trees.... here and gone

This Summer I committed to working on the outside of the house. We have worked over 3 years updating and "remodeling" the inside that the outside was neglected. My list included everything from cleaning the gutters to making a fire pit to removing trees. It's a long list.

I started before the kids got out of school for summer vacation pulling weeds from an area in the back yard that was once filled with beautiful bulbs, shrubs and nicely mulched. That was before we moved in. After contracting poison ivy, which ran up my arms and neck I gave up pulling and sprayed weed killer not caring what it killed along the way. There was lots of dead and over grown bushes which had to be dug out. It was a long, sweaty task but I did it. I ordered 5 tons of rock to lay out in the area. I had no idea how much 5 tons really was until it had to be moved to the backyard. Thank goodness for a strong, hard working husband because he had the pile down in no time. This area will now be the spot for my fire pit.

We also had 3 large oak trees removed. It was something we wanted to do for years but tree removal is expensive. The trees lurked over the house and I knew any storm was taking them down. We didn't have any grass either because the backyard was too shaded. It was fascinating to the kids watching the tree guy climb the trees and chop them down. Free entertainment for hours.

 A storm rolled through a few days after and Mother Nature took down another tree for us. 

and one for our neighbors. Luckily, no one was hurt. It was a wicked storm, most houses on our street had trees down and debris was everywhere.

Cara was very sweet and concerned for our neighbors. She posted a note on the fridge reminding her to make dinner for them and dessert. She is always so thoughtful! I love that girl!