Today, after an early trip through a local garden center with my Mama- we trucked home with throbbing green thumbs, dancing dreams of gardening- and a few fantastical finds. You've got to love an early frost- and the fearful shoppers that don't dare buy something that isn't booming with blooming beauty. We stole the success in hiding right out from under their very noses, and came home with the usual Ohio finds (for this time of year): frost bitten perennials begging for a second chance, at under half the original price.

Luke and I have decided that in honor of little Vincent's arrival to this world, we wanted to plant a new tree in our yard- and settled today on a white dogwood- one of my childhood favorites. Earth day is Tuesday, the 22nd, and even though we've been hoping Vincent would arrive tomorrow, the 18th, Tuesday is my favorite day of the week.. and Earth Day is a great day- and besides, the little man doesn't seem to be in any hurry for this weekend..

So tomorrow morning- more yard work- I've got list after list of gardening ideas, picking and pruning, and projects galore. One of my many nephews (Sam) came home with me this afternoon when I dropped Nana off at her house- I bribed him with his pick of pizza (from next door- of course!) and he hopped in the truck promising to help me in any way he could- to make things 'easier' for me; and that, he did. We accomplished plenty- and even more important, we had a great time.

FIRST:
Miss Mindy took an afternoon trip up to visit today- and brought the kids along with her- so we took a stroll over at the arboretum next door to catch some fresh air- burn some childish energy- and hope that yet even more walking would push along some action with these frequent yet sporadic contractions that I have been experiencing; to no avail. Either way- the wonderful spring weather has reached us, and we enjoyed another afternoon of sunshine. It has been an absolutely beautiful week- warming up by the day. Tomorrow is not only Friday, but it's another day of sun- and mid 70's. Who's complaining? Not me!

First, we strolled the Arboretum with Miss Mindy and kids. We visited the Japanese Garden, found gold fish and geese galore.. and walked across the pond on the sunken rock path- when the kids reached the far side (three 4 year olds, and two 2 year olds) a couple of them were ecstatic "We did it! We really did it! We made it across!"
....
So then we climbed lookout tower, and even posed for some pics.
Here's Sam-

and here's Austin, Gunnar, Sam, Cameron, and Victoria..

* ornery as otters *