Late Summer Yard

While the kids were visiting in July, I had Alberto's crew come do some general yard cleanup. The yard has remained so beautiful since then.  Some of the perennials have bloomed earlier and some later this year. The Jupiter's Beard didn't put on its usual spring show, but it looking lovely for late summer.  The hummingbird trumpet is not as covered with orange blooms this year, but looks well enough.  The many perennials I planted last year have lived--some have thrived and some have struggled.  I will be planting even more this fall.  I want to add more variety of cone flowers, more lavender, more blanket flowers, more pink yarrow, etc.  I also plan to move some ajuga, more of the iris, and various volunteers throughout the yard.  It's an ambitious plan.

The arch I added for the wisteria in the front has proven to be just what I wanted. It appears in some of the last pictures here.  So without further explanation, here's the mid-August yard.

Grandkids come to visit

It has been years (literally) since I saw the grandkids that live in Virginia.  Since my son's divorce, actually.  For various reasons, it has been impossible. But this year, my son, arranged to drive out with the kids and spend three weeks.  To swing this, he had to work from home while here. But that was not a problem. I would take all four grandkids on outings and plan fun things every day.

When you're looking ahead to three weeks of guests, you wonder if you're up to it, and it can seem like a very long time ahead.  But, the kids and Eric left for home early yesterday morning, and I have to say, it went by all too fast.  It was such a pleasure having them here.  We did so many things while Eric was working. During the evenings (and a few days) we got the adults together, too.  We had breakfasts, lunches, dinners and parties.  I'm so out of practice cooking, I wasn't sure I was up to the task.  But I planned menus for just a few days at a time, and it really worked out just fine.  How glad I am that I had remodeled the house and added the basement bathroom.  It made for such comfort for my family.

Some of the things I did with the kids: bowling, planetarium (twice), tour downtown SLC, train to Ogden with museum and lunch, Snowbird tram ride, July 24th festival, library, park (I know there was more that I can't think of right now).  We also did movies and lots of video games and playing with the cousins.  Parents joined us at the planetarium, Eric went to Snowbird with us, and we had a barbecue with the entire family.  Eric and the kids also spent several days with his dad. So, needless to say, their days were full and fun.

Of course, I looked after all four grandkids every day.  But honestly, it's easier to look after four than two. 

It was sad to say goodbye yesterday.  We still miss them so much.  How did the time go by so fast?   Carrying on with the fun, I'll have Kevin and Brandon spend the night tomorrow.  Then two more weeks until school.

And I'm ready for that transition and back to my own projects. I don't regret a single day of time with my grandkids, but I'll admit I'll enjoy some peace and quiet when it arrives.

Here are some pics of the family barbecue. The AC broke down that day, so we ate outside with temps at around 95. But it worked out just fine.

 Some special cupcakes by daughter-in-law Amanda.