Sum, Sum, Summertime!

We have been enjoying our yard a lot this summer. Because of economic necessity, we fired the gardeners last summer and bought a large, Forest Gump-like lawn mower. I was not in favor of this move because, if you know me at all, you know that lawn mowing and all that comes with it is not my thing. When I lived with a few other girls B.C. (before Charlie), I used to trade house keeping jobs whenever it was my turn to mow the yard. Fast forward about 10 years, and now I am helping to do our very large yard, even when I swore I wouldn't. And, I am enjoying it! Charlie and I think it has never looked better! Doing your own yard is like cleaning your own house; no one can do it like you do. We'll see if the romance with my huge lawn mower continues when school starts and I go back to work, but for now, if you need me on Thursdays, you will find me trying to keep a pattern in the front yard.

Yesterday we hosted a birthday party for Charlie's Granddaughter, Emily, who turned 3 last week. Kristen and James invited a variety of family and friends, and we enjoyed swimming, some games and eating. Grace and Sophia are hanging out, watching the Dads play our new game.

Brooke and I bought Charlie and Kevin a new game for Father's Day: Cornhole. It's a huge hit and lots of fun to play! You can compare it with horseshoes, but it's portable and not so dirty. In the picture above, you can see the restroom on the left and part of the pool house on the right. We love both! I especially love both because they keep people out of my house!

Kevin is always a huge hit in the pool because he lets kids hang on him, and he throws them around. Above he is flipping Lily, who has really advanced her swimming and diving skills this summer. We're thinking swim team next year...

Here's the Birthday Girl!