The Build: Beach Transition

Rocks, rocks, and more rocks. Honestly, you can't have enough. Not only that, but they aren't cheap either. Maybe I should open up a rock business.....ok not really. But really!? A funny thing to have to buy.

 The black tarp separates where we would like the grass to come up to.

 They finally start to take some shape. We are fortunate enough that we have a big scenery of homes to look at and compare beach transitions....we are not so fortunate in the millions of dollars department. But, that doesn't mean that a little blood, sweat, and tears from the good ole' hubby can't help stretch the budget.

I love the flat steps. Hopefully I don't hate them when one of the kiddos stubs their big toe.

 We are planning to put mulch behind all the rocks and then randomly place some grasses within the mulch.

The poor little tree in the far right hand side of the photo below had to be moved from the front to the back. Our association has rules about diameters of trees (don't ask me, I just moved in!) and this tree was too puny....so out it came and into the back it went. I will still love you little skinny tree.

The headache continues along with the landscaping. Seems like when you book one landscaper to help with the sand, then they book a different job on top of yours. Or when you book another landscaper to place hydroseed, they convince you to go with sod. Who knows!? Hopefully we can make a decision on hydroseed versus sod and just go with it.

The Build: Landscaping Begins

It's about time! We have been slow to jump on the landscaping bandwagon. Jason has been busy with so many other things and the rain has killed some opportunities to put in hydroseed. Regardless, we have finally started landscaping and just in time to show the Parade of Homes that we don't love the dirt and weeds as much as it looks like we do.

 I think the black mulch is a nice contrast and goes well with the house colors and tones.

Still a few holes to place some more plants and shrubs. We bought hydrangeas today along with some Sedum, and a few other small plants to fill in the gaps.

I just have to post a picture of the bench we put on the front porch. It's teak and should get a nice weathered look over time.

Can't wait to post some updates as we continue to get down and dirty with the front yard!

Ava: 15 months

How do I describe Ava at 15 months old? Silly, stubborn, chatty, content....

She's got a huge heart and loves to snuggle. She is truly letting me cherish her being my last baby.

She is a girly girl yet can wrestle her brother to the ground any day.

She loves jewelry! Can't get enough of it. Put it on her wrists and ankles and don't wear any around her that you aren't prepared to take off and let her play with.

She loves food. All food.

Here's the belly to prove it.

She talks.....A LOT. She repeats and says so many words already. I think this may be part of the reason she hasn't really walked a lot yet. She is so focused on words.

She has shown us she can walk on her own but just doesn't prefer it yet. Which is odd since she gets frustrated at times when she can't get somewhere by holding on to things.

I barely even recognized when this little lady got her molar. Austin's teething seemed much worse to me. Maybe she expresses it differently but it hasn't been nearly as traumatizing as when we went through it with Austin.

She has already started quite the shoe collection however we expected her feet to be a tad bigger and yet they are still quite tiny. Maybe she inherited her Grandma's petite feet.

I am sure the next blog post will have her running away from me.....it won't be long......I better soak this in!