Patio Project

When Jon and I moved into our house, we knew the backyard needed some TLC.  Over the past few years, we have completed small projects like minor landscaping, installing an irrigation system, laying sod and most recently building Parker's swingset.

We've always wanted a patio area with a built-in fire pit.  South Carolina weather offers several months throughout the year to have a backyard fire.  We normally build fires in a small round fire pit, but have always wanted to do something more.


We took the plunge and decided to build our own patio with a built-in fire pit.  With four straight away games for the Carolina football team, we figured now is the best time as any.  It's been a long few weeks, but the end result is worth it!  I've left the tough stuff like the tilling, compacting and lifting to the boys (including Parker as you will see below) but this has definitely been a big job.  A special thanks to Jared, Greg and Stephen for their help a few weekends ago. 

There are still several things that we want to do in the backyard, but for now we're going to enjoy our new area!

 

 

 

We're looking forward to roasting marshmallows and enjoying fires throughout the year!

Grams' Garden

We just returned from a weekend trip to Raleigh where we had the best time visiting with family.  We spent Friday in Gram's garden; digging and dividing plants.  Grams sent us home with a car full of plants that I can't wait to get into the ground.  She has one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen.  I hope to one day be a master gardener like her!  Parker had a great time

Tree Peony

Candy Tuft

Tulips

Big Helper :)

Rosemary

Dogwood Tree

More Tulips

Digging with Grams

Candy Tuft

Looking for the "monsters" (earthworms)

Some of the daylillies that are now waiting to be planted in our yard!

Lettuce

Lettuce (very yummy too - we ate it fresh on sandwiches)

Taking a break from gardening to go "bump-bump"

A Look Back at 2010

It was so much fun looking back through 2010.  It was a busy and wonderful year!  I'm looking forward to see what 2011 holds.

So without further ado...

a few highlights from 2010:

In January 2010 we,

Rang in the New Year in New Jersey,

 Celebrated a first birthday,

and finished out the month with a trip to the mountains with friends.

In February 2010 we,

Kissed our little Valentine,

 

played in the snow,

 and helped throw a Couples Baby Shower for friends Zane and Ellen.

In March 2010 we,

Tackled a home improvement project and finished it.

In April 2010 we,

Visited the Holy City,

Received a first hair cut,

and took an adults-only trip to Sin City (here, here, here & here).

In May 2010 we,

 Spent Mother's Day at IOP

 and kicked off the summer with a neighborhood block party.

In June 2010 we,

 Celebrated Aunt Laura's graduation.

In July 2010 we,

 Celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks in Charlotte

In August 2010 we,

Spent a week at the beach,

 played in the mountains,

and helped Aunt Laura move into Carolina.

In September 2010 we,

Did a lot of cheering for the Gamecocks; just about every Saturday.
 

In October 2010 we,

Took our first trip to a pumpkin patch,

visited the SC State Fair with friends and for a date night,

 and went trick-or-treating for the first time with our little cowboy.

In November 2010 we,

Ate turkey and gobbled 'til we wobbled...twice,

and took a trip to the zoo.

And, finally, in December 2010 we,

Met our elf,

made gingerbread houses with the Fox's,
 

celebrated Christmas (in a few different places),

and ended out the year playing in the snow!

What an incredible year!  We are so blessed!