Play-Doh

A new favorite activity: Play-Doh!

The New Playland

Here's a preview of the finished basement. Although it took some time, I am very pleased with the outcome. We had a ton of help from our families and friends, and owe each and every one of them many, many, many thanks! Believe it or not, the only areas that we hired out to have completed include the carpeting of the stairs and the mudding of the drywall. The plumbing, electrical work, flooring, painting, cabinetry, trim, framing, hanging of the drywall, and so on and so on where done by family, friends, and ourselves. I think we've influenced others to finish their own basements (: The Ritter's are for hire!! Not only are these a nice set of stairs, but they're also my new workout routine!

This is where the children eat, color, paint and play with Play-Doh.

The counter top and cabinets were purchased, however, our good friend Tim (and Brandon too ;) had to make some difficult cuts to have everything fit just right.
Play area and the bathroom.

If you would like to see a larger image, just click on the pictures.

The door leads to our storage area. Thankfully we still have plenty of space available.

The white T.V. stand was custom built by Tim. It covers the sump pump and if need be, can pulled out from its position, although it may take three men to do so!

Each "Critter" has their own cubby. Avery = pink, Cailyn = green, Chance = blue and C.J. = red.

With the basement complete, it feels like a true little daycare. The kids are loving it, and I am loving my living room being toy free!

Halloween Party

Happy Halloween from Ritter's Critters! Oh my, look at all of these scary decorations.
Little Piglet

Our three eyed monster

Our three eyed monster feeling a little grumpy?!

"Bad Dude"

The Little Lion that goes "ROAR"

CJ keeping up his "bad dude" persona.

To end our Halloween Party, we painted some mini pumpkins. Everyone did a good job and managed to keep it out of their mouths...for the most part. Don't worry, it's non-toxic. I was very impressed with our little artists.

Our snack for the day: mini carmel apples and brownies with orange cool-whip.
We had a very fun-filled day today!!

A sneak peak at the new playroom.

Well, we are officially in the basement. Each Critter has their own cubby, and today they are dressed in the color of their cubby. Not planned, but cute.
It has been a slight adjustment moving to our new playland, but we're having a great time! Stay tuned for some pictures that actually showcase our beautiful new basement!

Little Bakers

Avery just playing in the flour, waiting her turn.

Avery, what is that all over your face? Did you sneak a cookie?

Oh, you mean this cookie?
Yea, okay, so I ate it. And it was good and messy, just how I like 'em.

Hmm, we have some guilty looking faces. Whatever could they have done?
C.J. and I had just come down from upstairs, and we found two little girls and one little boy up to no good. It appears Avery is trying to pin the evidence on the only innocent one in the house! Hey Avery, I still see the one in your pocket!

Cailyn caught redhanded.

Did it rain baby wipes in here or what?!

I simply go upstairs to get CJ from his nap, and we come down to find the diaper wipes all over the floor! Avery, Chance and Cailyn were being a bit too quiet for their own good. At least most of them helped with picking up the wipes and putting them back into the container. Even CJ pitched in!

Too Early For This Nanny Dani!

Getting ready for breakfast.
Our after breakfast stroll through the neighborhood. Don't they look thrilled?
Thought we'd try a picture from this side. Still no smiles.
Chalk was requested after the stroller ride. They'd finally have some grins on those adorable faces right?
Not so much (aside from Cailyn). Time to go in and take some naps!