What a weekend! Saturday was Steve’s birthday, but he opted to let this one “pass by unnoticed”, and turn a year older next year, instead. (BRILLIANT idea! Why didn’t I think of that??)

We began the morning bright and early getting Reese to her parade float for the La Vernia Bluebonnet Parade. It seems like just about the whole town comes out and either walks in it, or cheers on the participants.

Seeing that we walked behind her float, I couldn’t get action shots of the whole thing, but managed to get a few before it got started. There were well over 40 floats.

Along the way we saw all kinds of friends waving from the side lines. I did my darnedest best to embarrass Steve on his big (skipped over) day, yelling to them (and everyone else who had ears) that it was his birthday. It cracked me up each time they’d throw their arms up and cheer for him.  (I’m a little nervous about payback now.). Here are the behind the scenes pics… Reese and her dance group is the first pic.

After the parade, Dixie brought out 13 ladies to our land who have been reading our blog, to give them the tour.  They noticed the lack of mosquitos at our land (the only place in Texas?). We told them that it was because of our American Beauty Berry bushes (the oil in the leaves repels Mosquitos), and about how they grow berries that make great jelly.  They all wanted one!   So, Steve took out his shovel and dug up one bush for each lady.   (Can’t say that I’ve ever sent bushes home as party favors before.)

The next day we got up bright and early at 6am to head for the town of College Station, the home base of Texas A&M University (WHOOP!). We were taking our log tools to Jeremy and Candace (who came to help us weeks ago, and who built ME the rocking chair. Steve has been under the unfortunate delusion that the chair is for both of us. Poor guy.)

Jeremy took the same log home building class that we took, but not at the same time we did. We all took the class taught by The Log Home Builders Association. Their link is Log Home Builders.

After taking the class, Jeremy built a shed storage log house.  It was so great to see, in person, and up close, a FINISHED log structure like we are building, done the same way we are. So encouraging. It filled us with more inspiration and excitement.

Knowing we were coming, they invited us to stay for lunch…and I mean the meal of all meals!  Filet Mignon, ribs, grilled shrimp, sausage, potato salad, asparagus, and two scratch desserts!  Their hospitality was off the charts. They made us feel like good friends and celebrities all at the same time.

We ended the day touring the campus and going antiquing. Such an exquisitely perfect day packed with more unexpected blessings.

When we got back, it was time to return to work.  We’ve managed to frame the vast majority of the upstairs, which is the girls’ bedrooms and bathroom. Reese was right at Daddy’s side framing away (Tool Girl) while Reiley schooled back in the Bed & Breakfast we have on the land.

In the midst of building, Reese felt inspired. She decided she wanted to make a stool. She gathered together the wood and nails. Steve saw her and decided to stop what he was doing and assist her. He let her do all the work, but tutored her.

Of course you know what came next. A jealous older sister. She had to make one, too. Reese…now being the new stool-building expert…graciously offered her “expertise” to help Reiley make one. (Steve guided.)

We had dinner at Dixie’s (mother-in-law) house that night. The girls remembered that Dixie has PAINT.  They were in the garage for about 2 hours, and would NOT let us go in. It was finally time for the grand unveiling…

The upstairs framing is about done, thanks to Tool Girl helping daddy.

(Tough Tool Girls wear polka dot shoes, and Daddy’s (gross) sleeve on their heads.)

Aspen wanted to help too, but couldn’t figure out how to get up the ladder.

We got the backdoor hole cut out, and trimmed off the long over dangles of the upstairs floor joists. We need more 2x4s to finish framing upstairs to the ceiling.

Next up is cutting out windows.

Still waiting on logs to dry before we can sand, treat, and stain them…and then put the concrete between the logs. The logs have to only be 18 percent moisture inside. We have a handheld meter that we press against the logs to test their moisture content. Some are at 18. But some are in the 20’s. not sure how long it will take to wait.

In the meantime, it’s windows, finishing upstairs framing, roof, and….

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To continue reading, go to this next post: “Scratching a giraffe’s ears and kissing a camel’s lips“.  (You have to admit…you’re kinda curious what that one’s about.)

This is a chronological blog; one continuous story.  If you want to start from the beginning, click here: ‘Welcome to Cottonwood Creek’

If you want to start from the beginning of the log home building process, click here: “What do Vegas and logs have in common?”  Or, if you just have no clue what this blog is about, read this: “What is Cottonwood Creek?”