Gardening

We have a garden! Some friends of ours who are gardening experts have decided to collaborate with us on a garden in our back yard (they don't have any sun in theirs), and we are so excited! We built raised beds and things are just starting to sprout. I took these photos a week ago and things have already changed a lot! Unfortunately, we just discovered some very nasty poison ivy growing in the dog run area where most of our vegetable beds are, so we're at war. Mike and his friend just went after it this evening, and they had to wear several layers of clothes and rubber gloves. Our next step involves cardboard and black plastic. We're keeping our fingers crossed that this helps!

These are our raspberry beds which will be filled with raspberry bushes eventually. That large bush behind them is a blackberry bush (we think).

These beds are empty still, waiting to get planted with corn and squash. Most of the leafy foliage you see in the back corner is poison ivy.
These beds have 17 heirloom tomato plants given to us by a horticulturalist friend. There will be all kinds of amazing tomatoes (hopefully) in many different interesting colors, shapes and sizes. The varieties have darling names like "Box Car Willie," "Aunt Ruby," and "Hawaiian Currant." We also have green beans, purple colored beans, watermelon, basil, cucumber, bell peppers, and jalapeno.

I have never grown anything before and am therefore totally clueless, so I'm so happy to be learning all about it from our friends. This has been a great experience so far!

Strawberries

This morning we headed out to pick strawberries at a local farm. The kids loved foraging around, even though ultimately most of the picking was done by me. The strawberries are absolutely fabulous and I wish we'd gotten ten times more!

Graduation Continued

I just realized that although I posted video, I forgot to put up some photos from Amelia's graduation. Here they are!

Here's the graduate thoughtfully reflecting on her achievements.

Amelia and Colin celebrating after

Beach Trip

Yesterday morning Mike and I woke up and decided to take a quick trip to the beach! We drove a couple of hours to Cape May, NJ and spent some time in the sand. The kids loved it, and it was nice to check out some new scenery.

I think Jack needs a new hat!

Wanamaker Organ

A little while back we went to see the Wanamaker Organ, the largest pipe organ in the United States (built in 1911), which is conveniently located inside a Macy's downtown! They have informal concerts every day at noon, so we milled around and listened to it. After a few minutes, I looked at Colin and he was listening to the music and holding this mannequin's hand. I thought it was hilarious.

I know this is a horrible photo, but it was the only one I got of the kids near the organ!

Sibs

The kids have been so great with Jack lately, and it's such a nice thing to experience. I'm sure they'll all be fighting like cats and dogs in a year or two, so I'm glad to document this brief time of tranquility! Amelia likes to pick up either brother every chance she gets, and with Colin this usually results in a pile of laughing children on the floor. With Jack it usually prompts some pained looks in my direction until I come and rescue him. They make a cute group!

Preschool Graduation

Tonight was Amelia's preschool graduation. Here are some videos from the event. Included is a rare performance of the international hit, "Jesus is my Rock."

Wisteria

Today we visited a garden and saw some Wisteria vines in bloom. They smelled amazing, and were just stunning. The bees were swarming and making the kids nervous, but it was worth it!

Jack the Narcissist

Here's a short video that Mike took of Jack with our webcam. He was looking at himself on the computer screen, and loving it!

Worms

Amelia was working on the garden with Mike today. They were digging up grass for the new beds we're putting in (a joint venture with some gardening expert friends we have). We have loads of worms in our dirt, and this was the biggest one she found. The dust mask is an accessory she found in the garage.

Preschool Class Photo

Tonsils

As of about 8:00am yesterday, Colin is tonsil and adenoid free! He and Mike will be coming home from the hospital today. Colin has been pretty cranky, but eating and drinking like a champ. Amelia, Jack and I have missed him so much! We've spent a lot of time talking about him and buying him toys. I hope his recovery will be quick!

Pink Tree

There are these lovely pink trees all over our area that have been shedding their petals, and we walked under one on our little outing the other day. The kids were amazed! Can anyone tell me what kind of tree this is?

Lookin' Cute for Church

Rainy Days

It has been raining and drizzly for days now, so we finally just went for a walk in the rain. The kids loved jumping in puddles, and they were amazed by the huge quantities of dandelions we have everywhere. The dandelions were wet, and therefore not very fluffy, but the kids blew their brains out anyway.