update on the yard

This weekend we'll be adding some annuals into the mix and then most of the planting will be done. Then it's on to the front yard.


One of my favorites is the Dogwood tree, which now has beautiful white flowers blooming.

Cory put in these rock steps that will lead up to the retaining wall landing that he's going to build in front of the gate.

Cole supervising.

just about the perfect Sunday morning

It's the absolute perfect temperature outside -- I am LOVING all of the sun we've been having these past couple of days. Woke up early with Cole. A trip to Starbucks. Followed by a walk through downtown and campus (before any of the students are awake). Then time with Cory in the backyard while Cole in napping. Just about the perfect Sunday morning.

This cell picture doesn't really do it justice, but the flowers in Central Park are so beautiful right now. And you can kind of see Cole with his little feet up on the front of the stroller, which is his preferred way of riding these days. He loves being outside.

grandma time

Grandma Yvonne came over on Friday to watch Cole while I went to a meeting. They just got back from a 2 week trip to Florida, so it had been a while since she'd seen Cole. She commented on how much his personality has developed since the last time she saw him and how even more engaged he seemed. They played outside for a bit, then inside on the floor, and then Cole was ready for a nap. When I came home, Cole was fast asleep in Grandma's arms. She said she just sang "Three Little Birds" (a song that her mom used to sing to Cory and Brad when they were little) to him, and he dozed right off. I don't think he's ever done that for me or Cory! It was so sweet.

moving towards crawling

Cole is going to start crawling any day now, I just know it! He is making strides towards it every day. Just this weekend he started doing this pilates-type move where he gets his butt way up in the air. You can see in this series of photos how he gets his knees underneath him, and then gets himself up there. The next thing he does, usually, is he ends up rolling over to the side. Today he started being able to get himself from a sitting position to being on his hands and knees. It's fascinating to watch him learn how this is all suppose to work. And I find it just amazing that babies just know what they need to do to become mobile. I know he's going to love it when he can move. But I'm not sure if we are quite ready for it! Can you say babyproofing? Um, yes. We need to get on that soon.

mothers day

This was my first Mother's Day, and it was just wonderful. We started the day with brunch at my parent's house with Krista, Nathan and the kids. Delicious food cooked by our wonderful husbands. Then we headed over to Starker Park to play a little bit and see the ducks. The weather was a bit more brisk that we expected, but other than that, it was perfect. Cole and I spent much of the afternoon playing at our house and it was just nice to have some time just the two of us. He's getting more and more interactive and entertaining each and every day. And yes, I chopped my hair. I love it! And I love my new hairdresser (I'm going to put a plug in for her -- Pam King at 7stones, she's rad!).

yard work

Cory has been hard at work on our yard these past couple of weeks and it is looking so great. He's planting a variety of things on the hillside and is creating a walkway that goes up the side and across the top, ending at the gate. When it's done, I'll be sure to post some pictures. So, I just have to brag about Cory a little bit. He has such a knack for figuring out anything and everything -- whether its cooking, woodworking, or landscaping. He has this amazing vision and the work ethic to carry out whatever he dreams up. It's pretty remarkable.

The other day we went to Shonnards to pick up the next round of plants, and tested out Cole's new car. He loved it and loved all of the plants!