Summer

This summer was busy...  Isn't it always??  Here's an update on what kept us busy.

We started the summer by installing a paver patio.  We finished the patio just last month...  There were a lot of issues that popped up.  We are still waiting for the fence to be finished, but it doesn't matter too much since the rain arrived.  We'll enjoy the fenced patio next year - when we have down time from fixing up the side yard.  *sigh*

Backyard before we started the summer project.  I kinda miss the grass, but it didn't grow well

and the patio gives P room to ride bikes and play.  Now he has a small play structure, with a slide - weeeee!, to keep him busy.

P helping tamper the gravel

Sand down - ready to go

Got this far in 1 day....took 2 months to finish.  Of course, I had to acid-wash all that white crud.

Finished raised boxes on upper level of yard

We just had a major storm roll through - ignore the mess

North side still waiting on fence

Finished section of fence - no gate yet :(

Shortly after we moved in, the city decided to purchase land north of us and use it for a fire station. We weren't too happy thinking about all the siren noise.  They finally had an open house and dedication in September.  We found out they had been using the station for almost a year - and we hadn't noticed any more noise than the year prior.  P discovered the fire engines.  He even made it into the local paper!

I am hiding behind B....  We never said we wanted to see what the commotion was about.  We wanted free hot dogs and soda...and to see the new firehouse.

P was too scared to go in the engine, even when the neighbor showed him it was nothing.

We made it to the Zoo.

P was amazed by the river otters.


P joined Grandma and me at the Strawberry patch this spring.  Yum....

And later P helped Pops and me pick peaches.  Yummier.....

Grandma Hines ruined her summer by falling and breaking her ankle.  Once she got her cast (2 weeks later...that's insane!) P helped decorate the cast to cheer her up.

Finally, we had a few random hot days in Newport.  Now, you usually say Newport had a few warm days, but hot days - those don't happen very often.  Don't believe me?  Here's my screenshot from The Weather Channel.  They never lie.

I think they said we hit 92*.  I couldn't resist grabbing a shot of 102* even if it wasn't correct.  Can't remember, but think our A/C was fixed by then....yes, we have A/C in Newport.  I'm spoiled.

The first hot day, in early summer, we had lunch outside on the cool north side of the house, pre-patio.

The second hot day, mid-summer, we went for a frozen drink.

The third hot day, towards the end of summer, we partied in the water pad.