The Best Part of Summer in Central IL

The best part of any summer is when the gardens come into full bloom. This year's heavy rains, combined with hot, humid days and sultry nights have produced heavy foliage and prolific blooms! All the backbreaking work in the springtime pays off when everything comes together like this in July!

Under this past week's full moon, the yard looks wonderful!

Note the giant tomato plant, left background near the corner of the house... it seems to grow about 6 inches taller every day!

In the daylight, the vibrant oranges, yellows, reds, blues and fuschias in the gardens make the back yard a garden party just waiting to happen!

Even the new plantings are doing well because of all the moisture.

And the grandkids love to pick the flowers... fine by me, since deadheading makes them bloom even more!

July 6th - Abby's 7 Months Old Today

July 6, 2008 - Abby is 7 months old today. She decided to celebrate by basking in the wading pool.

4th of July Weekend

Even with Papa over in Egypt, we still managed to keep up the tradition of Joe & family coming to spend 4th of July in Decatur. Here we are, in the boat on our way to watch the Lake Decatur fireworks. We were treated to THREE NIGHTS of fireworks on the lake this year, thanks to the Lakeside Music & Arts Festival taking place over 4th of July weekend.

Abby likes the boat!
And of course, so do Sissy, Robbie and Alex. Alex enjoys the motion and the sound of the motor.
Abbers zonked out on the five-minute boat ride!

We're anchored now, waiting for the fireworks to begin, and watching some that lakeside residents are setting off.

Abby woke up at the first volley, and as you can see from their expressions, all the kids enjoyed the show!

After the fireworks we returned to the house, and the back yard for a "campfire" and to have s'mores before calling it a night. Robbie and Sissy are waiting patiently for the fire to be ready. Rob-O is entertaining us with a campfire song.
Abby was yawning in Mommy's lap, but made it to have a taste of her first s'more with Daddy.

Serenity shares her s'more with Nana.

Rob enjoys his own.It was a fun 4th of July, but we sure missed you, Papa! We love you! We are all looking forward to having you home for three weeks in August.. AND getting together with the WHOLE family for a big Hootennanny!

I Taught I Taw A Puttytat

Back around the first week in June, we had some fledgling Goldfinches hanging out in the back yard at the feeders. One liked to perch on top of the Hummingbird feeder in the window and "knock" on the window. It drove Merlin the Magnificent absolutely nuts!

"I did tee a puttytat... I did! I did!"