Work in Progress

Last year we gave the front yard a nice face lift. Now, we've moved to the back. I didn't capture before and after shots...but at least we'll have documentation of some of the intense work we did. Chris' parents and brothers, Jake and Spence, came out to save our tired hinies last week.

Thursday- 

• Remove UGLY, MEAN bushes out front. Chain &large truck were unsuccessful. Lots and lots of chain sawing and digging, then realizing we'll need to hire an arborist to grind out the stubborn stumps. So much happier to look at stumps than crazy bushes right now!
• Weed pulling. Those two words don't do justice to the clean up job that took place, mostly by Judy (MIL). She even cleaned out our window well! The one job that gives me the heeby jeebies to think about! So grateful.
• Initiated cutting out and moving of sod and first trip to the dump (30 minute drive!)

Friday-

• Much more sod cutting, rolling, and transporting
• More weeding
• 2 more trips to the dump
• Starting to smooth dirt a bit
• Planting flowers out front
• Set up lovely patio swing and admire our work

Saturday-

• I happened to wake up at 4am (Thanks Thomas!) and not fall back asleep. Proceeded to do house chores and water garden around 5am. Then I felt rain. Contemplated running inside and waking boys to hurry and load the final dump run debris. Thought better of it, knowing that none of them would comply.
• Later that morning, I enjoyed being indoors with Thomas and Judy, and a delicious lunch at Panera. The boys enjoyed getting SOAKED and muddy, but made the final dump run and cleaned all the junk out of our yard.
• Total of 4 dump excursions made, adding up to 4 TONS of our old backyard being removed by the 6 of us. Whew! Good work crew!!!

The dump.

Can't really tell, but Jake is soaked through!

Of course, there was a little time to relax and enjoy this little guy.

We were all exhausted each evening, but "the boys" still cruised on their penny boards (sometimes pulled behind Chris' scooter), played some soccer and frisbee, and most of all seemed to enjoy some sweet bonding time with a great new app recognizing company logos/emblems. Nerd much?

We are so incredibly grateful to have such generous family! Our four "visitors" definitely put in their time and effort here. We could not have done it without them!!! Thanks again and again!

Now, Chris and I have one more week to add our finishing touches and then the Sod Guys will come and install our sod for us. We're not disappointed to hire out one portion of the job. haha. Pictures to come, of course. By the way, we did plant a garden, too, and it seems to be growing. Yay! Maybe that will be a post of its own.

Latest Thomas Report:

• 10 month weight check up- Gained 1 1/2 pounds in one month (19lbs 2oz)! I was pleased and so was Dr. Marc. His response. "Wow, you guys really put it into fourth gear. He's back to the top of his class." 
• He's up and in EVERYTHING!!! His favorite hobby: pulling things out of places, one at a time. i.e.: clothes from drawer, toys from basket, anything in a cupboard.
• He's a major lover! Cuddles and kisses all around...minus Chris' scruffy face.
• Still no teeth.
• Also, still nursing, but usually takes 1 bottle of formula before bed since 9 months.

And that is all for tonight! Hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day weekend. We sure have!!