Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Lately: Spring Cleaning

February was the worst month, weather-wise, around here. We had 81% cloud cover, and it was gray and depressing. It rained pretty much every weekend for about 6 straight weekends and we were all missing the blue skies and chances to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. So instead, we played lots and lots of games, read numerous books, worked on school assignments and  tackled some big indoor organizing projects.  

This picture doesn't look like much, but Gene and I cleaned and organized out the landing outside his office. It had previously been stacked full of empty boxes, bags of junk cleared out from his car and many other items that could safely be donated/recycled/trashed. We hung two splatter paintings that the boys did and have some hooks ready to install on the right wall -- the space now holds our outdoorsy equipment and is so much more organized!


My parents accompanied me to Ikea last week, where we loaded up our cart with all kinds of new storage pieces. My dad and I assembled a large 8-bin storage piece for Henry's closet. Since Henry is a collector and his closet had a ton of wasted space, I really wanted more storage for his closet. We found the perfect item at Ikea and Henry's closet is so perfect now!



I also did some work clearing out Will's closet -- the pic below is in the middle of pulling everything out!


We also finally ordered some patio furniture from Target that is just perfect for our tiny little balcony on the back of the house. This narrow space has been just a passageway for the past 7 years, but now we can finally use it. The outdoor set we got has ottomans that tuck under the chairs, so it's ideal for our space. The balcony is fully shaded at all times and is a glorious place to sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or tea and a good book. The boys love it as much as Gene and I do!


We just got a new outdoor (and cat-approved) rug for the space.


I also found a cute mug at Target. Leo = loyal and bossy!  


The boys have been working on projects too. Here's Henry's water cycle for science class.


Ruby's only projects are destroying her toys. This one lasted only one afternoon!


This is Ruby's favorite spot (with her favorite person).


Last Saturday was literally the first sunny-ish Saturday morning in weeks, so despite us all being tired (Gene's travel lately has been nuts), we loaded up the car and headed out to the Arboretum for a hike. Ruby sits in the back just like one of the kids!


Finally -- we got outside!! The Arboretum is truly one of my "happy places" and after all the gray days, I desperately needed to get outside for a nature fix.


Will wasn't too sure about the hike, so he brought along three massive tomes and read and walked.


My favorite people in one of my favorite spots.


 I'm sure hoping we have more sun and fewer clouds this month!

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