Catching up on some long overdue posts now! 4th of July weekend Andrew's parents came to visit. We had such a wonderful time with them and they helped us with several projects around the house of which we are SO THANKFUL! One huge one was the landscaping out front. The project- removing this awful pachysandra (ground cover) which was ugly, terribly uneven, and threatening to take over the whole front yard.
The "before" picture of our front walkway:
Connor really loved being Granddad's helper! Dad worked so hard out there, and it was really hot! Again, thank you so very much!!
Andrew laying down the sod on either side of the walkway. We found out why the pachysandra was so wide on the right side- it was hiding a stump. Eventually we'll have that ground out of there.
I still need to take a picture of the finished product now that the grass has evened out and the flowers have grown in a bit- it really looks awesome. Only issue- there are others who think its awesome too. Our deer friends (not to be mistaken with our dear friends, because they most certainly are
not) have taken out a bunch of the flowers. War has been declared. I once caught one peering in my living room window. Here they are in the front bed (which Dad also weeded and pulled pachysandra out of while he was here). Andrew throws rocks at the deer whenever he sees them. Can you see the two baby deer on the left?
On Friday night of the Eichs' visit, Mom and I took Connor to the circus in New Canaan. Now I use the term circus quite loosely here. It was really just a big tent in the middle school parking lot. I was hoping for a clown, some juggling, maybe a couple of animals. But this was really just a giant freak show. I now fully understand the term "carney freak." I can't even talk about it, too traumatic. Connor enjoyed it (I think). The highlights- hoola hooping in the ring before things kicked off and a pony ride during intermission. I will say, that the experience made for a lot of laughs and stories afterwards!
On the morning of the 4th we all went out to lunch. While walking by, Connor wanted to stop at the fire station to have his picture taken in front of a truck while wearing his 4th of July shirt! I have no idea where he gets it from ;)
He wanted to pose in front of multiple trucks, ha.
On July 4th the town of New Canaan puts on a spectacular fireworks show at Waveny park. It really was like nothing I'd ever seen before! Everyone brought picnic dinners, drinks, there were multiple bounce houses set up for the kids, food stalls, a band, etc. The town really goes all out! Connor thought the fireworks were awesome, and he loved telling me what he thought they each looked like. "Look Mommy! That one looks like Buzz Lightyear!" "And that one looks like a giant Woody!" ;)
Connor in his July 4th finest. The Eichs were nice enough to stay home with Leyla since it was past her bedtime and we thought the fireworks might scare her.
The boys.
We were such novices, we just brought a towel for ourselves to sit on, dinner, water and two beers. We had to laugh when the people next to us pulled out chairs, a coffee table and a full bar. Next time we'll know ;)
Lastly, here's a video taken that weekend. Mom and I were in the living room with Leyla, who was still newly walking and was trying to master waving hello and walking at the same time!
Happy (very belated!) 4th of July, still one of my favorite holidays of the year!
