Bowlin Beige

In April we decided to do some upgrading to our backyard. When we first moved in it was just a large plot of grass. Watch the progress in action! Before - under deck Before - yard behind house Phase 1 - the equipment arrives! We have a very happy boy. He was a very good supervisor. Phase 2 - base for the patio A wall!  Patio finished with stone mulch on the sides.  Phase 3 - Creating a screened porch under the deck. Phase 4 - Some new landscaping! (Notice the back of the house with no door) Phase 5 - Adding a French door in the basement (this is our second guest room and it had no windows or door before).  We also put in a nice water fountain. The finished project - time to enjoy! 

Our little girl is finally old enough to spend the week with my in-laws and her cousins. Every year Skip and Reva have what I call "Grandparent Camp", where they take the older kids for two weeks of fun. This year Ainsley joined them for the second week. Reva and Carolina (7) drove up to our house last weekend. We did some fun things with the girls and it gave them a chance to get settled with each other (we hadn't seen them since Christmas).  We went to the zoo, and in the afternoon the girls went to the pool while Parker napped.   Pretty Princesses Fun at the zoo Saturday night we all went to a Flying Squirrels baseball game. Parker and I left early, but the girls got to stay for fireworks and running the bases. Running the bases after the game (Ainsley is in the blue dress, giving everyone high-fives) On Sunday Reva, Carolina, and Ainsley piled into the car and drove down to North Carolina. Parker cried in the driveway as the left. ...

My DH doesn't understand why I constantly take pictures of the kids when they are sleeping in funny places. I just like to capture the moments when they are quiet and peaceful. And when I've had a day when they're driving me nuts, I go back and look at their angelic faces and remember the reasons why I love being a mom.  One of my favorite stories to read to them is by Nancy Tillman called 'Wherever You Are'. Watching them sleep reminds me of this book.  "I wanted you more than you will ever know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go. It's high as you wish it. It's quick as an elf. You'll never outgrow it...  it stretches itself! So climb any mountain... climb up to the sky! My love will find you. My love can fly! Make a big splash!  Go out on a limb! My love will find you. My love can swim! It never gets lost,  never fades, never ends... if you're working or playing or sitting with friends. ...