breaking in the new backyard

The house we're renting for the next ten months is a little smaller than the house we owned, but what we traded in space we gained in an awesome backyard. Our old house had a big backyard, but it was always the last place to get money and attention. Over the course of seven years we gutted our kitchen and replaced with all new cabinets, flooring and the whole nine yards. We also renovated a bathroom to update the overall look complete with a new toilet, vanity, beadboarded walls and tile floor. We replaced windows and light fixtures and all of the fun things you can do inside, but like I said, we always have wanted a nice backyard, but I could never bring myself to throw money at it. We made some good memories in that old backyard and had some really fun parties and get-togethers, but our new backyard is great and we broke it in just two days after we moved in with our good friends the Smiths complete with hot dogs, s'mores and more. I was sure to transfer all of the firewood we had stored up at the old house so that we could use our fire pit through the fall and winter months. If you don't like hot dogs I apologize for this picture, but man those look good.

A shot of the kids, my mom and some of the delicious grub that we put together. As you can see, it was finger licking good.

I think Charlotte was a little intrigued by Josh in this shot. It was a nice clear night and we just spent the night, talking, eating and playing with the kids.

Melissa decided to put a marshmallow on a stick, kind of like a carrot in front of a horse and Charlotte followed it around for a bit until Kathryn came to her aid and pulled it off so that she could have it. That's what friends are for.