The Grass IS Always Greener

I just so happen to be working from home today.

We knew the grass was coming but I didn't know it would be today!

I think I actually jumped up and down in my house when I heard the noise then looked out to see this truck full of sod.  Oh. My!  It's really really happening!

The crew consisted of two people.  This man and his daughter.

He would drive the Bobcat over to the truck to pick up a stack of sod then drove over to drop it off by her.  She would unload the stack as he laid them out.

Within an hour my yard had looked as though someone had poured green paint on it.

It was impossible to focus at work today, luckily I had a ton of meetings so I could sit in the kitchen on the phone while staring out the window enjoying my new view.

And just like that- the backyard is done!

I was talking to Loriann about it and next thing you know,  I received a text message containing a picture of a toy that was sitting on the workbench in the garage!  Those dirty rats!  Loriann and Molly drove all the way out here to meet me for lunch and see the yard.  What a nice surprise :-)

It was crazy to me to see that they got this done in one day.  At our old house, Brian and I sodded the small patch of lawn between our house and Kris and Steve's and it was hard work (of course I was pregnant at the time, but still).  I can't wait to sit out on my porch and stare at the green grass.

FINALLY!  Doesn't it look beautiful!

No more dirt!  No more brown!  No more mud!

Gadgets and Gizmos a'Plenty

Today at work we had a surprise baby shower for Molly and Debs.

Sara had the CUTEST baby shower cake made.  Almost too cute to eat.

After work tonight my mom, Kim, Jennie, Hannah, Hailey and I meet out at Chanhassen Dinner Theater to see The Little Mermaid.  I have wanted to bring the girls to a play at the Chanhassen for a long time and finally there was a  show playing that the kids would be interested in seeing.

The girls loved getting dressed up and were so excited the whole way there.  

They kept asking questions about what this evening would be like.  

Where were we going to eat dinner?  Where was the screen going to be?  

We got settled into our seats and ordered dinner.

Hailey had brought her camera with and was taking pictures all night. 

The girls loved the show.  During intermission they went on and on about the characters.  When I asked Hailey about her opinion she said she was a little scared of the bad guys but Eric- he's so cute and she couldn't take her eyes off of him.

Hannah was really enjoying the music and was very impressed with the mermaids and their beautiful outfits.

I loved being able to bring the girls to the Chanhassen.  Our parents used to bring us quite a bit when we were little.  My favorite shows we have seen there would have to be Fiddler on the Roof and Annie.  The Sound of Music was always fun and once I was a little older I enjoyed 42 Street.

We saw more shows there over the years but those four were my favorite. 

As soon as we got in the car both girls thanked me over and over for bringing them to the show. 

 They loved it!

On the way home Hailey told me that she loved the show so much that she would give it 50 thumbs up if she could count that high. :-)

Shade anyone?

The sprinkler system is in and the trees are planted.

Jim got us an extra tall tree for the backyard and he could not be more perfect.

 I actually have a tree in my backyard!  A tree with leaves!

Brian and Jim couldn't have thought of a better location for this guy. 

You know what this means!  Only one thing left!!!

Time to make the flowers

 Kristin's wedding is just a few short weeks away and there's still plenty to do.

I spent the evening working on the bouquets.

I love the bright colors for the bride with the plain white for the bridesmaids.  I am happy with my decision and although Kristin has liked everything, I think she will truly be happy with them.

I am a little nervous about that bride's bouquet- something isn't sitting right.  I have done enough for now but I am not sure I am ready to say that it's complete yet.  

Not sure what I need to do....I hoping it just comes to me :-)

Rock On

I promise I am almost done with the rock pictures :-)

The dirt was spread and the yard was prepped for the last steps:  trees, sprinkler system and grass!!!!!

Should be done by the end of this week.

Clean room and cute nails

 Hannah has always done a good job of keeping her room clean.  She loves her new room and many times I will find her with the door closed, music on and she's straightening up. Today when I went into her room I noticed a new edition to the decor.  A sign she made for her bed.  She claims that it says 'Open'.  Letting other kids and her family know that her room is open and available for playing.  

Notice Soda- she's still alive and well :-)

 

Today we went out to Eagan to celebrate Adam's Birthday.  After dinner the girls and I did our nails.  Jamberry nails are the new home party thing and Kari had a party just a few days ago.

They are so cool!  They are like decals/wraps for your nails.  You heat them up and then fit them to your nail, file the top and bam- adorable nails!

Jenny McMahon started selling them and Kari had a party to support her.  Just like with all other home parties, I was skeptical.  I am not the biggest fan of the idea of home parties however I am easily sucked in and with most of them I find myself slightly addicted by the time I leave. 

The Dump

Troy was over tonight, we were watching TV in the garage and then all of a sudden some trucks pulled up and unloaded a few piles of dirt.  

It's crazy how excited one can get over this.  It's just that it's been so long!  We have been waiting for the landscaping to be done since this spring.  I am sick and tired of dirt.  I am sick and tired of looking outside and seeing brown everywhere.  I can't wait for the grass!  I can't wait to walk on it and I can not wait to finally feel 'finished'.

I love her

Flipping through Instagram tonight expecting to see the typical inspirational quotes, food pics and selfies and instead I came upon this.  Notice her comment on the picture when she uploaded it.  LOL

It is kind of ridiculous that this little girl loves her blanket so much at 7 years old and can crumble at the thought of being without it.  Although, there could be worse things and I do secretly love that she has so much security with it.  It doesn't bother me that much because I know that eventually she will realize she is too old and she will decide it's time.  That day mom will be more sad than Hannah.

First of many

Jacob, Ethan, Hannah, Grace, Hailey, and Noah.

One of the first of many nights where all the kids are hanging out on the trampoline.  

The backyard was filled with giggles.  Just the way I like it.

Crazy or Caring?

So, I am either crazy or super caring.

I was driving to work this morning and when I looked down and realized that the baby had been smooshed by a computer and purse I actually had to move her.  That couldn't have felt good.  Sorry babe.

Bunch 'o Boulders

Well, well, well what do we have here?!

Looks like the boys finished up the rock wall today.  

 

Friday, Saturday, Boatday

It's impossible to sit at the cabin when the water is like glass and the sun is out.  

Long boat rides down the river have easily become everyone's favorite afternoon activity.

 

 Reggie and Schmidty came with us and they did great!

Pine City Parade 2014

Every year, the first weekend in August, Pine City has their Pine County Fair.

Kari and family are always in town so it's turned into a must do each summer.

Since we only have so many weekends at the lake, we need to get out and enjoy the weather as much as we can.  We got the kids out to the lake today to do some swimming.

 

I love looking out to the water and seeing the kids out on the dock.  Usually they are collecting rocks, washing them, and then setting them on the dock to dry out. 

Our mom hasn't been to the cabin much this summer. So we have had to take over to fill the voids that she has left in our plans.  Parade-eve and parade-day someone had to think about setting out our chairs for the parade and claiming our spot.  Kari and I went out last night and set some chairs out (minus the rope and 'The Millers' sign).  Mom ended up coming to the lake today and joining us for the parade.

As usual it was hot.  Really hot and the kids couldn't wait until the freezies were handed out by the parade walkers. 

Hailey- LOL, this kid can not keep her shoes on.  She prefers bare feet. All the time.

This is the first year that the girls are tall enough to go on rides without me.  Hailey usually isn't tall enough so I have had to go on the slide with her.  She is now tall enough and Hannah assured me that she'd watch her and take care of her.  I stood and watched them walk up all of those stairs to the top of the slide.  Oh my gosh- that is a LOT of stairs :-(  If she falls I will never ever forgive myself (please don't fall!)

They made it!  NO one fell and everyone ended up at the bottom with huge smiles.

The girls got to go on a few more rides, we ate cheese curds, mini donuts and pork chops and then headed back for the night.  Another Pine County Fair in the books- see ya next year.

I guess I'll see ya in the winter

The neighbors set up their trampoline today.  Jacob has been talking about this for weeks and the girls were super excited to get a few jumps in before we left for the cabin. I have a feeling I won't see my kids much this summer....