Brock's New Backyard

We've been wanting a new backyard for quite a while and we finally have it. Our backyard was dirt, leaves, and weeds and not kid friendly. Any time Brock played outside he would be covered in dirt and mud and I would have to give him a bath right away. There were also tons of ants.

This past weekend we put sod in the backyard and it looks so much better. It was a lot of work but worth it to do it ourselves. We had to rent a machine to dig up the old dead stuff and then level the yard. I didn't have to do too much because I was watching Brock but I did help when he took naps.

BEFORE

AFTER

A "tropical storm" began on Sunday night and it has rained almost constantly since then - very heavy rain and strong winds. We're happy because it's good for the grass and we don't have to run the sprinkler but it's been hard being stuck in the house all week. We finally had a little break for about 30 minutes yesterday and got to play in the yard. Brock loves to play with the water hose.


It hasn't rained at all today so we've been out in the wagon a couple of times. This morning one of my neighbors was working in his yard as we passed by and we said hello to him. He asked me if school was out today and I told him that Brock is too little to go to school. Then he said he meant me! I told him I'm a Mom, I don't go to school. He was embarassed that he thought I was so young but I told him I would take it as a compliment.

18 Months Old!

Employee Carnival

On Saturday we went to a carnival for employees of Jared's company. We brought Brock's wagon and that worked out great because we had to haul his food and other necessities. Unfortunately there is no shade at the fairgrounds and it was super hot! There was a ton of stuff for big kids but only a couple of things that Brock could do. He still had a lot of fun riding around watching everyone and then running around.

The first thing we did was eat lunch. Jared and I got one turkey leg and were going to share it, until I saw how much fat was on that thing. Disgusting! I don't think I've ever eaten one before and I don't think I ever want to! Next to the table there were clowns on stilts making balloon animals and Brock watched them the whole time.



After lunch we went to the petting zoo. They had chickens, ducks, a rooster, a goose, rabbits, a goat, and a lamb. Brock loved it! The goose seemed to be his favorite. He chased it around a lot. There weren't any pigs - I guess they didn't want to risk swine flu.

Then Brock got to ride a pony!

I made a video of them coming back towards me but something happened and it's not on my camera!

By this time we were dying from the heat so we headed back to the pavilion to get snow cones. While we were waiting in line some guys started dancing. It was hilarious! I thought about getting out my camera and then decided that would be rude, but it kept getting funnier and funnier so eventually I had to do it. What you are about to see is very mild compared to what was going on earlier. They are doing the same moves but by this time they are tired so it's not quite as funny.

First Haircut Pictures

These are the pictures of Brock's first haircut. Thank you, Keith, Abby, and Zoe!

This is the shortest carousel ride in the world! Brock didn't enjoy this one anyway.

He LOVED the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Happy Birthday to Mama!

Yesterday was my birthday and we celebrated by going to the Magic Kingdom. Some friends of ours just happened to be spending their vacation at Disney this week and we spent the day with them. We had so much fun!

The first thing we did was take Brock to the barber shop on Main Street to have his hair cut. We've only trimmed it above his ears a couple of times and it was getting shaggy. He was so good. The barber distracted him by putting Mickey Mouse stickers all over him. His hair is really short and he looks older but still very cute! I don't have any pictures because I was filming it, but Abby took some and as soon as she sends them to me I will post them. I will also put some of the video on as soon as I figure out how to use my new camcorder. They gave Brock some Mickey Ears that say "First Haircut" on the back and he also received a Certificate of Bravery!

There seemed to be a ton of people at the park, but we were lucky that the longest line we had to wait in was 20 minutes. Most of them were 5 to 10 minutes. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean twice because the line was so short. Here are some pictures from the rides.

Brock loved Pirates and wasn't a bit afraid of the dark or the drop.

Brock had lots of fun with Zoe.

Abby, Keith, and Zoe on the Jungle Cruise.

Brock now has super short hair like Daddy.

Brock enjoyed his frozen lemonade while relaxing on the riverboat cruise.

Brock tries to go swimming.

Disney strollers aren't very good for sleeping.

Keith and Abby on Buzz Lightyear.