Backyard project

The backyard project is finally done! Well, I guess there's still stuff to do, like a new fence (the bank account will need to recover a bit for that), but the majority of it is done.

So ... the before pictures:

By the way, the lawn wasn't always in THIS bad of shape (although it was installed improperly and so always had been lumpy, etc.). I decided to let it die since I was getting rid of it. Oh, and the chairs are lined up this way because this is the way we play train (or cars, as the case may be).

And, once again, the infamous "Swing House" before it got a new life as a playhouse. Pretty ugly, wasn't it? (Sorry, Brock - but it's true.)

And the new ...

Including the new playhouse, proving once again that ugly ducklings do indeed grow into beautiful swans.

Of course, I personally did very little of this work. I seldom pull the gender card as a reason I can't or won't do something ... but of late I am pulling the age card. As in, I have worked too hard and too long to be doing this too. But with the help of a couple of professionals, and ESPECIALLY with the help of my darling daughter Stephanie (plus Alex to help us with 5 TONS of rocks), I finally have the low-maintenance, water conserving backyard oasis I dreamed of.

Atticus' Welcome to the World Party

We were finally able to have our baby shower for Atticus. It was originally set for the last weekend in June. We thought that would be okay, as he was due on June 12. However, he ended up making his debut a week late, and then he landed in the NICU for a week with pneumonia. Thankfully, he was okay. But of course we postponed the shower, which we had today.

So many attended, and we are grateful for everyone's support and love. Kris and Sterling have traveled a long road to become Mom and Dad to this beautiful boy. One thing's for sure ... he will be truly loved and cherished. Welcome, Atticus! We're wondering, though - will your nickname become Attie? Or Cus, as some speculate? Or just Parker, which is Krissy's vote?

This boy is going to be styling. Is there anything more fun than shopping for baby clothes?

My grand-niece Marina (the redhead in the photo above) and my nephews David and Kevin (below) were going directly from the party to the airport to spend time with Karen and Mike in Phoenix (I know ... crazy, huh?). Marina was a little nervous about her first trip without Mom.

This apparently is Teagie's standard photo-posing smile.