We bought ourselves a little rental house. We like to say, "It has potential!" (It just hasn't realized it quite yet.)

True before pictures would include a hole where the bathroom was supposed to be, but we took care of that before we brought along the camera, so you'll just have to imagine how awesome that looked.

We still have a ton of work ahead of us, but Sunday's task was just this: get rid of the filth. You'd think that would be an easy one. It wasn't!

Example A: Filth. It was pretty epic. (This is the light switch for the kitchen.)

The walls, the ceiling, the floors... everything was coated in nastiness.

So we spent all day scrubbing and scrubbing and scrubbing and scrubbing (and scrubbing and scrubbing and scrubbing)...

And occasionally taking a break from the mop to look pretty do some manly things.

I'm sure there will be plenty more about our progress as we try to get this place inhabitable. But for now? I'm taking a nap.

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We had a successful trip to the dentist. No cavities for Ryan or Cael! And Cael was a champ. He got the polish and the foam and everything. I was really proud of how well he sat for it. Plus, he got to be a dental assistant.  He put on the blue gloves and examined Ryan's teeth while Ryan sat in the chair.  Dentist Cael says that Daddy's teeth look like a mustache.  We'll have to have Uncle Dan look into that.

After a long day of playing, the boys needed a little down time.  They learned about how fruit decomposes (I'm glad I missed that episode, ICKY). I am really hoping they don't ask to do the molding pumpkin experiment on their own.  *crosses fingers*  Apparently, Ryan already knows all there is to know and decided he'd skip the lesson.

While they watched things rot, I made dinner. Which was delightful and delightfully easy.* Finn had four helpings and Cael had two!

And then we tucked the boys in bed and made a little something for ourselves. (Don't tell them!)

*Simmer 2 cups heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, salt, pepper and some Parmesan cheese until thickened (~8 min). Meanwhile, cook chicken, cook pasta, and cook broccoli. Combine! Sprinkle with nutmeg and some extra cheese. Serve to hungry boys.

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About 30 minutes after we'd put Cael to bed we found him on the toilet, light on, pants off, magazine in hand.

Allie: Hey, Buddy. Whatcha doing?
Cael: Pooping. [goes back to reading]

I sat down and kept him company while he finished up. He noticed my nose was peeling and got very concerned.

Cael: Mama, what's that white stuff?
Allie: I got a sunburn at the beach. An owie from the sun.
Cael: I didn't get an owie from the sun.
Allie: Because you were good and put sunscreen on. Mama didn't.
Cael: Mama, you need sunscreen. I'll remind you. I'll tell you.
Allie: Thanks, Buddy. That's really nice of you.
Cael: Next time we go to the beach, I'll remind you you need sunscreen. I'll take care of you, Mama. Don't worry.

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