The Great Thaw

I was too busy enjoying the day outside yesterday to take any pictures. But the faces on those boys when they got to go outside in short sleeves was amazing! I worked on hand tilling and picking rocks out of the garden while they ran around it (and through it, to my many protests), rescuing princesses and defeating nameless bad guys with their wooden stick 'light sabers'.

Each of them is getting their own section of the garden this year for planting a few things. Alex chose carrots and strawberries, and Brent wants a cherry tomato, two lettuce plants, and strawberries. There is an abundance of quartz on the property, so we searched until we found two nice sized chunks, and they put their best energy into the rock they chose and placed it in the middle of their small plot of land. Part of their morning studies this summer will be to go out every day - weather permitting - and take care of their plantings. I would love to say they are excited, but for now it leans toward indifferent. Hopefully they will enjoy and learn from it as the summer wears on.

We also cleaned off a picnic table and brought it up to the house. Right now they are out there eating their lunch, and this evening we're having a Taco Bell Picnic to cap off the day.

Quick side story:

Last weekend when I was taking Brent up to see his dad, we started talking about birthdays (yes, he's already began a countdown on his). I told him mine was only going to be in 3 months, and inquired about what he was going to get me.

Without hesitation, he said "I'm going to get you a NEW TV.....(perfectly timed pause)...remote control. Then a bathtub, and a new car." He closed his eyes and nodded for emphasis, pleased with his choices. He may have skimped with the remote, but the car will make up for it. Not sure where I'm going to put the bathtub. Maybe it will make a nice planter for some flowers. :)