Our Backyard AKA The Ongoing Project

For those who know, we were unhappy with the size/layout of our backyard. We felt that there was precious space being wasted with the elevated planter beds (about 4 feet deep lining the largest area of our yard). Nathan decided that area should be covered in grass for the kids to play on, DUH!! So one day he starts moving the concrete blocks that are lining the huge walls of dirt and rocks. The next weekend was spent tearing out the drain and moving some of the extra rock. Then the real fun began, the TRACTOR!! Addison was in heaven seeing a "mini" tractor in our backyard. She spent most of the day at the window engrossed in everything that Daddy and Grampa were doing with it. So, the tractor was used to dig farther into the dirt and relocate it to the side yard so that we could transport it (to various locations!). What we didn't realize at the time was the compacted dirt would look like 10x as much dirt after it was errated by the tractor. I mean, lots and lots and lots of dirt!! So much dirt that we ran out of room.

So at this point the project gets a little overwhelming and discouraging. We just wanted it to be done, without an iota of effort from us :) Thank goodness for great friends!! Krystal talked her Dad into letting up borrow his trailer to haul our dirt. Talk about a lifesaver!! So over the next few weeks we moved a few loads of dirt and rock. Small progress, but progress nonetheless!

Then we hit another roadblock : rain!! and lots of it. So we were out of commission for a few weeks.

This last project weekend was the one that allowed us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. All the dirt is GONE!! All the supplies needed to install the french drain are present and accounted for. All that is left to do is level out the ground, install the drain and put the cement blocks back up. The area that used to be 4 ft of wasted space is now about 1 foot :) I have progress pictures and will post them once I get them downloaded.

                                                                                           

Darci has always been wonderful, but now she is ONE-derful!

This year went by so fast! It's amazing that the time to celebrate Darci's 1st birthday was fast approaching. I managed to hold off on most of the planning (because I don't plan well !! ), but everything went off without a hitch. Some of our closest family and friends made their appearance and helped us to celebrate the wonder that is Darci  :) She was all dressed up and ready for her visitors!

The food and decorations were rearing to go!

Darci is such a people person and just loves being the center of attention. From the moment the first person came in the door, she had her game face on so that she could be seen as the cutest one year old ever! Fully equipped with two squeaky shoes that announced whenever she was approaching, she played with Tailey, Kayleigh, Mason and, of course, big sister Addison. Darci was smothered in kisses by her grandparents, Auntie and all the rest of her favorite people.

Darci loved her cake and wanted to make sure every one got to try some.

Our messy cake monster

Enjoying her bath while I attempted to get ALL of the frosting off. It proved to be a bit challenging.

She didn't so much care about opening the presents, but she did love everyone looking at her haha

Addison, Mason and Kayleigh did an amazing time of serenading the guests !!

Energy a'plenty

What does a toddler have an endless supply of? Patience? No. Self control? No. Common sense? No. Energy? YES!! Addison would literally be bouncing off the walls if it were physically possible. Our solution to this little snaffoo in the rearing of a toddler? Wear her out!! I took her to her first toddler gymnastics class today and she had a blast.

Here she is ready for her adventure

A room full of trampolines, ball pits, balance beams, balls and best of all, KIDS!

I signed her up to attend for 5 weeks and she gets to go once a week. It wore her out which made me very satified with our decision! But even more importantly, she really enjoyed herself and there were a few kids there that she knew.

She was able to walk along the balance beam, jump and swing, and play to her hearts content! I have a video of her jumping, which I'll upload later. Grammy and Grampa will be taking her for the remainder of the classes because they only meet on the days that Daddy and I work. I know she'll enjoy every one of the days she gets to go burn off some energy!

Swim lessons start at the end of the month, so I'm hoping she enjoys those just as much!