Sandbox

After seeing how much Thomas liked his buddies sandbox we decided to take the plunge and build a sandbox for the kiddos in the backyard.  We spent Saturday building the sandbox.  While Mike and Elin ran to home depot to get the sand, Thomas and I painted away in the garage. While Elin slept Thomas and Mike put the sandbox together.   It was complete just in time to withstand the major rain storm we got that night.  After over 2 inches of rain fell in a few hours the filling of the sand needed to wait.  Thankfully the kids didn’t know what they were missing.

We finally filled it on Monday night and Thomas and Elin both couldn’t be happier.  They can spend hours playing and creating in there.  It has been a wonderful addition to our back yard and all the fun the kiddos have in there, helps Mike and I think it is “worth it” when there is a little more cleanup in the house and yard for Mike and I.   

Start of the Garden 2014…

Mike finished the 2nd garden box this weekend.  The first one, out by the brick, needs the back on it and then it will be completed.  Then he needs to level the ground, stain them, fill them up, and then we will be in business!  The curvy garden box is facing East and will have lots of sun and heat.  The long rectangle is in the North East of our house and is going to be a bit more shaded.  The small cedar planters next to the fence will have our spring/fall peas and summer lettuces, we are considering hanging them on the fence to keep the bunnies from enjoying them before we can!This year we will be trying a few new things and some old favorites.  The plan is to plant: carrots, onions, lettuces, spinach, tomatoes (cherry, a standard red variety and black krim a heirloom variety), red and orange peppers,  jalapeños, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, beans, parsnips, leeks and peas.  Yum!  Can’t wait to see what works and doesn’t! 

I started all our seeds as the last freeze date is mid March.  I am excited and nervous about growing in the Dallas heat.  I have been reading a lot of books and blogs and we will give it a whirl and see what happens.