First Burst of Spring

The last part of March is when the Bradford pear trees bloomed out all around town-and in our backyard. They don't last very long, so I always try to get some pictures of them while they're loaded with flowers! It's always so pretty when they start to leaf out because the petals fall to the ground like snowy confetti.


I like this moss that grows on the bark of the pear tree, too!


The bright coral azaleas...

A rough, rugged looking boy...
...who picked his Mommy a few flowers :) What a sweetie.

Summer in Full Bloom

Tonight Mason got to play in the sprinkler in the backyard, He loved running through the water and sliding down into it until the rain blew in and we had to go inside. He ate dinner & then actually fell asleep on the couch at 6:50! (that never happens!)

The water's cold!!

Love this running picture!

While out back, I finally got some pictures taken of our gorgeous hydrangeas and echinachia (sp?). This fat bumble bee was ever so nice to pose while I took her picture...
This is the first time in 4 years that the hydrangeas have bloomed! The first year we lived in our house, they were loaded with blooms--but none since. I guess the weather always got them.


They are all actually a deep, dark purplish-blue in person--like the ones in the shade to the far right in the picture below.
There are also some day lillies in bloom in another corner of the yard.

Our Trip to the Botanical Garden

My Uncle Jerrold visited us over Memorial Day and one day while he was here, we visited the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. We hadn't been since last Summer, and although it got a little hot about half way through, we all enjoyed it & got some great pictures.

Simple Pleasures

Since Mason is doing so much better now that the excessive amount of pollen is clearing, he has been able to play outside some lately. The weather has been gorgeous and I'm so glad he's not suffering with those allergies like he was. He's back to his regular OTC medicine but still has to avoid being outside for too long.
A few days ago, we went out back to see our Iris' in bloom~ so many more have bloomed since the picture~ and Mason played with his bubbles and a pinwheel and blew every white puffy dandelion he could find!

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks with Family

A few weeks ago, we had family visit us from 2 different states! My Cousin, Troy, from Colorado and my Great Aunt & Uncle from Kansas, Delmar & Deanna. We went sight-seeing and visited downtown Bentonville, the U of A Campus, and then the Botanical Gardens.

A group shot (minus my Mom) at the Confederate soldier fountain


Don't fall in!

Lunch at one of my faves, Mimi's Cafe

Mason taking a liking to Aunt Deanna
Then we all really enjoyed the Botanical Gardens!
Mason in the Japanese Garden by the Koi pond

I love this picture! My Grandma (known to Mason as "Gigi") showing him a sunflower. My family is from Kansas and sunflowers always remind me of my Grandma, so I'm glad I snapped this shot!
Another Kansas girl...
This bumble bee posed for me
A sweet hug

A turtle ride (the Children's Garden was our fave!)
Love this one!
My Mom up in the bird's nest
...and Mason coming down
Cute chair
Grandma & Aunt Deanna
Looking up!
Yet another fave!
This was a huge sculpture, that from above was a butterfly~her wings were the flowers & bushes.
It was great to get to spend time with out-of-state family and get to experience our local amenities!