How Does Your Garden Grow???

As noted in a previous post, I decided to plant a garden this year. What started out as a quest to grow strawberries has left me with plants, herbs and a pumpkin patch that is starting to take over the back yard (oh yeah...and NO strawberries). It has been a humbling and addicting hobby that I hope will produce some, well--produce! *sorry, I couldn't resist*

Most of what you see started from seed--minus the giant jalapenos and tomatoes which I bought as plants. It is hard to believe we are already starting to harvest some of the herbs and lettuce! I will keep my fingers crossed that we will have some pumpkins by the time fall rolls around--and that the vines will spare my back yard in the meantime!


What started out as this....

...and has grown to this...and is still growing!


Here is the basil about two weeks post planting...


...and here it is now!


Here is the crazy, out of control, pumpkin patch! Cole and Lexie did a great job planting those seeds!
No...it is not a watermelon--it is our first pumpkin!!!

Birthday Bash

Today was a very special day---one of Lexie's "very best friends" (her exact words) was celebrating her second birthday and I am not sure who was more excited. For DAYS leading up to the even Lexie would tell me how excited she was and that "the party was about to start"! So when she woke up from her nap and I told her "Sadie's party was about to start" she nearly lost her mind with excitement!

She was all dressed up and ready to get the celebration started!!!
Olivia was all smiles too!
The crowd started to gather for the big 2 year milestone celebration~
The next series of photos is our babysitter's attempt at taking a family picture...hence the reason why we have yet to attempt getting professional pictures taken!
Photo 1: Russ' head cut off, Lexie sneezing, Olivia looking like she lost her best friend...
Photo 2: Russ looking like "Are we done yet", Lexie wants to get down and play with her friends and Olivia not even looking anywhere close to the camera...
Photo 3: Russ looks great, I have a cheesy smile, Lexie looks like she is being tortured and Olivia I laughing at Lexie! Better luck next time!
The birthday girl is up from her nap and ready to party! (Where was this adorable face of Olivia for the aforementioned 'photo shoot'?)
I asked Sadie to smile and she tilted her head and said "Mith May-gen"...such a sweetheart!
The birthday girl about to blow out her candles!!!
"Happy Birthday to YOU!"
She got it on the very first try!!!
Yummmmmy! Good stuff!

Our sitter, Courtney and Olivia
The birthday girl modeling her new headband
Taking a picture of the picture taker, Joe!
Thanks for a great party Gretel and Al...and Happy Happy Birthday Sadie Sadie!!!

His Future's So Bright...

...he's got to wear SHADES! Okay--I know, cheesy reference to an 80's song, but I really couldn't resist myself!

Russ has been wanting to have corrective eye surgery for a while now, and finally "had the time" (I use that phrase loosely) to get it done--well kinda. He came home from working the overnight shift, we loaded up the kids, dropped Russ off at the surgical suite, picked him up about an hour later...and after about 4 hrs *he had to keep his eyes closed that long* he had nearly perfect vision...and was getting ready for work! Yes, he's nuts!

I can't even imagine what it must be like to have to rely upon contacts or glasses--and I really can't fathom having a laser come anywhere near my eyes--but once upon a time I had 20/10 in one eye and 20/15 the other--so I truly can't appreciate what it must be like to not be able to see clearly! Russ is recovering well and has already been back for a couple of follow ups. He is 20/15 and almost 20/20...I am VERY grateful that his procedure went well--and am so thankful for my eyesight!!!

Russ playing with Lexie in the basement with his shades on...oh yes, and I think he is trying to play the part of Tom Cruise in Risky Business---
...maybe....
...or maybe this is more appropriate...
...you be the judge!
Thanks for being such a great sport about the photos Russ!!!

Here, There, Everywhere---4th of July Tour

We decided to hit the open road to celebrate Independence Day! I don't think anyone was looking forward to the 7+ hour drive (especially Russ since he had just gotten off work) but I had the Suburban loaded up and ready to go so away we went. Our first stop was North Jersey to visit with the Berks. We had a BLAST! The Berks are such wonderful hosts and the kids got along great! Lexie was in heaven playing with the boys! We went to a local park, took a train ride, played on the playground, and headed back to the Berks for a 3rd of July celebration! What a FUN FUN F U N time!!!

Jake took Lexie's hand to help her to the train! It was sooooo cute!


Lexie and Jake are ready to ride!!!
An attempt at a group shot...the conductor cut out Ash! :(
Tyler trying to explain to Lexie there was going to be a tunnel, but not to be scared---I love these boys!
Jake waving good bye to all the on lookers as the train left the station/
Olivia rushing to get in line

Lexie couldn't wait to take her turn! She ran right up to this lucky Zebra!
Jake picked a horse right next to Lexie
Tyler...or "Ti-yer" as Lexie pronounces it, picked a horse too
Lexie was loving the ride!
Jake, Lexie, and Tyler posing for the camera! What cuties!

I didn't realize Ashley was even taking a picture...Olivia and I both look as though we were deep in thought.


The next stop on our 'tour' was Long Island for a 4th of July visit with the Raymars! But first it was a quick detour to visit with Brent at Panther Lake. The girls swam their little hearts out and were ready for a nap! On our way out of town, we passed by Daddy's old house...



I think Lexie was fast asleep before we even made it to Russ' childhood home...they were TIRED!!! The girls managed to sleep most of the way to LI which made the drive a very quiet one.
Crossing the G W Bridge on our way to Long Island

The girls were out C O L D!!!


Once we arrived, Lexie and Olivia were ready to play with baby Sami! What a miracle and beautiful little girl! Sami was born at 25 weeks (a little over 3 months early)...unfortunately, we won't be back to celebrate her first birthday, so we took advantage of our visit and celebrated with her a bit early! The girls laughed and played until bedtime...then the adults enjoyed an amazing dinner and the NYC fireworks (via NBC!) The next morning, Mel and Brandon took us to their beach club. It was so much fun and there was EVERYTHING you could want and more! Kiddie pools on the beach...perfect weather...a nice cool breeze...sun...fun and great friends! Thanks again for all the hospitality!



Olivia took a dip in the beach side pool!
Lexie was busy building her sand castle.
She was on a mission!

The view from the cabana at the beach club. Thanks again Brandon and Mel for a great visit!
Lexie was having a great time at the beach club! She loved the sand, the sun, the surf...and the company!
Baby Sami on the beach--such a happy little girl!

The final leg of the trip (minus the journey home of course) led us to south Jersey. We were able to spend some time with Uncle Walt, Great Grandma Jones, and Grandma Barbara. Lexie and Olivia even showed off their swimming skills!! Thankfully the pool was near by as it was hot Hot HOT (to the tune of 103 by the afternoon)!!!

Russ and Lexie heading in the pool for a swim!
Olivia posing on the deck of the pool...such a little cutie!
After a quick visit, we loaded up and headed back home! We had a great time on our journey...but it was sooooo nice to be home! It was a loooong trip...a fun one--but there truly is 'no place like home'!

This is how much time we spent in the car....

...and we put a few clicks on the odometer!