GRASS!

Testing the sprinklers in the front yard.

Friday afternoon Jess and I decided that this weekend would be perfect and the last weekend for us to put in the grass. So I called an ws just able to get our order in (they usually want 24 hr notice). It was delivered Saturday morning and while I was helping with Scouting for Food, Jess and the kids started rolling it out.

The kids would have us load a roll of sod onto the wagon or skateboard so they could bring it to us.

By the time I got home, they had just about half of the front yard rolled out. I was impressed, so we kept rolling it out and we had the front and a good bit of the back done by 1 or so. I called Steve (I work with him) to see if he and his son could come help too. So between us, my dad and Steve & Stevie, we made a lot of progress.

The front yard DONE!

Dad was a lot of help...we were really moving.

When we were just about finished, Topher called Jessica's dad and asked if they would come help too. They got there and helped with about a half a pallet. I didn't think we would get it done, but we did. We actualy ran out of sod (6500 square feet). We will have to go get about 100 square feet or so to finish up a few edges. We are really happy with the grass and very excited to have it in. Our yard won't be a muddy mess this winter and spring, and we won't have to worry about it in the spring.

Now I have a big back yard of grass to mow

...I didn't have to mow a lawn once this summer!

I just have a few adjustments to make on the sprinkler systems and hook up the electronic control box. It has been a lot of work, but our house finally LOOKS like it is finished, and not ALMOST finished.

Ready for a BBQ next summer...who's coming for lime steak and salsa?!?!
...who says we have to wait for summer?

Jessica's Birthday!

Saturday was Jessica's birthday! Whoo Hoo! We started the celebration on Friday by me being home from work at a normal time...isn't that odd. Also, Jess picked up the new minivan (as ours broke down two weeks ago), Her first birthday present for the weekend. Then we had a BBQ with friends (Jake and Kristie Maughn) that live across the street. I thought Hey, what a great time to have cake (when we are more likely to eat most of the cake) and give her her presents. So she got her Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit board and we had to set it up and play it with the Maughns, as they have never played. If you haven't played a Wii...they are fun! And your arm is sore the next day too. Tennis really takes it out of you.

Saturday, being Jessica's birthday, we took the kids to my parents so we could go to a movie and dinner. Now this next part comes with a disclaimer: THIS IS MY WIFE'S BIRTHDAY! So It is about her...and so we picked a movie that she would want to see...so no action or satire comedy. I took her to Mama Mia. Feel free to groan, laugh or sigh. I have to say that I felt a little awkward...but at least I had my WIFE with me, and wasn't alone...that would have looked BAD! When we got into the theatre, (The Centre--a small theatre downtown) there were THREE other guys there, and just about every other seat was filled! I thought of Dwight's line in the "Boys and Girls" episode of "The Office" about getting all those women in the same room..."It's going to wreak havoc on our plumbing." So I did survive the ultimate chick flick and have to admit that I did laugh A LOT, and I do like ABBA music (I do have nearly a dozen of their albums on vinyl--some of you may not know what that is, it's like a big black cd).

I am not really one for musicals--as I am attracted to women--but this one was funny, however I have to point out that I have a problem with the ending. Sorry I am going to ruin it for you here, but anyone reading this is very unlikely to see the movie anyway! At the alter the bride says to the groom, "Let's not get married. You don't really want to anyway. Let's just travel and find what we want in life." Then, later you see the mom and the 3 possible fathers waving goodbye to the non-newlyweds at the boat dock as if to say, "Congratulations on not getting married and have fun fornicating on your non-honeymoon and as you travel around the world!" I paraphrased and took interpreted liberties of course, but that is the just of the story. It was entertaining, and I typically do not go to movies to think of life's big problems (or possible big problems--thank you very much "Happy Feet!")...I do enough of that on my own.

So take your wife or girlfriend to see the movie (at a cheep theatre!)...or rent it in a few months. You will score big points for being considerate and the music is good (Disco will live on forever! HA!). Jess had a fun birthday I think...but you may want to check her blog to hear her side of the story though.