The Newest Backyard Phase

Last month, we extended our paved backyard patio by three feet, and had three more trees planted.  This extension closed off our square in-ground planters, so we're ready to pick plants now.  And since I have a hard time making decisions when given many choices, I think these planters will remain empty for the long, hot summer.   We're not in the backyard too much these days anyway, preferring the cool comfort of indoors.

 

We still have A LOT of backyard left.  Planning future projects is rather overwhelming.   More pavers?  Grass?  Layout/design?  More plants?  What to do ... what to do?

 

We've been toying with the idea of artificial turf.  Looks great year round, virtually no maintenance.  But we LOVE grass.  And grass does tend to cool the surrounding air by a few degrees.   But it is a lot of work, and takes a lot of water.  

 

Tonight we went to a party at Jonathan's boss' house.  And the backyard blew us away - see pics and video below! 

 

Artificial turf gets really hot in the sun, but it was fine to walk on when we got there at about 6:00pm and the sun was still on it.  And it doesn't retain the heat, so once the son is down - or shade is across the grass, it is perfectly fine to walk on. 

 

Their turf is 5 years old and is one solid color.  But these days, turf comes in a huge variety - some have color variations in the strands just like real grass and looks awesome!

 

So we're seriously considering artificial turf four our next backyard landscaping phase.

 

 

 Okay ... a pool would be fun, too, for our backyard.   But it will never happen.

 

My First Summer of Freedom in Forever

For our readers who my not know, back in February, I lost my job of 16 years.  But it is okay ... really!  I absolutely love being home with my kiddos, and do not miss Corporate America one bit!   And this summer is the first time since 1989 that I haven't had a job during the summer to get in the way of fun. 

I love that we can get out and about and do whatever we want, whenever we want!  Well, kind of.  It's incredibly hot, so we're mostly limited to indoor activities - many of which are quite a drive from our home.  But we still find things to do.

We've gone to Chuck E. Cheese's for some fun!

 

Scarlett had her first merry-go-round ride and loved it!  She eventually reached out for me, and fell in the process and I had one heck of a time getting her as it kept going around.  But, I got her and she was fine.

 

 

And Scarlett had an ice cream cone for the first time!

 

 

 

We've been going over to Christian's friend's house for some swimming.  And I must say, it is a bit stressful, as I'm trying to watch both Christian and Scarlett.  But his friend's mom is there with us and is an excellent pair of second eyes and she's able to stay in the pool with the boys when I have to get out with Scarlett because she's had enough pool time.

 

 

 

 

 

We've gone to the mall and surprised Christian with pizza for lunch.

*Ahem* ... Christian will be getting a haircut very soon. :)

 

 

 

 

I'd like to thank Jonathan (and have done so personally numerous times) for giving me the gift of staying home with our kiddos.  Being a mom is my ultimate priority and I am blessed to have this amazing life!