The Great Outdoors

We've been working hard on finishing up our outdoor projects.  Max joined us again and the kids love having him around - not so sure Max loves having them around though!  The poor guy.  Here is an example of their conversation:

Rudy:  What are you doing, Max?

Max: Digging a spot for these stones.

Rudy: Why?

Max: So the grill can sit on them.

Rudy: Why?

Max: Because your dad told me to.

Avery: What are you doing, Max?

Max: Digging a spot for these stones.

Avery: Why?

Max: So the grill can sit on them.

Avery: Why?

Max: Because your dad told me to.

Rudy: What are you doing, Max?

and so on...

If they aren't standing by asking questions, they are there to "help" - even if it means dumping cup fulls of grass seed in the same spot so John and Max have to use a rake to spread it around...

We brought in some extra dirt and the kids just couldn't resist… And I couldn't stop them.  Climbing dirt piles is a favorite past-time of mine and Tony's - we'd love to find the tallest ones to trek through when Mom and Dad were building our house.

 Avery's dress is purposely tucked in to her bloomers.  Girl can't climb dirt with a dress in her way!

 Dirt slide!

 that's our girl...

Look at those beautiful new hydrangea plants (my favs)!  Can't wait to see them in full bloom next year!  They also planted peonies (another favorite of mine) and azaleas around the other side of the ledge.

And did some landscaping up front… pretty, pretty (not pictured)!

And with that, we are officially done planting!  Ahhh… nice to have a big "CHECK!" next to that on the list (the never ending list)…

And because we really needed another outdoor toy...

Papa Gary volunteered to unload a trailer for someone at a donation site… I was curious if there was any good furniture in it, so he stopped by on his way out.  No furniture, but this pretty car was front and center and the kids were not letting that trailer door close without getting it out.  At least they took turns...