Update #15

Hello! We finally got a chance to work in the yard today, so I took some pics to catch you up on our growing kids and growing plants.

Ethan enjoyed the ride in the carrier while I pulled dandelions and kicked the ball with Aubrey.

He is rolling over and scooting backward on his back. He's an all-around good guy.

In the next photo, please note the lilac bush on the left, just starting to bloom, and some boards on the right where Jason is planning to put in a raised bed. Planting in said bed may have to wait until next spring. We plan to put a big bush or small tree in the corner (at Jason's shoulder) to create a better focal point. Also a bird bath, as requested by Aubrey.

The most impressive plant in the yard at the moment is the clematis - It's in its 3rd year now. The first two years, we got maybe 5 flowers. This year it's really gorgeous.

The birch tree is dying and will likely have to be removed in about 5 years, according to our arborist. He suggested planting another tree ASAP to shade the house after the birch tree goes, and suggested where in the yard it could go, so we are going to plant a tree for Ethan to go along with Aubrey's plum tree. Possibly a crabapple-type tree or an oak of some kind.

Otherwise, we're just trying to do the minimum amount of mowing and weeding so as not to get fined by the city, and dreaming about someday having more time to garden. Hope your gardening is going well! Talk to you soon!