The Pannings: Panning Family 2011

Our year has been busy with ordinary things: work, school, fun, home, and kids. Here are some highlights (in no particular order).

New Bathroom

Our first remodel of 2011. The bathroom got new paint, flooring, sink, and cabinets. A huge improvement!

New Kitchen

This summer we tackled a second remodeling project: the kitchen. We’re very happy with the way it turned out and we learned a lot in the process.

Bunk Beds

Just after Thanksgiving, we bought set of bunk beds for the kids. We had been planning to wait until Christmas, but we found a set we liked and decided to go ahead and do it. Both Henry and Lucy love their new beds and the transition has been easier than we had anticipated. The kids’ bedroom is getting pretty crowded, but the crib is now free for Charlie whenever he is ready to move into the fun room.

Potty Training

Technically this adventure with Henry began in 2010, but this year he became officially diaper-free. It’s hard to believe we’re already looking at Round 2 in the coming year!

Woodworking

Matt has a new hobby. Useful, artistic, and timeless. Perfect!

Summer Vacation

We had a great time visiting with family in Michigan and the kids got to spend some quality time with their cousins. By July 2012, there will be three more little cuties to add to the mix! Plus one on the Panning side.

Farm

This year we bought a membership at a local farm, which included fresh produce every week and admission to the farm. We had a great time this summer, from our first visit picking strawberries in May to our last visit picking a pumpkin in October. Favorite activities included visiting the bunnies, jumping on the “jumping pillow,” picking berries, and playing in the corn bin and sandbox.

Grad School (again)

In March, Matt started a program at George Washington University to earn a Masters Degree in Engineering Management. He is in school every Saturday for a total of 18 months, so he should be finished in August 2012.

Preschool