Back at the beginning of March my mom, with the help of my dad and Mathew, planted a garden in the back yard. We haven't had a garden at the house since I was in early elementary school. I must say I have a greater appreciation of my mother's green thumb now, as opposed to when I was eight. I suppose it's only natural since I come from a long line of gardeners. When my grandmother was 80 she planted an orchard on her property complete with an irrigation system. No, she didn't hire anyone to dig the ditches for her. My grandmother has never shied away from heavy-duty gardening. She does it all. Now my mother's garden is not quite like my grandmother's but it definitely is providing plenty of veggies for our family.
My favorite are the tomatoes. There is nothing better than a vine-ripe, garden fresh tomato. Really, you should come over and try them. Every afternoon after work my mom goes to "harvest" her garden. We currently have more tomatoes than we can consume. I love it! We had a green cabbage for dinner last nigh, it was mighty tasty too.
There is a little crooked neck yellow squash in this plant. You can't see it very well though. We've eaten one so far and it was pretty delicious.
Our grapevine has come back again this year. It's fuller and more beautiful than ever. Each year it grows and makes me forget I live in the middle of the desert.
I chased the Scout Dog around the yard for a little while. We've become good friends lately, well at least until Mathew or Andrew come around. Mathew, you haven't seen him in a while. He's gotten so skinny and has so much more energy. We quit feeding him meat because it was making him sick and now he loves his dog food! It's like he went on The Biggest Loser for Dogs! You wouldn't even know he's 8 1/2.
The other plant we have in the back yard, or rather a tree, is the pomegranate tree. This poor tree has survived it all. It was originally taken as a switch from my grandmother's pomegranate tree and planted in our old home in downtown Phoenix. When my family moved to North Central Phoenix in 1987, my mother took along a switch of the pomegranate tree to plant at our new home. My father then proceeded to mow it over or cut it down several times before my mom got really, really mad. It has since been left alone and able to grow beautifully. We now have four other small pomegranate trees growing in the back yard too.
Grandma, Cyndi, Mom and I had brunch at the Sanibel Island Resort. It was so beautiful We always enjoy our girls' lunch when we get together. While we were at lunch one day, the boys went fishing. Paul caught the biggest fish, while Drew caught some rays. 
I was sad for our trip to end. It wasn't nearly long enough and I didn't get to take enough pictures. I guess that means I have to go back soon! 
My favorite are the tomatoes. There is nothing better than a vine-ripe, garden fresh tomato. Really, you should come over and try them. Every afternoon after work my mom goes to "harvest" her garden. We currently have more tomatoes than we can consume. I love it! We had a green cabbage for dinner last nigh, it was mighty tasty too. 
There is a little crooked neck yellow squash in this plant. You can't see it very well though. We've eaten one so far and it was pretty delicious. 
Our grapevine has come back again this year. It's fuller and more beautiful than ever. Each year it grows and makes me forget I live in the middle of the desert.
I chased the Scout Dog around the yard for a little while. We've become good friends lately, well at least until Mathew or Andrew come around. Mathew, you haven't seen him in a while. He's gotten so skinny and has so much more energy. We quit feeding him meat because it was making him sick and now he loves his dog food! It's like he went on The Biggest Loser for Dogs! You wouldn't even know he's 8 1/2. 
The other plant we have in the back yard, or rather a tree, is the pomegranate tree. This poor tree has survived it all. It was originally taken as a switch from my grandmother's pomegranate tree and planted in our old home in downtown Phoenix. When my family moved to North Central Phoenix in 1987, my mother took along a switch of the pomegranate tree to plant at our new home. My father then proceeded to mow it over or cut it down several times before my mom got really, really mad. It has since been left alone and able to grow beautifully. We now have four other small pomegranate trees growing in the back yard too. 
Jimmy Buffett returned to Phoenix this year after taking the past few years off. We were more than excited! There's just something about summertime, tailgating, and Jimmy Buffett. We happily made it girls affair. Through work, Shannon received to tickets that werea] about 5th row. We took turns going to the front for the show. I was more than excited to be upfront when Jimmy crooned "Last Mango in Paris". I love that song. Going to Jimmy Buffett concerts with the girls has turned into one of my most favorite traditions.
Four out of the five bridesmaids were able to make it to Hawaii for the wedding. We missed you Sarah! 
We began getting ready early the next day. We did make it to the pool for a few hours earlier in the morning.
The bride and groom seeing each other for the very first time that day!
We stayed at the Sheraton Maui. It was so beautiful. We spent our last few days by the water and the pool. I wish I could go back now! 
Before our flight out, Jake, Lindsey, and I ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise. We also went to the top of Haleakala- the volcano on the island. It was freezing cold at the top with some very strong wind. It was quite the site to be above the cloud line. Then it was off to the airport for our midnight flights.
