Backyardigans

For the first few months living here, it seemed like the kids and I would play mostly in the front yard, but lately we've been spending a lot more time in the back yard.  Having all the nice, new grass out there is very inviting.

Last week, however, we were pretty much stuck in the house for fear of being eaten alive by mosquitoes.  We couldn't get the bug spray on before the kids were bitten.  Seriously.  It was unbelievable.  And the mosquitoes were swarming the doors and coming in every time we went in or out.  Those ones were all finding their way to Riley's room and she'd wake up covered in new bites.  We could watch the little things bonking their heads against the patio door just trying to hunt us down.  One night I went to turn on the BBQ and had to grab Riley and run inside quickly because I had disturbed a mosquito party near the propane tank and they were not pleased.

Check out the mosquito on his forehead!

This was what Leighton's back (and side and upper arm) looked like after splashing in the pool one afternoon, despite repeated bug spray applications, splashing water, and citronella candles near by!

Luckily, Daddy treated the yard this weekend, and we seem to have gotten the mosquitoes under control.  So this week has been full of fun times in the yard.  We've been splashing in the kiddie pool and bouncing on the bouncy castle.  Leighton loves the sandbox, and Riley thinks she does but never lasts more than a nanosecond in there.  She does love playing with the water in the water table though.  And spraying the hose is good for countless hours of entertainment for both of them. 

Leighton and Riley are great companions and playmates, but they get excited to have friends join them as well.

Loving life with a yard!  Especially a shaded one.  If we didn't have the shade, it would be impossible to be out there in the summer, I think.