Fourth of July 2009

Last week my Mom came down and spent the week with us. We had fun running around and enjoying the Fourth of July festivities. On Friday night my mom and I headed out to the ballpark and got the best seats ever for a spectacular fireworks display. Unfortunately I realized I forgot my camera after we got there. Dennis was working late so he didn't get to join us. On Saturday we tried to stay cool. It was the hottest Fourth of July ever recorded in Austin. It appears the Vegas heat has followed us to Texas. Once the sun let up a bit we headed out to the Oasis on Lake Travis. We enjoyed a couple drinks and the spectacular view of the lake and dinner. We sat overlooking the lake watching the fireworks while eating dinner. It was a beautiful night. We hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day!


Lake Travis Overlook




Dennis & Sara @ the Oasis





Janet & Sara @ the Oasis



Moma Enjoying the Night


Dennis

Some Befores and Afters

The befores were taken before we moved in so you can ignore the decor.


Staircase Before


After- as you can tell we've had some painting done


Master Bedroom Before


After-Paint and our new furniture, it's still a bit bare but we are making progress


Kitchen Before



After- we've done the most work here: Granite countertops, new sink/faucet, backsplash, and paint. We still hope to redo floor and get stainless steel appliances eventually


Different Angle




I'll try to get some more up. The patio is the biggest improvement in my opinion but it's always dark when I think to photograph it. Let us know what you think or if you have suggestions. Interior design is not my forte.

Breaking the Silence

Well we've had a very busy last few months. Buying our home and the projects that come with it have consumed most of our free time. We've had a blast making the house our home. We've made lots of mostly minor changes. We've made some time for family and friends as well.

Mother's day weekend was actually my Mom's birthday weekend so we had to celebrate. Nate, La Tisha, and my mom headed to Austin for a long weekend. Unfortunately my camera was on the fritz so we don't have any pics. But we had a good time grilling, making a yummy cake, going to the movies, and just enjoying the company. Early June I made a quick trip to Oklahoma to visit my mom and Nanny. My mom has been there most of the summer which is the yearly routine. This past weekend Michelle spent the weekend here. We got to show her our new home as well as help celebrate her 30th birthday. We had a good time catching up and hanging out. Dennis continued doing some small projects and spent some time a little under the weather but is feeling much better. Now that we have a new camera here are a few pics.

I hope everyone is well and Happy Fourth of July!




Dennis Sprucing up the Patio


Michelle and her Fave Italian Creme Cake


Happy 30th!


Going to the Movies

Our First Place

Well it's official we're homeowners! We closed on our first home yesterday. We are excited and ready to get settled in. Hopefully we will begin the big move the first weekend in April. We look forward to all the visitors and memories we will make there... P.S. The "TEXAS" flag will be the first thing to go:)

February

It's only February but already 2009 is turning out to be a big year for the Kinoti's. Dennis began his new career and seems to really love it and I'm more than a month into my new job. The biggest news of February is that we purchased our first home. Although we don't close until late next month we are very excited. We are very grateful for our jobs and all our blessings. Unfortunately as we all know times are bleak for most sectors of the economy. Texas has been greatly unaffected by the crisis but as oil prices decline so goes Texas. Nathan was laid off about two weeks ago but fortunately he has been able to secure a new one which he will begin soon. We pray for continued prosperity and the ability to extend our hand to those in need.

The Kinoti's