Summer's here and the time is right

Jody decided enough was enough and it was time to address the west side of our back yard. At one time we believe it was nicely landscaped with rock...not so much anymore. There's still some rock there, but mostly it's just weeds.
The trees are also very overgrown -- as far as trees go, anyway.

A couple rickety old planters were dug into the ground.

Solution? Mulch. Lots and lots of mulch.

We actually put flowers in the planters, as well, but I got carried away taking the "after" photos before it was fully "after." More "afters" to come.

Jody's niece, Jessi, graduated from high school and had a party to celebrate at a nearby park. Shae, ever the party animal, was more than happy to help Jessi with her celebrations.

Craig and Jody manned the grills. And I do mean MANned.

Shae's first-ever baseball game! It pained me inside to teach her to say "Go Rockies!" but it was appropriate for the venue. GO CUBS!!

Memorial Day weekend = summer. Summer = water. Shae's new splash table = lots of fun!

Memorial Day weekend also = backyard BBQs and yard games. Jody and Brian try out the new ladder ball set. (A LOT of fun, by the way!)

A momentary lull in the crying. (Shae is trying to push through four molars all at once right now. Not so fun for anyone involved.)

Shae's friend, Parker, came over to play. They thought it was big fun to sit on the stone wall together -- it's just their size!

Best of pals, right from the start.

Hugs!

Shae goes to Madison

Know what's really fun? Taking off your pants and putting Dad's socks on your hands. Seriously: hilarious! Try it!

Shae has become a certified Spoon Master. She loves to enjoy oatmeal all by herself.

There is a kid in that mirror! We're playing peek-a-boo!

Trip to the zoo with Baba (Gram and Gramps). There are LIONS over there!

And birds over there!

Chillaxin' in my sweet, sweet ride. Home, jeeves.

Paparazzi. Can't get a moment's peace.

How many pelicans have you seen today?

Headed home after a long day of animal peeping.

Sprout! Helping Mama make dinner.

Finally, we're in Madison! Checking out the lake with Baba.

...and the docks.

Playing with cousin Taylor...

...and Cate.

What birthday celebration is complete without cake?

There's something really interesting just over that way.

You have GOT to be kidding me.

Uncle Brian is just so darn funny.

Bye bye, Taylor. See you soon!

An introduction to soccer at Keeley's tournament. (Congrats to Keeley's team for winning it all!)

Every lady should have a hat. Next up: Kentucky Derby. Bring on the juleps, please!

Home again, home again, clickety clack.

Mmkay, Mama. 'Nuff with the photos, k?

The cat that got the canary!

Remember when we used to post weekly...?

Yeah, not so much anymore. :-)

Mr. Potato Head!
Uncle Kyle imparts the very important knowledge and skill of cup stacking. Perhaps some day we'll see Shae on ESPN stacking/un-stacking. Gosh, fingers crossed.

Hilarious!

Cup on the head?! Brilliant!

Even more fun than a cup on the head? Knocking the cup off your head! Woohoo!

Taking a visit at the Butterfly Pavilion. It's very, very warm and humid in the butterfly area -- sorry for the cloudy pictures.

Oooooh. Butterfly show!

Um, mama. What the heck was that thing that just flew by my head?

Fascinated by -- but leery of -- the butterflies.

Dad pointed out the koi and turtles in the pond. Shae was rivited.

Holy heck... that's mama!

Toddler on a mission.

Look! Super neat.

Mother's Day morning. Shae's helping dad make French toast for everyone.

Egg stirring master!

Being counter-height is so fun!

Mother's Day afternoon. Playing bubbles with cousins Emmy and Nick. Shae loves bubbles.