Cement Problems

When we purchased our house we were thrilled with Richmond Homes. They did a great job, and they were only 2 weeks later than they originally predicted. We have been pretty happy with all warranty work that has been done. We've not had any major complaints (other than the swamp which is still debatable as to who is responsible). So when Marcus (the warranty guy) came by 1 1/2 months ago and said they were going to replace our driveway since it was flaking in some areas, we were thrilled. We couldn't believe they were going to do it. Well, it hasn't exactly turned out how we thought it would.

When they broke out the driveway, they messed up and had to have me raise the garage door because they accidentally broke some of the next piece of cement as well. We weren't thrilled, but it wasn't going to be a big issue. When I came home from field day at Kayla's school, the workers were trying to pour cement. The garage door was of course down. It made no sense that they would even try since they needed to pour right up to where the door hits the ground. I opened it, but the damage was done.

They put a massive dent in the garage door, and it is covered in cement. We got to looking, and as they broke the driveway out, they also caused some problems with the RV pad. And they put some big holes in the cement another 2-3 feet further into the garage. Marcus promised they would fix everything first thing Monday morning. Well...

Wednesday while I was gone they finally came and broke out the RV pad that needed fixed and left me a kinda grumpy message saying they needed to get in my garage, and this was the last day they would be in the area. I called back and left a message, but no show. Finally Thursday they came. After Nate informed Marcus this was ridiculous and they better not leave our garage looking like a jigsaw puzzle (12 inch piece here 18 in piece there 12x12 square on one side 12x24 piece on the other), they finally poured the garage. And it looked nice.

Well, we would hope the story would end there, but alas that is not the case. Marcus had told me someone would come and make sure the sprinkler system was not damaged. It was raining so much we didn't worry about it. Last week we tried using it, and water poured from under the cement. Apparently they broke the pipe that runs underneath. Well, when we got home from our night away Saturday evening we found this new 18 inch hole in our driveway.

Nate has been trying to get a hold of Marcus ever since the previous Monday. He won't return any of our calls. They replaced the pipe and re-poured the cement-which Nate is REALLY not happy about because this little section will snap as his work truck drive across. We need big slabs like we had originally. Is that too much to ask? They finally got the sprinklers working two days ago, but they never bothered to fill in the 1-2 foot hole on either side of the driveway where the sprinkler heads are. The grass there is completely dead seeing as it has laid upside down for 3 weeks now. We STILL cannot get Marcus to call us back. Our garage door still needs replaced. We've got calls into the main warranty number, but no return calls yet. This is beyond ridiculous. Can I scream? Please?

Father's Day 2010

We're so glad when Daddy is home! Nate started his Father's Day with breakfast in bed, donuts from Krispy Kreme and fresh strawberries. (Hey, I wasn't gonna argue when he said what he wanted-church is at 8:30.)
Then off to church we went. Our primary class made their dad's candy bow ties, and I made one for Nate while I was at it. The young women also handed out starbursts to all the men in the ward. But best was the primary sang to the dads.

I think it's odd that men cook the Mother's Day dinner and then can't wait to grill their own on Father's Day. Nate chose steak and french fries. Since we've only made them once before, the girls were way excited.

Kayla stole one as soon as they came out.

Daddy cooking the steaks on his grill.

We love to use our fancy dishes on Sundays. The girls chose the plain white ones for Father's Day. They helped get everything ready.

Later we gave Daddy his present. Allie and Kayla decided they should model his new shirts. (We've been looking all over for a small charging station. I gave Nate one a few years ago, but he decided we didn't need it. Then he changed his mind and has been wanting one since about January. I was looking for labels at Walmart when I found this one for $2.50. It's just the size we were wanting. Yay!!!)

Awe!

And then the tickling begins.

I think Daddy is winning, but the girls have a secret weapon. Look at their mouths and maybe you can guess.

Incredibly loud high pitched screams. Dad's only defense was to stop the tickling and cover their mouths.

We love you Nate! You are a wonderful husband, father, provider, friend, and so much more. I love you so much. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful Dads in my life. I don't know what I would do without you. Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day at the Maddox

We decided to meet my parents and Byron and Kathy at the Maddox on Saturday to celebrate Father's Day. It was fun to get to see everyone, even if it was only for a little while. We got the "errands" done that we hadn't had time for Friday. It was nice.

A Birthday Surprise

This year we're doing the girls' birthdays a little different. We're still celebrating their 1/2 birthday for the main thing with family this summer, but instead of giving them one small present on their actual birthday, we're going to have their friends party in December. It's kinda weird, but I think it is what will work the best for us.

Nate and I spent a lot of time trying to come up with the perfect present for the girls. We finally decided to do something really different. We asked them if they would like to do an activity or get a bunch of gifts. The activity was the winner. We told them it would be a surprise activity on a surprise day.

Friday the girls and I left the house to run some "errands" in SLC. We picked Nate up at the shop so he could leave his truck locked behind the gate. Then we headed over to the Crystal Inn. When we pulled into the parking lot, the girls were very confused. We asked them if they wanted to have their surprise activity. "YES!" We got a room for the night to just play, swim, and enjoy time together as a family with no distractions like housework.

While I unloaded the cooler into the fridge, the girls made themselves comfy on the bed and tried to find some cartoons.
Our room. We were pretty excited that this hotel has little sofa's in the rooms. We figured it would be great for playing games.

As soon as the cooler was unloaded, we headed to the pool. I left a few minutes early to jump in the shower and decorate a little bit. Sadly I forgot the tape, so the decorations weren't quite what I had planned.

"It's my party...

...and I'll" sit where I want to. Is it just me, or does Kayla look way too grown up?

We had to run to Costco real quick to pick Nate up a new swimsuit, something about the elastic being shot and the water pulling his suit down whenever he moved... Dinner and then games.

Sorry is one of those games where up until the very end, you never know who is going to win. Everything can change so quickly with those SORRY cards. Kayla ended up coming from behind and beating us all.

We headed to the pool again about 9pm, already past bedtime. :) Afterwards, the girls were starving and needed a snack. Yummy! Fruit salad and cheese. Followed by popcorn during the movie.

Oh yes, we had to watch a movie. Here's Nate playing with my new toy. After a few years, he finally broke me down. We bought a laptop a little while ago. Now I don't have to be stuck in the bedroom when I want to work on a project. I'll be able to scrapbook anywhere. I'm really looking forward to being able to work on it in the evenings while in Poky. It's been too long.

The girls stayed awake for the whole movie. I'm not sure exactly what time they finally fell asleep, Nate and I were already out. But I just had to get a picture of them sleeping together. I love that Kayla is totally on Allie's side of the bed. Who needs a queen bed? Certainly not two princesses.

In the morning after a yummy breakfast in the hotel, we went swimming yet again. Then after getting cleaned up, Allie and Kayla enjoyed a game of Go Fish while Nate and I packed up.

It was definitely not the normal birthday present, but it was definitely the perfect present for these two. They keep asking when we can go back to the Crystal Inn. They absolutely loved getting to stay and play.

They Passed!!!!

Swimming lessons are over, and the girls passed with flying colors.

Kayla showing off her swimming skills.
She is LOVING it! We're sooooooo proud of her.

Allie showing me how she can get the rings off the bottom of the pool.

At the very end of the lesson on Friday and then again today, they turned on the slide for the kids to use. The little kids teachers would take them so nobody was left out. Here is Allie and her teacher splashing to the bottom.

During free time, Kayla loved to practice swimming around the circle. It's amazing how good she's gotten in such a short time.

Kayla showing off her certificate of completion. In August it will be on to Level II.

They ran out of cards, but Allie passed Preschool Level I. She will be in Preschool Level II in August (and until she's 6).

We're so proud of our little swimmers. They're doing GREAT!

Rollerblading

The weather hasn't been very cooperative, but the girls have had fun rollerblading in the house when it is raining. Once they could stay upright in the basement, then we took them outside. We planned to do it as a family activity, but my blades were sadly no longer in working order. So I played photographer instead.

Kayla stopping for a picture. Allie is really getting into the arm swinging in the background.
Here comes Allie.

Since our driveway was just repoured (what a mess! maybe I'll have to share that story some time.), they used Mike and Gay's.

Smile!

The girls were pretty impressed with Daddy. He went around the block. They were kinda sad he didn't take them, but it only took him a few minutes. It would taken a little long with our new beginners.

Both girls did great! Kayla is already anticipating getting regular rollerblades instead of these DI training ones. Someday...

Swimming Lessons

The girls started swimming lessons on Monday. Allie of course has always loved the water, but Kayla has grown so much since last summer. She will do anything the teachers ask, and she spends all her free time practicing holding her breath under water and swimming like a fish. I scheduled their lesson at the Pratt Aquatic Center in Tooele so they are indoors. I didn't want to have to worry about the weather-cold or hot. It's also so nice not to have to worry about Allie and sunscreen. I also decided to try 5-5:45 lessons. Daddy got to come and watch both Mon and Tues which was nice. Plus Tuesday we just stayed after and enjoyed open swim as a family. The kids get to swim free on lesson days. So for $4 we had a fun family night.

Kayla listening to her instructor.
Allie playing in the kiddie pool during free time.

Kayla making sure we're watching her during free time.

I didn't really get any pictures during the lesson part, but as you can tell they love being in the water.

Allie coming to get taken to the bathroom. She talks so much, she forgets to close her mouth. She swallowed so much water that first day, she had to go to the bathroom 3 times in 45 minutes. GROSS! She's getting better every day, but still... GROSS!

Kayla-"It's cold! Dad! Quit taking my picture and give me my cover-up."

Fishing

Saturday was free fishing day here in Utah. Nate loves fishing, and I have many fond memories (minus the worms) from fishing as a child. We have wanted to give the girls that experience, but Nate's always says he's too busy to make it worth buying a license. After I found out about free fishing day, Nate asked around at work and found out about Settlement Canyon. It is 1/2 mile off Main St. in Tooele, 15 min from home. Seriously, how did we not make that connection before now. After driving up and checking it out during the week, we bought the girls poles and headed up Saturday morning.
Allie fishing with her new Princess pole.
Kayla and her big girl pole (kinda a hard sell when her sister got such a cute one) learning that fishing requires patience so you might as well sit back and relax.

First fish of the day! Tiny but exciting none the less.

Seconds later, Kayla pulled her very first fish out! That face makes it all worth it!

The girls hanging out and helping each other.

After a week of being in the sun walking to the fire station, field day, a couple trips to the park with the kids, and just being a mom, my legs and arms were matching Nate's skin (Jealous Amy). Granted he's still not too dark, but it's just not normal for me to be anything but white. We set up the cool beach umbrella we found at Costco last year. It saved me and Allie from any further pain.

The first fish I caught, I let Allie reel in. She was so proud of her fish.

Kayla was our expert fisherwoman. She caught 4 fish, and she only had a line in the water maybe 1/2 the time we were there.

I guess she knows what she's doing.

My giant fish. I also caught 4 fish, but Allie reeled in 2 of those.

Nate caught 3. He was really wanted to feel the fight, but these little things just didn't have it in them.

Allie had to "pet" every fish that was caught. She would get so happy when the fish would eat the bait off the hook and not get caught. She was just proud of them for eating. Hilarious. Daddy however was not so proud and since we could see all the big fish jumping around our lines, he was a little frustrated with the smart nibbling.

Daddy and daughter.

We caught 11 fish. We ended up keeping 8 since it was the girls first time. We explained that normally we only keep the big fish, but they couldn't part with them this time.

Settlement Reservoir

Sunday we cooked up the fish for dinner. The girls were told they had to eat them (at least 3 bites) if they ever wanted to go again. Kayla quickly downed her first 1/2 of a fish and ate another one. They really turned out quite tasty. I'm not usually a fan of fish I've caught, but these were not bad. Allie ate at least 5 bites saying it was yummy, but she was happy to fill up with hot dog and fruit.