NEWS ALERT! 5 New postings below!

It's been a while since we last posted, so feel free to scroll down to view 5 new posts! Yes, that's right! 5 new posts!!! All in one day! (Phew...)

"Land (is) a man's very soul." (from Far and Away)

It has now been 2 whole months since we've moved into our new home in Gilbert. This past weekend we decided to install our landscaping. We were originally going to do it ourselves, but after watching the landscape crew struggle with picks and even a jackhammer to loosen our soil, we were more than content to let them do the job. We kind of felt bad for taking away a lot of Aubrey's "play area" aka the mud pit, but in the best interest of the entire family, we thought that grass might be a cooler, cleaner (see "Mud Girl" post below), and more fun alternative - although that might be subject to Aubrey's definition of "fun."


Who knew that the ground would be so hard? This was farmland right? After Day 1 of heavy, intense manual labor (none performed by us), we were ready to lay in some irrigation pipes.

Rolando - the landscaper - asked, "Are you sure you want that much grass?" To which I replied, "It really wasn't my choice." Rolando stated, "That sure is a lot of grass." I answered, "I guess that gives me a good reason to go to Home Depot and get one of those big riding lawnmowers then!" I don't think Molly would agree - a regular lawnmower will work fine. Actually, I don't really mind because it provides a lot of room for the girls to play around in the back yard.

Day 2 and 3 - the curbing came in and just the outline of the curbing has really transformed our back yard. We situated the plants and trees where we thought we would want them. Notice the workers in the background? They are standing in what will soon be Molly's own garden!!! Mmmm - I can't wait to plant some watermelons and eat fruit and veggies from our own garden! We're both really impressed with how much trees add to the overall feel of the yard. We're so excited for them to grow. We've got a couple of orange trees that will hopefully bring fruit as soon as next summer! Once our ash tree grows more, we plan on putting a picnic table underneath.

We weren't too impressed with desert landscaping. We already live in the desert, so we don't want to be reminded of it on a daily basis. Molly designed the front yard landscaping and I think it looks great! Check out all the sod.

Here is Molly laying the first pieces of sod in the back yard. She was so excited about the grass that she wanted to help out. She even asked Rolando if he needed some help on the side to lay sod for other projects.


Aubrey didn't want to be left out either. She was more than happy to help Mom roll out the sod. She would grunt, "Oh, it's sooo heavy! It's too big! I need help!" Too cute. She sure does take after Mom. She was happy to be included in fixing up her back yard!

Ok, here is the finished product in the back yard! We couldn't believe the difference the grass made in the evening - it was definitely a couple of degrees cooler sitting on the back patio. Nothing like the fresh scent of new grass wafting through the house!


Molly decided that she didn't want larger shade trees in the courtyard and opted for the Oleanders. Good choice. It really makes the court yard "pop" a little more. We also planted a lot of Star of Jasmine plants and the front entry way just smells so sweet.


Here is a view of the house from across the street. I think it definitely has more curb appeal now! We can't wait until everything matures and grows. We really like our home now that it is just a little more complete.

Here is Grammy and Addy sitting on the back patio as the sod was being laid. We're excited for the grass to become a little more settled - then we plan on having a little camp out in our back yard!

Grammy's Surprise Party

We had a surprise birthday party for Grammy yesterday. After the girls took her out to breakfast, the entire family gathered to surprise her for dinner and a swim party. Again, the water was a little chilly, but when you're all together as family it warms everyone up!

Pool Time!!!

With the weather warming up - it was finally time to hit the pool and go for a splash! This is Addison's first time swimming. Can you tell she is SOOOO excited?!?! Come on Addy - show some enthusiasm!!! :)


Ok, so the water was a little chilly and the wind was a little blustery, but after a while, the water didn't feel too bad. Addy enjoyed just splashing away in the water.


Aubrey was content to just kick up here feet and splash in the water. She eventually got in too.

Mud Girl

Aubrey LOVES the mud. Give her a water hose and some dirt and she's good for hours! Here are some pics of her in her element - truly a nature a girl!

Empty Nesters

Our little Dove friends outside our bedroom window finally flew the coup! Mommy Bird hatched two little feathered friends that we named Aubrey and Addison. It was fun watching them grow so quickly and kind of sad to see them all leave.

Here is Mommy bird sitting on her two little ones.

"Aubrey" and "Addison" growing up!

Getting ready to take flight...the big leap of faith! It's a big world out there!