Our May Weekend

After a lot of hard work these past couple of weeks we actually got to take some time off and enjoy just a fun day in Seattle. The first big job that had to be attacked was the septic tank that had to be dug out and another drain field added. That took about a week of hard work, especially for Garth. How fun can it be to find the septic tank that is buried about five feet down. Dig, dig, all by hand. Then on to find the drain field and the decision to replace it. Thank goodness for the backhoe. We helped fill in with rocks and dirt with shovels. Hopefully it will last another 25 years. Truthfully, I don't believe it is because of bubble baths. (Hah!) But yes, it probably is the pine tree roots that are to close to the system. Then we planted a pretty good garden in the back . Just please let the tomatoes, raspberries and watermelon do well this year! That's all I need to keep me happy. Next Brooke and I planted a lot of flowers around the house and barn. It will be pretty in about a month, I think! Brooke and Garth hauled a lot of boxes out of someones storage to be able to purchase an oven for pottery. Sore shoulders and a few bruises later was the results of that adventure. Then the fun weekend. The three of us went to the Temple on Thursday then to Seattle bright and early Friday morning. Our first stop was the garment distribution store and then the mall for missionary shoes for Brooke and walking shoes for me for Italy! Next on to the zoo. We had a wonderful day, with perfect weather. It has been at least ten years since we have been to the Woodland zoo. After four hours of walking and viewing exhibits we were exhausted and it was closing time. Out into the Seattle traffic on I-5 to the Wharf for our traditional Ivar's fish and chips. Brooke asked how long we had been doing this tradition. Well, as long as I can remember! Sitting outside the restaurant eating fish and chips and listening to the noise and of the harbor and the call of the seagulls. What a fun day!

Time will tell, yes it is spring!

With more light comes more beauty! Finally the tulips and daffodils are in bloom, but that doesn't mean that it is warm outside yet. I think that this might be the first year that I can remember that the tulips and daffodils bloomed at the same time. We have had a really late spring and so the daffodils hung in there during the bloom time for the tulips, therefore the front garden area was a little prettier than usual. It's just too cold to want to get out and do much spring work in the garden. I just hope that by the time spring actually comes with beautiful weather that I havn't missed out on some of the nice plants at the nursery! Time will tell.

Our 5th beautiful grandchild

It's early spring and we have a new grandchild added to our family. William was born April 6th, 2011. Brooke and I arrived in Indiana the end of March, but this little one didn't want to come on the due date. So we kept busy during this waiting period by making crafts with the kids, cooking new recipes, cleaning and trying to keep some ants under control! They finally had to resort to a pest control company to come and spray their house. I made a quilt top for Lucy's bed and got another one cut out for Josh's bed. That kept me busy for a few days and finally we learned the comings and goings for Leslie's busy family. There is soccer, voice lessons. gymnastics, library, scouts, piano and trumpet. And lets not forget watching the movie Tangled a zillion times the first couple of days we got there, and playing the Wii and play dates. I must have forgotten something but I was to busy to remember what it must be I forgot! Finally, Little William arrived April 6th. All the wait was worth it. A beautiful baby boy added to the family. Wow, think of all the missionary work this family will eventually do! Four boys and one girl and a wonderful Dad and Mom!