General Conference came and went without much fuss. The kids are getting really good at sitting and working on quiet projects throughout the sessions (like perler beads, coloring and cutting out paper dolls, play dough, and rainbow loom). It's weird to be at a phase in life where I'm in danger of falling asleep during the talks! It's been a long time since I haven't had a little one keeping me on my toes. We keep candy on hand and the kids get to eat a piece (like an m&m) whenever they hear a key word we ask them to listen for, so I think they're paying attention to the messages, too, as best they can.
Along with redoing our yards, we decided to paint the house, too. Before it was white with turquoise trim. Now it's beige with white trim. Keeping it simple, but it's definitely an improvement.
We've had lots of impromptu meetings in the evenings with our landscaper, Jeff. One night went particularly late, and we decided to see how Hazel would do babysitting for us, i.e.; putting Jack and Gemma to bed while we were in the kitchen and out in the yard. She was excited about the responsibility and did a great job. So much so that we let her try it again a few days later while Todd and I went for a walk on the path for a mini date. That time, not so well. Turns out Jack wasn't ready to behave when the novelty wore off. Too bad. Give it another year or two, I guess. . .
Exciting day when the patio got poured and stamped in the backyard!
Even more exciting when they brought in all these rolls of sod! That was a happy day - grass at last!
Aah. Our backyard beauty. It has been 95% done for a couple of weeks now. We are loving it! The front yard is still a work in process, and it would be awesome if those last few things could get finished up in the back (stepping stones to the garden area, mulch missing in one spot, empty flower pots) but I'm trying to be patient with the process. I've already had several naps on the lawn, basking in the springtime sunshine. Heaven!
We kept near home during spring break to supervise the landscaping, but I did take the kids on a couple of day trips. We went on a hike in Sunol and it was absolutely one of those times that fills the bucket in my soul. The scenery was ... there's not a good enough word for it. Serene. Happiness-enducing. Lovely. We hiked several miles and the kids did not complain a wink about being tired or hungry. I was so proud of them. We all had a great time.
Unfortunately, Jack had a run-in with some poison oak. This sad rash didn't show up until a week later, so it took us a trip to the doctor's and a prescription to figure out what it was. It was pretty scary when Todd and I thought it was an infection. I had some serious stress thinking Jack could get his arm amputated or something! Oh, the drama of not knowing how to help your kid!
Easter was low-key. We dyed eggs, had egg hunts at school and with friends, and pot lucked with friends for dinner.
The kids had the day after Easter off of school, so I took them to the Oakland Zoo. Jack still loves tigers best, and for whatever mystery reason, Gemma loves giraffes. Hazel was upset there were no cheetahs there, but was won over by the playful otters. The chimpanzees put on a show for us, and the weather was just right, so it was a good day trip.
The front yard started coming together ... but it's been a slow process. It's like the landscapers are getting burnt out or something. They've moved on to other jobs and just come dabble here a couple times a week. We'd love for it to be finished!
Gemma went to a birthday party at a pool. It was a nice, sunny day in the 70's - I sunbathed and Gem spent most of her time in the hot tub! Not quite swim weather yet...
Most mornings, I wait at Jack's classroom until his teacher has brought him inside, but I send Hazel ahead so she won't be late. All year, she has not liked leaving without me, even though I walk over as soon as Jack's inside and kiss her goodbye. Happily, she's worked out a strategy the past few weeks that keeps everyone happy: she front loads her backpack and gives Gemma a piggy back to her classroom. That way, she's got a companion. These two are such cute sisters with each other.
The last week of April, work got started on our built-in barbecue in the backyard. We can't wait for it to be done so we can grill us some steak!
