Moen Visit

Grandma Moen and the Chandler family came all the way from Texas to visit us!  All 5 of them (Wanda, Chris, Sara, Zachery and Toby) stopped by on their way to Florida to stay with us for a couple nights.  We hadn't seen them in almost three years!  Lots had changed for all of us... The kids had all grown so much and they hadn't even met Harper.  It was fun and chaotic having such a full house.  SO good seeing the kids (their only cousins) become instant friends and spend some time catching up with everyone. We even got a little adult time out to dinner and drinks (thanks to Wanda for babysitting)!  Plus, it was the first time Grandma Wanda has ever had all four of her grandkids together at the same time.

We also got to celebrate Uncle Chris' 40th birthday!

 Good ol' fashion game night!

 Breakfast with Grandma!

 ALL of the Grand-babies together at last!

Out with the OLD and in with the NEW!

We've been busy this summer getting rid of the old and bringing in the NEW!  So many wonderful house projects (you know how we love house projects)!  Just this summer we: bought a new refrigerator, had the front yard completely re-landscaped; installed a privacy fence in the back yard (replacing the chain-link); replaced ALL the door knobs and hinges on every single door in the house (and we have a LOT of doors); we refinished the basement (added flooring, new carpet on the stairs and painted); new windows are being installed in the basement and living room tomorrow; we have replaced three screened doors; AND we are in the process of replacing the hall lights and bathroom faucet. Phew, I'm out of breath just typing all of that!

Front yard...

 Fence, in progress...

Summa, Summa time!

It's been hot, sunny and FUN!  

Here's what we've been up to:

Evening bike rides around the neighborhood

Sprinklers in the front yard

Neighbor's swing-sets and playdates

The POOL!

 Children's Hands On Museum (indoor fun!)

Frozen yogurt with these two sweeties!

Movies (Turbo)!

Milkshakes...(a first)

Friday night pizza making

SPAIN-ish Math

The month entire of July we hosted a visitor (a colleague of Dr. M's) from Spain.  Wendy is a young Spanish woman, working on her PhD math research and visiting the US for the very first time. She arrived on July 3rd, so she was able to join us for all fourth of July festivities.  She rented an apartment by campus, borrowed a bike and really embraced the whole 'Southern/American' culture. Not only is she passionate about math, but also cooking!  She shared her expertise with us by cooking several meals together (pics below). While she was here, we also welcomed two more Math colleagues (David and Erika), whom we have known for years.  It was great seeing them, getting caught up and spending time together.

Spanish Empanada

Salmorejo

Spanish Feast: Spanish tortillas, gazpacho, tuna/bacon croquetas, carlota de cafe (dessert) and tarta crujiente de manzana (dessert, not pictured).

Wendy reading to Eli and his friend Jackson