a new view

Sunshine, warmth and LOTS of rain have really helped us out this year. We were recently looking back on some photos of the landscape from the spring and can hardly believe how it has changed! When the snow melted we only had a black yard - except for some weeds, of course. Now, we have a mostly green yard (grass and weeds) that needs to be mowed more than once a week.

In addition to the grass, the rest of the landscape has changed quite drastically. We have done more planting, added a swing set (which was destroyed in the storm this week), painted the deck framing, and started tackling the hillsides. Josh got to enjoy a couple of afternoons as farmer. On the first day of naturalizing the hills, Josh got to use the brush cutter and chop everything down. Next, he got to drive Oliver the tractor (I think that is correct) and pull the drill we rented from Pope County Soil & Water. The drill helped get our new prairie grass seed in place. Finally, before the seed germinated, Josh took another round on the hills with the four-wheeler and sprayed everything with round up. The hillsides are quite brown right but we are anticipating a beautiful return of nice prairie grass very soon.

Thatcher was quite delighted to watch Daddy drive he tractor. He couldn't take his eyes off of him. Even the dogs thought it was fun. As Josh would drive down the hill, all three of them would stretch their necks up to get a view. Thatcher became even more enamoured with tractors than before and kept saying "Da-dee! Trac-tor!" over and over.

The garden has continued to be fruitful for us. We have been enjoying all of the fresh produce and have even planted a second crop of beets, green beans, lettuce, peas and spinach. We are looking forward to trying the corn soon and if it's as bountiful as it appears, we'll have plenty to share!

As you can tell we really have a new view around the house. But Thatcher can probably best claim the title of getting a new view best. Last month he finally decided he was ready to let go and walk all by himself. We were so proud! He was so happy and it was seriously less than two days from when he was still scooting on his butt to walking confidently all over the house and showing off by bending, squatting, and moving about. Apparently he wanted to make sure he could really impress us by doing everything at once, instead of one thing at a time, like I would have expected.

We love to see him explore and show off his moves - and it is always a joy to see him so giggly and happy. Now it's time to go play.

Toodles!