4th of July

We have been working long hours getting our yard whipped into shape.  I am so pleased with the way it is is looking!  We started in the front yard and our working our way around back.  The front is weeded, mulched, and I bought a ton of colorful annuals and planted them in hanging baskets and pots.  I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed looking out the window and seeing all the color!  I haven't done hanging baskets for years and it feels a bit like putting a brand new painting on a blank wall.  

I will have a blog garden tour as soon as we finish!


We got pond for free a couple of years ago and decided to put it here since we really didn't have a plan for it.  I am envisioning a little bubbly pump and some water plants.  Water gardens are my most favorite!

My 4th of July project - thistles, blackberries, and ivy!

The front yard
Unfortunately, I took this picture in the morning when the tables weren't set up.  We have discovered this to be the perfect place to hang out in the late afternoon and have dinner.  The back patio is just too hot with the evening sun shining right under the umbrella but this is a cool shady place and very pleasant.  My parents came over for the 4th and we had dinner out here and it was Martha Stewart worthy!

We finally got the pool free of frogs and tadpoles and set up...still need to figure out the algae issue LOL.  This was Sawyer's one and only swim.  We wrapped his cast and told him to keep it out of the water...diving under the water caused the entire thing to get soaked.  Luckily, it is a soft cast so we took it off and dried it while he sat at the table.  

Our 4th of July plans often include "big" fireworks at the Oregon Gardens but this event has become so crowded that it isn't worth going to anymore.  On the day of the 4th, the neighborhood usually gets together and has fireworks going off on the street.  This year, instead of everyone in front of their own houses, we combined forces.  It was a little too crowded and went too long this way.  It is funner, less chaotic, and easier to manage having everyone set up in their own space and then watching simultaneous fireworks. 






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