Lots of Hard Work = Beautiful

Ten minutes into mulching, Brett ran over a sundial that I had in the flowerbed and popped a tire on the tractor. After several calls and running to different stores, we finally got it fixed. Yes, that just seems to be our luck at times. Back to work... We laid 15 yards of mulch in the flower beds, play structure, fire pit and down the trail in the woods. We are so happy to be done. Both Brett and I got very sunburned.

These shrubs were growing out of control. I tried to pull the two big evergreen type ones out, but they weren't budging, so on to plan B. I pulled out a few other plants and small shrubs and Brett went to town trimming. It looks so much better.
The kids love all the new mulch under their play structure. Our girls love to swing down here.
Trail in the back woods.
Our big project last summer was making a clearing in the woods and digging out a fire pit. This summer, I had to clean up the area, place 5 yards of top soil (I never knew how heavy that is), plant grass and 6 burning bushes. The grass came in great and we can't wait to make some s'mores by the fire.
I have worked so hard on making this new flowerbed on top of the hill in the backyard. I had to dig out stumps, kill poison ivy, spread soil, and pull out tons of weeds. I love my finished product. I plan on keep adding to this flower bed. I want to continue it all along the edge of the woods. I planted butterfly bushes, lilac bushes, two low shrubs, and lots of other transplanted plants from other parts of the yard.
Two new trees
50 yards of a split rail fence and a TON of poison Ivy. I have sprayed it all and then plan to work down there more at the end of the summer. I want to plant flowers back in the corner.

I really love my new chairs and table. Last year we had plastic ones that kept blowing over. This year Brett surprised me with these heavy duty wood ones!

Since Brett had some time off work, we were able to take both vehicles in for detailing. Brett is very picky about his vehicles. As long as I have gas, I don't really care too much. It is all about hauling kids easiest... AND yes, my truck is very messy because of that. I must say that it looks amazing. At least until Madison dumped over her smoothie the other day on the carpet:( SHHHHH - Brett doesn't know about that one. Right away, Madison said, "Oh no, Daddy is going to be MAD"! I do appreciate him always taking care of my truck for me.