Tiling update #3

After getting back from Minnesota, we had time to tile under the stairs and the hallway to the bathroom and storage. Click on the picture for a closeup. Notice that the framed diamond pattern continues. The kitchen is next.

Adventure 31/35

We celebrated grandchild 35 by going to lake 31 in Minnesota. We flew to Chrissy's in Minneapolis and warmed up with activities up and down Minnehaha Trail. We celebrated Bode's 2nd birthday, biked, did water activities, enjoyed concerts in the park, and of course enjoyed holding baby Aylin.

We then spent 3 days on Lake 31 at the log cabin hiking, paddleboating, canoeing,4 wheeling, fishing, swimming across the lake, leveling the dock, hammocking, playing killer croquet (at least that what it seemed like with the new official rules), enjoying bonfires, and learning the official way to do a Finnish sauna (this is the "safe for general viewer" instructional version).

Of course, the main reason we made the trip was for Aylin's blessing with lots of the extended family.

Reunion trial run

Now that our log cabin is nearing completion, we decided to have a trial run for our upcoming 50th wedding anniversary. Today we had half of our family here so we put furniture back in the living room and music room to clear out the kitchen and had a fun family dinner for 18 grandchildren and their parents.

Here is our guard dog with our friendly bear greeting the guests.

There was plenty of room for tbe Florida half of the family.

We are brainstorming the adjustments we'll be making to accommodate the other half for the family fun. The food was great. But the biggest hit was the all you can eat banana splits with all the whipped cream you wanted.

Of course, the grandkids had lots of bonding activities.

What would a family reunion be without bringing out the family pictures so the children can see what their parents looked like at their age? Can you see the family resemblance of baby Benji and his mom Bonnie at the same age as a baby?

With a few adjustments, we'll be ready for the whole family to come join the Florida Thompsons for a week of fun.

Tiling update #2

This week we finished tiling the livingroom. Here you can see the team at wook laying out the tile, cleaning up after each batch of thinset, and enjoying a quick nap to celebrate finishing.