what's going on in our backyard

It seems like summer has flown by! It makes me sad that my kids will be going back to school in just 3 more weeks! We truly have been living it up the last month in a half. All of us have been staying up super late and sleeping in. I'm really loving not being on any kind of schedule. We've spent the majority of our time outside lately. I've been working a lot outside around the house, and in the garden. Since it's my first garden I was worried I'd start to feel overwhelmed with it, but I've really enjoyed it. I am amazed at watching our plants grow and produce, and the kids are too. Everyday they're out there with me asking what's ready, and what they can eat! The green beans, cucumber, peppers, and squash are just starting to go crazy! I've been trying to figure out new recipes to use all the fresh veggies, so we aren't wasting what we have. I'm really anxious about the watermelons. I'm really hoping I'll have luck with them this year. I just checked yesterday, and I have around 10 that I can see. The vine is kinda getting out of control! I am learning daily about gardening. I'm currently fighting a battle with Japanese beetles! But It's been a fun adventure I'm sure I'll be looking forward to every spring.

The kids have played so hard everyday outside. Their new thing is catching lightening bugs just as the sun goes down. Besides riding their bikes, and playing on the tree house they're typically out chasing, wrestling, and playing whatever imagination game they've came up with for the day. Lately it's been 'spy!' They are seriously 3 peas in a pod. I'm so happy they have each other to play with. 

A few pictures from my garden:

Half of the garden, and the tree house that's nearly complete.

Banana peppers

Sweet favorite watermelons

Yellow squash

Cucumbers

I have a whole row of two varieties of cabbage, and brussel sprouts, but some pest has been really enjoying them...

Onions

Grape tomatoes, we might not be able to keep up with them. Good thing my brother-Max lives only a mile and a half away!

Slicing tomatoes

Green bell peppers

Green beans

I planted about 20 strawberry plants this spring. So far only little baby berries this year, but I'm looking forward to see how big the plants get next year.

There isn't much better than laying in a hammock in the summertime.

Lots of wrestling happenin. June can throw down too!

A sight seen a lot around here. I've come to the conclusion, my kids aren't fans of clothes and shoes. Well... June loves her shoes. They might not be matching most of the time, but the girl loves some shoes. Country life is the best life.