Grass

It hadn't been easy, and it isn't over yet, but we have grass.  As we speak, Tanner and Joe are playing catch on our new lawn.  Starr is lounging.  I am smiling.

Grass.  Still need to add edging, bury the sprinklers, and extend the wall on the far side.

Just a few days ago.  Not a lot of work to throw sod (Joe did it all) but a HUGE difference.

Wall drama.  Yikes, it collapsed!

The beginning...a loooong time ago.

A lot of dirt (over 100 yards, one wheel barrow at a time), one dozen palettes of 55-lb blocks, several truck loads of gravel, hours and hours of sweat and work, lots of HOA discussions and now we have a backyard.

Yippee!

Loose Change

I couldn't resist documenting Mason's first encounter with a pay-phone.  Wow I'm getting old.

Yes, his teeth are blue.  He picked a sucker after his allergy shot.  

First Day of School

What a difference a year makes...and thank goodness for that.  Tanner and Mason were eager to start school this year, anxious to see friends they hadn't seen over the summer.  Last year the anxiety was for a completely different reason.

Mason started 5th grade with Mrs. Mansour at Happy Valley Elementary. 

Tanner is a 7th grader (with a bottom locker...bummer) at Happy Valley Middle School.

Here's to a great year!

Look what I saw this morning

We start late church today so Starr and I took a long, lazy walk.  We were rewarded with some beautiful sights.

Mount St. Helens

Mount Hood

Another view of Mount Hood

Such a beautiful morning!

Starr found something as well.  I let her dig and sniff to her hearts content.  Not sure what she was looking for?!?