Thursday, December 27, 2012

My Foray into Miniatures

About 5 months ago, I decided I was going to build Abby a dollhouse for Christmas. She had seen one at a toy store and was so enchanted with it. I checked into buying one. I found that you could buy some for a little over $100 including furniture (see first image) up to $800 without furniture (see second image). While the first was not totally unreasonable in terms of price, I just didn't like the "plastic-y" feel of it. And obviously, though amazing, the second was completely unreasonable in terms of price. Thus the decision to build one. I figured I could do it for less than $100 and could probably still manage to make it cool.


Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, when I realized I only had two weeks to construct the house. Yikes! As a Christmas present to me, my mom advanced me $75 to spend on building materials. Then she spent an undisclosed amount of money to ship out a truckload of crafty materials to use in the process. She also collaborated on the planning process. Best Christmas present ever, mom!

Construction began in the evenings, after Abby was in bed. I soon realized that I could work on bits and pieces during the day without Abby figuring out what I was doing (and even get her to help!). I managed to pull together a mostly complete house, though it is not even 50% of what I would have loved to have done. The good news is I can keep working on it, and Abby can help, for years to come!

These pictures are mostly for my mom, who has so far only seen crappy phone pictures, but have a look if you like!
(I think if you mouse over the pictures below, it will tell you details about it's content).



Abby and I started a list of additional things that need to be added. I think I need to build an addition to contain everything on the list! We started right away, and built this changing table yesterday.


Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I sure did.

Make Christmas cookies.... check!
Do puzzle.... check!
Eat pie.... check!
Eat Alex's gourmet food.... check!
Drink good beer.... check!
Nap.... check!
Play.... check!
Build things.... check!
Get fresh air.... check!
Watch a new release.... check!
Run... check!
Work.... ABSOLUTELY NOT!




Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Thanksgiving Was Fun!

Playing with kids.


Backyard fire!



Hiking at East Rock Park.


Abby climbing rocks.
Charlie checks the view.


This is a squirrel that sneaked up on me and James while he was eating. It was very distracting to James.


Finding walking sticks for everyone.


The gang.


Pigtails!


Last, but not least, Thanksgiving dinner. Wow. Alex is an amazing cook.

Uncle Matt and Aunt Meghan, can you please come back?