Weeds R us

This morning I got up at 5:20AM and by 5:30 I was out trying out the new weed pulling tool I picked up yesterday. 

This is the second pass through the yard. The first pass I got rid of the cape weed, a large beast that pulled out easily enough..

This time around, its the smaller stuff, the ones that grow over the grass and kill it to make wqay for more weeds.

Jasper is a good little helper for me. Well, he watches for a few minutes until he's bored and then carries on...

The finished result is a wheelbarrow full of weeds and a pretty bare earth.  The good news is that we've had about 3 inches of rain in the last week, so the grass should explode over the next few weeks, hopefully filling in all the holes...

So far, five wheelbarrows full. Probably another three left in the backyard...

OK, so I'm talking about weeds. Not too exciting... but hey, that's life.

Walk with me?

Wanna come for a wander around the yard with me this evening? While the kids are reading books before bed?

Here's our resident mama, discovered amongst all the ivy Gord was pulling out one day! We are leaving her alone now, but I'm sure it freaks her out that a one-year-old can now come and peruse her nest whenever he feels like it! (we try to discourage this...)

Here's the second resident mama...

This is Piper's teepee. She and I planted sweet pea seeds around the base, so eventually they'll grow up and make it a real tent, but in the meantime, sewing a cover for this is on my list of things to do, and at the moment is being ousted by any make-it plans for Christmas!

Sweet peas coming up...

Two thirds of the vege patch, one bit kind of established, but pretty overgrown by grass and weeds; the other cut in by Gord from scratch last week... My man wields a spade like nothing else! We've planted: strawberries, spring onions, capsicums, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and lettuce.

The most established (read: lightest soil) garden. Tomatoes, basil, pumpkin and zucchini.

Today's effort, while playing imaginary games with Piper: beetroot.

Today's other effort, this other seed that's growing! (another belly shot for you, Dar!)

And a little boy ready for bed.

Random life

Playing Guess Who? with Caleb at Gembrook Retreat.

Showing off the results of an impromptu craft session: feathered crowns/hats.

More masterpieces being created...

And we made some boats to boot!

Last but not least, all dressed up to go to Ellen's 5th birthday par-tay!

Family shots

Lawn maniac at it again, with the huge Gembrook Retreat lawnmower (11 horse power!)

The kids both love Gord's torch, or course.

Piper entertaining us at breakfast, wearing almost her full wardrobe, and dancing!

Jumbuck stew leftovers for dinner - yum!

Mermaid children.

A sneaky shot from Gord, taken through the window near the dining table, this morning. A wake-up story in the glorious sun.