Weekend Fun

Not much to report from over the weekend. We have done a lot of relandscaping of the front yard, and the girls recently started a garden in the back. The corn that they planted is coming up very nicely, although the birds have been eying it in a suspicious manner. Dad, the Moo, and the Bean decided to take matters into their own hands and built a scarecrow. I'm not sure what the neighbors think about it, but I think it's adorable and the birds are keeping their distance! Dad also worked hard to give the front yard more pizazz. We pulled out all of the detested holly bushes using a cable and the CR-V, and have replaced them with large potters filled with Canna plants, which supposedly endure direct sunlight very well and blossom into salmoney-orange blooms (see picture above). Dad built up a half moon shaped border of natural stone around the each of the planters, which flank the front steps, and filled the interior with gravel. I would take pictures and post them but it is pouring rain! We were watching TV after dinner but rain is interfering with the reception (the Bean asked, "Why is the rain antagonizing the TV?") so we are watching Bambi. It is fun to see the girls enjoy movies that were my favorites when I was little, although I wish Bambi's mom had met with a less unfortunate end.

Other than that, not much to report. We did a lot of swimming this week, twice at C's house and yesterday at pool birthday party for the one year daughter of some friends of the family. The girls have progressed in their swimming to the point where we don't even really need to be in the pool with them, although the Bean is still not quite to the point where I f eel comfortable not being there next to her. She has made tremendous progress, however, and the Moo is pretty much self sufficient in the water. They had a wonderful time at the party, and Daddy got to stay home and work on his course. He is one class short of finishing up his degree, and we are finally at the point with the girls where we think he will be able to find the time and the QUIET he needs to get the work done. It's a writing class, and Dad is a very good writer but he has convinced himself that he is not, so it is a struggle for him so far. He is doing great though, and just needs to get through the next few weeks. Go Dad!!

Our anniversary is coming up on the 21st, and Dad has made some great arrangements. We will be attending the Breaux Vineyards Key West Fest featuring (beyond the wine!) a Jimmy Buffet cover band. Dad has already indoctrinated the girls on Buffet, so they are very excited. I am surrounded by parrotheads!! After the festival we go to Magnolias on the Mill in Purcelville, a great place that is not really a kid restaurant, but when you go there at 5 pm it doesn't really matter!

I went in to work for a few hours this afternoon (fewer than I should have but longer than I wanted) but am now just enjoying the cozy feeling of being inside during a thunderstorm, watching a movie with my little family. Hope everyone had a weekend as nice as ours, that all the pregnant ladies are doing well, and that Great Grandma and Uncle Daymond are doing well and recuperating nicely.