I mentioned in another post that we redid our backyard/patio. In the more than four years we've lived in our place, we've never really used the backyard. At first it was too small, and then it just became a minor jungle and riddled with rainy days, a dog and a temporary fence. Back in May, I pulled the plug and started the demolition phase. After we got back from our trip, we put a plan in place and transformed it into one of my favorite places to relax yet. I've longed wanted a European courtyard/outdoor living room space, and thanks to our recent trip, Rob agreed after seeing the concept in action.
While I worked on all the prep and demolition, Rob faithfully helped me spread more than 3000 pounds of gravel and solo, built the most perfect fence, which we stained a dark walnut. In the end, we added 24 square feet by redoing the yard and Mac loves it as he can shovel and spread the gravel over and over. Too bad it's not an Indian Summer this year but thanks to some recent sunny days, we've spent plenty of fun days and evenings with the babes and friends.
In addition to taking trips, redoing a back yard and enjoying the summer, we (I mean me) took a break from blogging. After more than two years of being rather diligent about posts and photo uploading, I just had to take a breather. Now, with new schedules and a new season upon us, I'm back and hopefully on track to share more happenings with our little man.
To catch up, we went and returned from one amazing trip! Rob and I wanted to get in one last big trip before we had to start paying for Mac's airfare and we'd long wanted to go to a small, quiet corner of the world and just relax our own way. We realized it hadn't been since our honeymoon that we'd gone on a trip afar without a wedding involved! Where did we go? We went to a region in Southwestern France called the Dordogne. It was magical. Macadam loved it and so did we. The hope is to return in a few years when we need another relaxing holiday.
We took more than 2000 photos but I've uploaded about 200 of them, which you can see via Flickr slideshow below.
We cooked, we ate, we swam and we saw a lot of medevial structures and towns. We made day trips to Bordeaux, Cahors, Bergerac and had just a day in Paris. What makes me smile, is that Mac still remembers so much about the trip. He made friends with many animals there, and still talks and asks about them. And he'll still say bonjour and merci if you ask him. He also expanded his flirting routine to a whole new level.
We're in a bit of a blogging drought and hope to update with all of our happenings. Photos from our fantastic trip are uploaded but now just need them to be on the internet for your viewing pleasure. Until then, here are two videos of Mac from earlier this week. It's also the debut of his new 'do.
Riding his new horse standin - his broom:
Singing and playing the guitar with his pops - he's kind of on to something here:)
By the time most of you read this, we'll be on our way here, here and here ( I know, I know - it looks awful:)). Since it may be awhile before we post again, I wanted to show a little of what Mac's been up to lately.
This last weekend, I rigged a little tent with a piece of twine and some fabric. After being a little hesitant, Macadam loved it. Here's a series of shots from our little rainy afternoon fun.
I've finally caught up on our photos so click on the flickr link if you have some time to kill and want to see the latest and greatest. Oh and we'll be back in a couple of weeks. Hopefully with plenty of fun photos of Mac living the good life abroad.
Maybe not the most appropriate title for a post about a toddler but there is something just so lovely and funny about this photo. Chasing his cousins, Addison and Alistair, in April.
Ah vegetables. They used to be a fan favorite but for several months now, we've diligently and covertly snuck them into Macadam's diet as he hasn't been keen on their presence. Mind you, at child care, we know that he eats certain ones a lot. However, in the last week or two, he's been loving green beans. In fact, he'll skip the usual favorite of cheese or brown and rise and just eat the beans. I caught him on tape for the first devouring of them last week. Enjoy!
It was hard to pick the best of the three videos we last took of Mac and his Rody horse. He loves the book, Cowboy Small by Lois Lenski and he is really into riding his horse these days. Mostly it's because the bouncing is a lot easier. He's also enjoying strumming his air guitar and singing, "Home, home on the range..." It sounds more like, "Ohmmm, ahhh, raaaa," but either way, it's equal parts entertaining and adorable.
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