Summer Remodeling Projects

This summer we decided to do a little remodeling and redecorating. First, we started in the kitchen. We desperately needed new countertops and a cooktop. Our old countertops had a glue-like sealant on them and everything would stick to the counter. The cooktop would never lite properly. It was time for some serious changes. We ordered new countertops... they're Meganite, not Granite (maybe our next home will have Granite). We decided to go ahead and get a new sink, faucet, and garbage disposal as well. Might as well do it right! The kitchen was finished on August 13th and we've been loving it ever since.

We also got some great new furniture for our guest bedroom. Nate's parents moved into a condo this summer and were looking to get rid of some of their furniture. They had a beautiful antique bedroom set which is over 100 years old. Nate and I gladly accepted the bedroom set. We drove it all the way to Rockford from Des Moines. We looked like such hillbillies with the matress and box spring strapped to the top of our mini van! It was well worth it though, our guest bedroom looks great. Want to come visit?

P.S. See if you can find Zoe. She's hiding in one of the pictures.

Kathryn's Engaged! August 5, 2007

My sister, Kathryn, got engaged in Kapathos on Sunday, August 5th! Nate and I are so happy for her. Her finace, Yanni, is a great guy. My parents made a quick trip to Greece to be there for the engagement party... which was really more like a wedding. About 60 people attended the party which was at a beach front restaurant that our cousin owns. Sounds like there was a lot of drinking and partying going on well into the next morning. I'm sorry that Nate and I couldn't be there. My parents took so many pictures that I feel like I was there. Above are a few pictures of Kathryn, Yanni, and some other family members. The wedding is tentatively scheduled for next June in Karpathos. Guess we'll all have to start planning yet another trip to Greece!

Trip to Oregon July 3, 2007

Nate and I spent the 4th of July weekend in Oregon this year. We stayed with his aunt, uncle, and grandma at their new home in Newburg. The home sits on a huge property with a great scenic view. They have the cutest dog, Jack, whose tongue is too big for his mouth. Jack loves to play tether ball, it's hilarious!

About 30 relatives came to the house for a big family reunion on July 5th. Many of the relatives I had not met before. It was great meeting and visiting with Nate's extended family. After the reunion, we drove to the Pacific coast. I had never been to the west coast, I was surpirsed how cold it was! Even in July, we needed sweaters! We really enjoyed our vacation to Oregon.

Zoe Pictures!

For those of you who don't know, Nate and I have a little Chihuahua-Rat Terrier named Zoe. We love her so much, we thought her pictures would be a perfect beginning entry for our website. We got Zoe in November 2005, right after we got married. We were actually out shopping for Christmas presents at the mall and decided to stop in the pet store nearby. We had no intention of purchasing a dog, but as soon as we saw Zoe we were sold. She was only 2.5 pounds and was completely adorable. When we found out that Zoe was born just a few days after our wedding date, we figured it was meant to be. We decided on the name "Zoe" before leaving the pet store. Zoe means life in Greek and, since she was born so close to our wedding, we thought the name was perfect. Now that she's developed her own little personality, the name fits her even better. She is full of life, energy, and happiness.