being at home and not having the girls around. I'm not going to lie...the quiet sound of....ummmm....no CRYING....was quite nice! Doug and I actually turned the iTunes up on our computer and built a shed like we were teenagers again! :) Seriously, we got a lot of work done on Saturday thanks to my Mom! (on that note, the girls had a blast at Grandma's. Avery slept pretty much all day, they went on a walk to the playground, and did other fun things that you do with Grandparent's. I picked them up before dinner and Addy didn't want to leave. That's a sure sign of a good day!) So, the Shed Extravaganza all started with a level and sturdy base of 2X4's, 4X4's, block things and pebble stones. Doug found a guy on-line who did this same thing and raved about the results. And, lest you forget, we live at the bottom of a hill, so pebbles for the rain runoff was necessary.





Doug and I then proceeded to empty the contents of the boxes. Let me tell you...I was just a little nervous when I saw all the screws and parts (the pictures below really do not do it justice!)



We installed the floor:


And installed the walls, corner pieces, windows and shelving:



The day had pretty much ended for me. I picked up the girls while Doug plugged along while I was gone, weather-proofing the skylights, among other frustrating tasks.

Saturday was pretty much the extent of my help. Sunday rolled around and Avery decided it'd be fun to be awake all day long and Addy was indifferent to helping. She would rather play in the shed instead of construct it.


She also found great joy in hiding in this antique box that was Doug's Grandfather's.


Doug, by his self for the remainder, worked on the hardware for the doors before installing them:


Then he installed the roof and its support beams:




Of course it was Redskins Sunday so he was able to take a football break during the day and STILL complete the shed before nightfall!
Ta-da!




Doug admiring his work and I'm pretty sure sighing a sigh of relief that it was finally over:


The next day was my day!! I love organizing so we spent a couple of hours putting all the tools and machinery in its place. Nice, eh?




So, there you have it. We're pretty happy with our purchase and being able to construct it on our own. We're anxiously awaiting the first rainfall to see how it holds up to the elements!

Fall Weekend in the Poconos

This past weekend we drove up to the Poconos Mountains for a short vacation with our good friends the Pohle's. It was a much needed escape as we realized we haven't taken a family vacation (long or short) since last December. The house Tammy reserved was perfect with huge windows overlooking the woods. It was beautiful as the leaves were just turning and we all agreed a trip here in the winter for skiing was necessary. The house also had a hot tub which us adults thoroughly enjoyed after the kids were asleep! A special thanks to Tammy and Matt for planning the entire thing including the horseback riding and hikes. This made for a very relaxing time for myself. I'll have to definitely return this favor on our next vacation :) They are just leaving the Poconos today - we were so jealous that they were able to stay for an entire week!

We all agreed that a vacation with kids was very much the same as being at home but in a different location. I wish I had a picture of our van loaded up with everything! And, yes...I said van. Yep, we have a van...a minivan. I'll post something later on that. Anyway, the stuff you need to bring for a 2 night vacation!! The pluses are that there are more adults to go around, the kids can entertain each other, and you get to enjoy some adult company in the evenings!

Doug and I went horseback riding Saturday morning (our firsts since young kids) while Tammy and Matt watched the kids. We returned the favor for them that afternoon. We had so much fun! We were the only 2 at our early appt and it was so relaxing. My horse, Betsy, was quite a tailgater while Doug's horse, Scotch, was much more laid-back.

On our way to the stable we spotted some wild turkeys out our car window. You can spot them almost everywhere you go:


A "scary" trail:


Here's Doug at the stable:


Doug mounting his horse:


Me and Betsy:


Doug and Scotch:


Every time I pointed the camera at Evan he would turn and give me the biggest smile!


This is pretty much what Avery did the entire weekend...except with her eyes closed!


Addy enjoying some tic tacs:


Addy and Evan seemed to enjoy playing with each other even though they are 20 months apart in age:



Evan getting up close and personal with Avery:


We changed alot of diapers over the weekend...


And took many naps (well the kids did at least )...



We visited this local lake in the evening. The lake was so calm and peaceful. Notice the beautiful house on the other side of the lake. We think this is first house Tammy was about to reserve. We've decided we'll be staying there next time :)



I love this picture of the Pohle's - notice Chloe's eye for the camera :)


My family!


Isn't that the most adorable face!


Sunday we had time for a scenic hike down a trail (I forget the name) in the State Park 5 min from our rental house. The trail led to a beautiful waterfall.









We left to come back home shortly after this hike and it took about 20 minutes just to get situated enough to leave the driveway of the rental house. We made it back home and had a very uneventful drive...just how we like it!

GO CUBS GO!!!

Tonight is Game 1 of the National League Division Series for our beloved Cubs and the excitement on Morgan Street has reached a fever pitch!

Last night Monty was running in his sleep and I can only think he was dreaming of making his way around the bases after a walk off homer over the left field wall and out onto Waveland Ave....

Breakfast this morning started with oatmeal and a random 'Go Cubs' chant led by No. 1 fan Addysen which led to much barking and tail wagging and smiles all around.

Addy is known to walk the stairs and halls of our home randomly tossing out a chorus of 'GO CUBBIES!!, GOOO CUBBIES!!' to see if anyone wants to join in the chant - and of course Lyndsey, Monty, and I always do!

At just 2 & 1/2 Addysen has discovered many of the best things in life - mommy, family, pizza, hot dogs, the Redskins, chicken noodle soup, gummy bears, and Cubs Baseball! Amen!

Go Cubs Go!