Breaking Ground

I really wanted to make sure I get our yard transformation documented. With a talented husband who knows a lot about plants and all other things yardish, we are transforming our poor neglected for three years landscaping.

My Crew...These two boys worked up a sweat on the yard. Bailey is such an awesome worker and is really helpful to have. On our first Saturday working on the yard, we actually worked on a service project with our ward from 8:30-12. Then, we came home and got to work on our own stuff. So, these two guys were tuckered out at the end of the day. I worked too, but had a lot of kid duty in the morning. I've never really worked in a yard before so I was mostly just following directions. I didn't get a picture of myself but I was plenty dirty and smelly too.

We moved these giant flagstones out from the front of the house. They were beasts!

 Front Yard

 Upper section of front yard. Rocks removed.

These are the before shots of the front yard. We moved the rock border and sprayed Round Up on all the grass. There was no real saving it. We did try to start pulling out the weeds only at first but soon realized that would only leave us with dirt patches. So the sod will be coming soon!

 

Fast forward to yesterday...The fallen tree. Well, not fallen but taken out. Why anyone has a tree in the front where the roots start to come up and ruin the grass makes no sense. We decided we want a section of easily mow-able grass with no interference. 

 Digging out the tree and all of the grass.

 Side area by driveway. We are reusing the flagstone.

 Even with it all dug up it looks better than before.

The neighbors were all coming by so excited about our work. We are the only house on the street that is not beautifully landscaped and taken care of. I'm sure it is nice to have someone in the house that cares. I'm really excited to see how it all comes together. 

What have we here?

I think with my new phone I am lazy about using the regular camera to document. It is so easy to take a picture, upload it to facebook and be done! But facebook will not document my children's lives, so I must now play catch up.

We like to meet Nana at the mall on Fridays sometimes when she has the day off. This particular Friday I half joking texted Ben to make sure he was still saying no to get Emma's ears pierced. I must have caught him at a good time because I go the go ahead! We went right over to Claire's and here is sweet and nervous Emma before getting her ears pierced.

We asked to have them both done at once, but one of the guns got stuck and they had to do the second ear over. By this time, Emma was crying and wailing and saying she didn't want them anymore. I think Nana and I felt so bad but we had to convince her to finish because you can't go around with one earring! So I promised her a new pair of shoes (I was desperate!) if she let them do it, held her on my lap and held her head. We waited to take pictures of the after because her eyes were so red and puffy. She loves her earrings now but I know if anything ever happens to them she won't get it done again. They sure are cute though:)

Addison modeling her swim suit in October. I think they are having pool withdrawals.

 I had the kids go with me to collect acorns to make a fall wreath. The acorns are still sitting in my garage, but hopefully I can get it done before fall is over.

New winter dresses. The pink and black dress used to be Emma's. I can't believe Kate is wearing it already. They are getting so big and grown up!

 These three are so silly. Here they are trying to show me how to fart by putting their legs up.

They love to give hugs for a picture.

I get to go with Emma's class for field trips this year. I found a mom who trades kids with me and it is working out really well. Our two little boys have become best friends. Emma loves that I can come with her especially since I missed most of last years field trips.

We are having fun in our new neighborhood. The kids love to ride bikes and play with other neighborhood friends. I am hoping the cool weather holds for a while so we can get some good pre dinner bike riding time in.

Last year of the Three Stooges

Next year, Nathan will be in all day Kindergarten and life will be so different. I keep thinking it will be easier, but I know that these three will miss all the time they spend together. Sometimes I get asked if they are triplets. And while that person probably needs glasses, it is somewhat true. They scream play together all day long and are really the best of friends.  I guess sometimes they DO feel like octuplets  triplets but I'm still alive!

Today I pulled out size 4 winter clothes for the twins and was a bit taken a back at how big they are getting. I still make them sleep in cribs because they think they can't get out, I refuse to potty train them even though they would probably do it on their own by now and they still go in a stroller.  I promise I'm not in denial, it's just when there is no one coming up behind them to use their stuff you push a lot less.

Weddingpalooza

My little sister, Niki got married just a few months after my little brother. So, although we are quite worn out (from dancing!) it has been quite an eventful summer. Here are the candid highlights from the wedding...

 Addison and Aunt Laurie, Kate and Uncle Curtis. Addy put her dress up over here head quite often?!

 Probably the only thing he ate all night-which is too bad because it was yummy BBQ

 Twins dancing it up

 Emma and I slow dancing. Although I did dedicate "our song" to her- Dynamite!

 Nathan and Leena

 He braved it with the kids while I did bridesmaid duty

 Bailey does this EVERY time you try to take his picture

 She is a dance machine

 Like father, like daughter...OK, and mother

Nathan is not shy with new people. Looks like he tackled Niki and Joe's nephew, Weston. 

Forgive Me Blogger, For I Have Slacked...

It has been one month since my last post.

OK, so sorry to offend any Catholics who read my blog, but I think that was pretty clever:)

Right now I am kid less thanks to Boppa braving it with my three little crazies..I mean children.  I have pictures that need to get on here so I can get caught up and move forward. So in chronological order....

Bailey became a Weebelo in Cub Scouts when he turned 10. He loves his new leader and all the fun stuff they do. He will also start earning his Arrow of Light this year which is a BIG deal.

 Prior to our move, Kate's outfit of choice. Wearing sparkly headbands 80's style, hair bands on her wrist and carrying her princess dress pjs.

 Coloring with big sister Emma!

They wanted me to take of picture of them like this. BFFs

 Bailey's first cross country meet. It was HOT!

 He placed 73rd in the bunch and has another meet this Thursday. he told me by the end of the season he wants to place top ten. Bailey is one of the hardest workers I know and we are really proud of him!

 Cool carts at Lowe's which we will probably use often. I wish they had a rewards program for frequent shoppers! The joys of a "new" house...

So in the craziness of unpacking apparently K and A thought eating PB sandwiches in an empty box with their blanket was normal. I didn't argue.

Life's been a little tiring around here. Addy was asleep two seconds prior.

Bad pictures from my phone but we celebrated my 32nd birthday twice! It was so much fun and I am excited that the kids love my birthday as much as I do.

The end. Back to unpacking and organizing....