Starting the Backyard!

We have dedicated this Spring and Summer to finishing our backyard. It is an x-large piece of slanty yard which just so happens to need a lot of TLC!

We knew what needed to be done first, excavation and a retaining wall. After several bids, we were able to pick a company to go with. There was just one problem. It was now the beginning of April and they were more than six weeks out (thanks to the help of Mother Nature!) Yikes, my dream backyard wouldn't take shape until the end of May!?!

Then last Thursday we got a call. They had a cancellation and asked if they could start work that day. We said of course! Which was good because they were already sitting in our drive way!

They waisted no time getting started.

We had to leave for a couple of hours and when we returned we found this,


A huge mountain of dirt, which the kids immediately started to climb on!

In those few hours, the digging was done and all the rocks had been delivered. We were so surprised.

They returned the next day to build the rock wall. We watched them work all day long! It was so fascinating watching them pick up each rock and strategically set it in its place. It was also so amazing that it was coming along so quickly!

It took a total of 11 hours to finish the project.

Here is what it looks like today (yes, that is snow you see on the ground! So sad.)

We have so much work left to do but I am so glad that the biggest part is all done and about 5 weeks earlier than we thought!

Great 8.....

On Saturday, the 23rd my oldest child turned 8 years old. What a fun 8 years it has been!

I will admit, the older he gets, the more I miss the years that have gone! I love that with age kids become more self sufficient and they are capable of doing a whole lot more. But, I miss all the cuteness and innocence that little toddlers have. I don't know if I am ready for the older kid stuff!

Connor was a great baby, probably my easiest as far as temperment goes. He loved everyone, ate great (once he figured things out,) he was happy, and was a great sleeper.

(I had to include a picture of Connor and his helmet! What a fun few months this was!)

Things pretty much stayed the same as he grew from a baby into a toddler. One of my most favorite things was when he started to talk, he called Kelly Daddyn. I remember being so sad when it changed to daddy! He had a favorite blanket that he called "bootie." He had two favorite stuffed animals that he carried everywhere, Mr. Dog and Whisikers.

Another thing that I loved (and still love) is that Connor could meet a friend wherever we went. The playground, nursery, the splash park. It didn't matter. He could always find someone to play with.

He is such a joy in our life and I am thankful for him and all the happiness he has brought to us. I just hope the next 8 years are as pleasant!