SubscribeNeglect
Have I been neglecting this blog or what?! Life has certainly flown by in the last few months. Claire is walking and talking (sort of) and generally changing dramatically every day. I plan to restructure the blog in the coming month as I’m seeking an outlet where I can write more about not only Claire and family life but other topics that interest me. In other words, I need an outlet…other than Kyle’s ear where I can discuss things I’m passionate about. I’m batting around sticking with this web address or going with something slightly more descriptive. Leaning towards.. www.thecrunchyelephant.com or just www.crunchyelephant.com. As the name implies I will probably write about all of those topics I love that drive most people crazy (breastfeeding, cloth diapering, conservatism, VBAC, natural childbirth, fair tax, gardening mishaps, atlanta craziness, etc). We’ll see. Don’t worry, it will be categorized so you can skip over the parts you want to roll your eyes at or you find overly self indulgent!
Just to give a brief run down and catch up, I will cover the highlights of April and May:
This April, we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. We didn’t really do anything special to commemorate the occasion but did have family dinner at Right Wing. I spent much of the month working in the yard, beginning to plant native shrubs and establish permanent landscape in our backyard. So far I’ve planted several hydrangeas, white and red buckeye, and a carolina silverbell in the back yard. I finally got around to planting some shrubs behind the retaining wall out front (drawf golden cypress and carolina jessamine) as well as a complete planting of the bed by our front door. I’ve added 8 dwarf azaleas, a camelia, lantana and a compliment of various lillies. I’ve also added a flowering vine at our mailbox that I hope will really take off and provide years of established color in that front bed.
I completed the Guest Bathroom makeover that I began in May. I think it looks great and was well worth my time and effort. New paint, new faucet and new towels make all the difference.
Also in April, we made a mid-month trip to Indiana (unplanned) for the funeral of Kyle’s paternal grandmother. It was wonderful to spend time with family but unfortunate circumstances. Claire had changed so much since we were up at thanksgiving and I know everyone was happy to see her.
May brought more yard work (patching some spots in the sod up front) and a short vacation to hilton head island. It started with the Atlanta Figure Skating Club Reunion at the Georgia Aquarium (one of my favorite places). We had a great time although I was disappointed that many old friends opted not to come.
The following weekend, we took a 5 day excursion to Hilton Head with our friends Tim and Karen and their son Caden. He is 12 days older than Claire and we had a great time as a group. We definitely made it our priority to enjoy the beach every morning and probably ate out more than we should but it was very restful and much needed. Work has been hectic lately and I needed a break.
Once we got home, we were right back in the swing of things with life and work. More yard work (bagging leaves and debris, planting our garden, and as of day… a completed pavestone walkway between the bottom of the patio steps and the steps leading down to our garden. Kyle is taking friday off to lay fescue sod in that area and we will post pictures once it’s complete. I’m really happy with how the walkway turned out. Next on the yard list will be having the deck power-washed and sealed and then I will be back to planting more understory trees and shrubs.
Now it seems that it is time for bed. I’m taking Tuesday off so for once the weekend is not half over already. My grandparents are coming into town tomorrow and will be here for the week. Excited for them to spend time with Claire. My uncle is also bringing his fish tank down so we will be setting it up in the movie room. Pretty darn excited about that. Claire will love it!