Our backyard makeover...

When we bought our house, the previous owners beautifully landscaped the backyard.  Only problem - it was very high maintenance and not designed for children.

Dave and I decided to tear out the landscaping, give some bushes to friends, and prep the area for grass.

We initially thought about using seed, but a friend convinced us that sod might be a better bet.  Our friend was right!  Dave spent a day laying sod in the cleared section of the yard after he tilled it.  The tilling machine was a beast!


 Dave rolling out the sod after a hard day's work...

We were a little worried about the sod taking because it seemed a little dry and brown , so we watered it and watered it and watered it.

A picture from upstairs of the new sod a few days later.  

Two and a half weeks after laying the sod, a week of eighty plus degree weather, and six inches of rain, it's hard to see the sod line.  We're so happy it came in green!!

I'll try to remember to upload another picture on a sunny day.  

Madelyn's First Day of School and Activities

Madelyn started preschool shortly after her 'big sis' started school.  Here she is ready to go...

The smiles lasted the first two days and then panic set in for about two weeks.  She's back on track and having fun.  

In addition to preschool, Madelyn started tennis this fall.  She's a great listener and says she has a lot of fun!

Madelyn's other activity is gymnastics.  The first week was a big change, but after a solo class (all the kids were absent), she's a go-getter.  

 She has also climbed a circus ladder, flipped over the bar, managed the obstacles, rode a zip line and played games.  This is a great class for her.  I see her smile a lot!

Back to school

Here are some pictures of Kaitlyn on her first day of school...

She wanted to wear this purple sparkly outfit, but the sequins turned out to be too itchy.  

Here's adorable outfit number two.  Kaitlyn looks beautiful to me!

Kaitlyn helped pack her backpack last night and made sure to put a note for her new teacher in it.  

Madelyn is excited for Kaitlyn.  It's contagious in our house...

Walking to school with lots of other kiddos.  

Yay - they get to run up the ramp again!

Kaitlyn checking out her new classmates and the room.  

 Madelyn could not leave without giving 'sis' a hug.  

Have a great first day Kaitlyn!  We love you!!

Last Day of Swimming

Well the kids lined up to try the diving board and Madelyn would not be left behind!



We also had her try to use Kaitlyn's old swim backpack and it worked great!

Madelyn Can Swim

Madelyn has starting swimming on her own.  Kaitlyn learned to swim under water first and then with her head out of water.  Madelyn opts to swim with her head out of water.  We love both of our girls individuality!  And, we love that Madelyn learned to swim this summer and Kaitlyn learned the free style and passed the swim test for the diving board and water slide. It's been a great summer!


Here are some fun pool pictures...

Kaitlyn & Madelyn Playing Tennis

The girls like to play tennis in the driveway, especially Madelyn.  So, I hung a ball from our cherry tree for the girls to hit.  See if it's a 'hit' (haha!).  I think the laughter is my favorite part.

Madelyn Swimming

I have shared a few videos of Kaitlyn swimming, but none of Madelyn.  We finally captured her start to swimming on video.  She loves the water!  Go Madelyn, Go!!

These pictures are from a different day when Madelyn enjoyed playing in the kid pool.