Espalied Trees

I've always wanted to grow lots of things in my yard, especially fruit. I discovered a way of growing fruit trees that takes up minimal space. It's called espalied. Basically you train your trees to grow out sideways along some wires. That way they don't come out into your yard. I'm giving it a try. I have a pear, plum, cherry and two apple trees. Here is what they look like right now.

The Deck is Coming Along

They were just about to lay the decking here. We chose a tropical hardwood for the decking. It's call Merbau, and is from Indonesia.
Here is a better look at the wood. We will stain it in a few days, maybe tomorrow. And the lights still have to be installed. Almost done!

T-Ball for Sydney

Sydney has started T-Ball and we LOVE it! This is her first experience with a team sport. The day she got her uniform she insisted on sleeping in it, then wearing it to school the next day, and then sleeping in it again (all of which I let her do). She's excited about being part of a team. There have been 3 games scheduled so far, but all of them have been cancelled because of rain ( why do we live in Oregon?).

Covered Patio

The sun sets in our back yard, and we thought we might like a little shade when it starts getting hot. Here it the beginning of the cover. They will finish the roof tomorrow, and then start the deck.

Tad Poles

There is BIG puddle in the empty lot across the street from our house, and Sydney has discovered it is full of tad poles. She goes out there everyday to catch them in a jar, but then releases them of course. What a fun spring time activity!

Trampoline!!!!!1

Right after we got back from vacation, dad and Grandpa set up a new trampoline!!!! We've been loving every second!

So Proud!!!!

I'm sooo proud of my 4H girls! Today three of them competed at prefair, and all three earned a blue ribbon in their equatation classes!

The Tulip Fields

The tulips are in bloom right now, we had to show them to Grandma Smith!

More fun on Vacation

While on vacation in Central Oregon, we visited Smith Rock.

This is from the High Desert Museum

More from our Vacation

Still in Redmond, the kid got to eat out more they any person ever should! But they loved every french fry.

The deer at Eagle Crest Resort are very friendly, even letting you pet them.

There were several pool to use at the resort. We couldn't get enough swimming in!

Eagle Crest Resort

Grandma and Grandpa Smith came to visit and took to Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond for a vacation. There was a game room with ping pong.... A jetted tub in our room for the kids enjoyment....

Beautiful scenery along the Deschutes river....

Caves to explore.....

An unbeatable view from our balcony.

Shocking

While we were on vacation in Redmond, Lance showed the kids how he could "shock" them with static electricity. The kids loved it, asking for more. Even Carson liked it.

Easter

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of Easter morning when the kids found their baskets, but these are from later in the afternoon. They had lots of fun playing with baskets and plastic eggs.

St. Patrick's Day

Sydney made leprachaun traps, but those leprachaun's were too tricky to be caught! They did make a big mess, and left a trail. No pot of gold yet!