Landscaping

We found an amazing Landscaper, ELOC, thanks Melinda for the referral, and he has been turning our blah front yard into a piece of beauty. Even the gradeschoolers have been commenting and enjoying the new additions.

Here are a few pictures of what Dave and Kerry have done. I'll add the complete view when we are done.

Before

Weeds Removed

Prepping for the Stone Wall

Throwing Gravel for driveway

Gravel on Driveway

Pavers Started

Driveway 90% done

Fire Pit Prep

Fire Pit waiting to be compacted. We'll have built-in benches as well.

Walkway joining back patio and side walkway

A few plants

Plants for the island

West Side

I wanted a Japanese Laceleaf Maple and here it is :)

View from the street

Fun topiary

A Coral Bark Maple. The bark turns coral color the cooler the weather is.

The island with some trees

East Side

Haystack Rock

Reed's co-worker mentioned that Thursday morning would be an extra low tide, so we walked down to Haystack Rock to check out the tidal pools.

Haystack Rock the day before.

Thursday Morning

Ms A and Haystack Rock with the low tide.

Ms A was a little hesistant, but she decided to pet her first sea star.
Sea Stars galore.

Gayla found a gull eating this sea star, the gull flew away and she showed us the sea star. We asked a volunteer if we could take it home, but she said no. Apparently, it would have a negative impact on the ecosystem, plus they smell real bad as they decompose.

Heading back to the hotel.

Beach Fun

We went to the beach Wednesday. Ms A ... COULD ... NOT ... wait to play in the sand. We grabbed our sand castle *tools* and went to play.

As we were looking for a play to play we noticed some people carving this sunken ship. It was interesting watching them build and shape this ship complete with two cannons.

In beach heaven!
Creating with Grandma.

All done. I love her pose.
She took her stick everywhere.

Ms A wanted to make a little maze, so we made a spiral one. She had a fun time going in and out of the spiral.

Grandma Gayla drew this mountain and tree picture complete with deer and flowers.

After a fun time playing in the sand, we watched the sunset.

Eagle Creek and Multnomah Falls

Reed's parents came to spend the week with us. We were so excited to see them and show them around. Tuesday morning they left with Ms A and Reed to check out Reed's favorite hike, Eagle Creek. The scenery was beautiful, but the water was a little too cold to play in for an extended amount of time.

They also stopped off at Multnomah Falls for some quick pictures and chocolate ice cream (Ms A's favorite part of the day).

Summer has *FINALLY* Arrived!

We have had a few days with no rain, so I think summer may make an appearance. Ms A and I enjoyed a sunny day looking at our pretty flowers. It felt wonderful to feel the sun and breathe some fresh air.

I love the layers of petals on my clematis plant.

What a beautiful little girl (who loves posing).

So delicate.

The next day it warmed up enough to play at our local water fountain. Ms A could NOT get ENOUGH time in the water.

I hope you have a fabulous summer.

Enjoying a Little Spring

Ms A and I went to pick up our house plans and decided to swing by the Portland Temple to walk the grounds and see the pretty flowers. (The temple always has beautiful colors and grounds.) While we were there, we enjoyed the company of two duck swimming in the water feature and seeing a "grandma" bride. Ms A was thrilled with both! We also shared some giggles when the pictures had Ms A growing a temple spire or a water fountain out of her head. She also had to touch the water (a normal {NEED}). Here are a few pictures from our day.

Pretty Flowers

Being Silly

Ducks!!