these shoes need a rest...

Whew! We're beat! Relax is the word for today. See you in September!

resistance...

N-i-c-h-o-l-a-s..., I



SAID



DON'T



PLAY



IN

MY SANDPILE!

Resistance does not pay off!

persistence pays off...

Big grin! :-)

persistence...

In between the raindrops, this is what Rick is doing.



and, to stay out of the way, but keep him company, this is what I've been doing.



Doesn't look like much in either picture -- but it's time consuming -- especially when the weather is not on your side.

quick update...

We ended at 4:30.

Too tired to write.

More tomorrow.

Click here for a BEFORE picture.

morning workout...

This is what arrived in the little dump truck at about 7:30 this morning! I just shoveled 2 wheelbarrows full and took them to the backyard. I asked for "permission" to take a picture break of the full pile. I forgot to take a picture of the full 7 ton pile of stone aggregate -- that pile was about 3 times the size of this one -- you can see what's left of it behind the new pile of sand. My favorite shovel in the picture is about 4 1/2 feet in height. Today is a perfect day for working on the patio. Temps are in the 70's and we have a cloud cover and gentle breeze. Cross your fingers it doesn't rain on us. I'll get back to you later with pictures of the patio...after my workout! :-)

I could use a rainbow...

...to chase away the pre-school blahs. I know I'm not the only one. Sofia is having her moments too. The guys -- well they are too busy planning their end of summer golfing. I'm feeling like we should crowd in as much quality family time as possible. I had better get busy planning -- that will chase away the blahs (at least the Monday ones!)