Grandparents and Backyard Beautification

This weekend Paul's folks came down and we spent the entire weekend working on the deck. Before you acuse me of abusing and 82 year old man- he really wanted to do it. He wouldn't come and visit until we found some work for him to do. He is also really into woodworking so if you can think of any furnature you need made, let me know. We stained the deck cedar--a little redder than I had hoped but it still looks much better. We also had all new mulch put in and added some plants around the deck--boxwood bushes, burning bushes, maiden grass and knockout roses. Next weekend, I guess I'll work more on the garden part of things. I'm not sure what all I will put in this year --tomatoes for sure, and sunflowers in the back.....maybe some red peppers?? ...we'll see.

Mrs. Cox (Paul's mom, that is) seemed to have a good visit too. She brought lemon cookies and tomato juice, so I was happy. She and Owen got to be friends. He was still a little shy, but as long as I was around, he was happy to visit with her. Of course the older boys would not leave her alone. All in all, a very successful visit.

Ryan had his soccer dinner tonight and got his trophy. Every player got one, but if they were awarding them for specific categories, I am sure Ryan would win for "Best Spinning in Circles and Picking Grass During the Game." Actually, he was doing pretty well towards the end of the season and we are very pleased that he stuck with it and gave it the effort that he did.

Jessica and Ethan in the sandbox

When we visited my parents (Jim & Gayle), at the campground, there was a "big" sandbox. Ethan really liked it. We had proof of him liking the box in his shoes.

We do play nicely together, sometimes.

Jessica and Ethan actualyl do get along, I got proof. This picture was from coming home from church. Jessica was singing and Ethan was head dancing along w/ Jessica.

Spring is in the air!

Ryan just had his last soccer game and it was his best yet. Liam is still watching from the sidelines but already has his cleets and shinguards ready for the fall. Owen sits on a blanket and watches his big brother once in a while, but mostly he just eats grass.

The flowers were in full bloom here but a typical Ohio wind came through and blew them all away. I did get a picture of Owen with the flowers before they flew away. He thinks tulips are delicious.

Tonight, Ryan will go to his first ever sleep over at someone else's house. He is very excited. It is supposed to be a backyard campout with a tent, but there are some ominous storm clouds headed our way so it may get moved to the basement.

Mother's Day 08

Here's the whole crew at "Grandma Bonnie's" place. It was pouring down the rain, but we were able to get the grill going anyhow. The platter we got was really neat- -hand made. The lady who made it also made me a coffee mug with Liam's handprints on it and an uber cool platter in WV colors for Paul that had all the boys' handprints on it (for Father's Day....shhhh, don't tell.) Misty had some really neat plates made for Jessica and Ethan. Ethan wouldn't put his hand in the paint so he opted for a dinosaur theme instead. I'll try and get Misty to post some pics of those.

Don't be too jealous, but after dinner Misty and I got to go to Cold Stone Creamery---yummm! Oh, well, guess I'll start my diet again tomorrow.

PS- The video out of the camera is really nice...it just loses a lot of quality when you upload it to the blog.

And now the fun stuff...the kiddies.

This is the Cox crew - Ryan, Liam and Owen. I will pester Misty and get her to upload a great shot of Ethan and Jessica.

Christopher

OK, so it looks like Ed and Misty can add posts. This was our test picture signed in on their account.

Paul and Cheryl

I'll do Paul and I together, since I don't really have many pictures of me alone and I don't want to waste too much memory before we get to the fun stuff....the kids!!!

Cindy

She'll probably beat me up for posting a picture of her, but next in line is Cindy.

"Uncle Gregg"

I do believe that Gregg is next.

<---"Uncle Gregg"

"Aunt Annie"

Next in line is Ann...

<---"Aunt Annie"

PS- Please excuse that Owen is in all these pictures. I am using what I have. We can balance things out later.

"Grandpa Mike"

We'll start with the oldest of the crew, although he'll deny it.

<--Grandpa Mike