Backyard Fodder

We had an unofficial changing of the seasons in our backyard Friday. The weather was hotter than it's been all year, so we decided we would finally take the tree stand off our Christmas tree that we ditched (lights and all) four months ago. We also bought a pool to ring in the approaching summer season. The pool was way bigger than we expected, even though the picture on the box indicates two adults and a bunch of overly happy kids can fit in it.No false advertising here. It did take us about five hours to fill it up, though. When it was finally full, we soaked in the freezing water for the rest of the evening. We are currently adding chemicals so we can spend the rest of the summer in it. Everyone's welcome to join us for a dip.

Cupcake

So, maybe it's cheating to post about the same person twice in a row. But, this kid is too cute to resist. We sent Victoria this dress for her first birthday and they received it the day before, which is perfect timing. Cortney put these pictures on her Facebook account, but we stole them to show everyone how cute she and the dress (made by family friend Julie Martin) are. She wore the dress on her birthday! We actually had it special ordered for Victoria. Check out Julie's Web site. It's on our list— to the left-- ZozoBugBaby.

Another Birthday Girl

This little cutie, Victoria Linares, is celebrating her first birthday today. This picture was taken when she was only a day or two old and still in the hospital. She's grown quite a bit since we last saw her (see below). And, we hate we're missing her birthday party this weekend. 
Her mom and dad, Cortney and Fico, are very proud of her. 

Happy birthday, Victoria!

"Just Another Day"

Our friends, Derek and Elizabeth, have just joined the blogging world! It's a very exciting thing — especially since they now live in Jackson instead of three blocks away like they used to. We miss them terribly, but, at least now we can keep up with them on their blog. Welcome, fellow bloggers:
Check out the Greys at www.derekandelizabethgrey.blogspot.com!

There's no place like out of town!

We spent a beautiful weekend in the country... specifically in Edwards, Mississippi.  Sometimes, it's just great to get away.  We tried to capture some of our favorite scenes from our little retreat.

On location...



In Vicksburg, this house would have a name...


Edwards is a no-nonsense town. Every establishment is clearly labeled...no need for catchy names!
 



Of course...you probably will not see anyone from this street at the Scripps National Spelling Bee!


Karen and Jimmy's cabin on their property which they have named "The Bois D'arcs"...


A tribute to a famous Civil War battle...


If you get too rowdy on Utica Street, you might end up here!

Another One Bites the Dust!

Last weekend, we wanted to usher in the warm weather by having a cookout with our neighbors, Ned and Mary Beth. So, for the first time since last summer, we attempted to bring out the grill for our burgers. But, one by one, the grill's legs fell off and the whole thing came apart. And, it's not the first — or even second — time we've had a grill crumble on us!
It was about 20 minutes before our guests planned to arrive. We thought about making a cooking pit in the grass with what remained of the grill.

Instead, Olivia went to Kroger and bought an already assembled grill. This time, we plan to be adults and take care of it. We'll see.
You think this might have something to do with our lack of care? Nah!

Another cute kid gets another year older

This has been a week for birthdays! Tomorrow is the 4th birthday of Lauchlin's niece, Lydia. Since she now lives in Knoxville, we don't get to see her as much and she makes far fewer appearances on the blog than the other two nieces. Since it's almost Lydia's day to shine, shine she will. Here are some photos of that cute Fields kid.