The Back Yard Project is Done

Our little corner is finally done.  Jeannine put the finishing touches on her patio today.  I helped, but it was her artistry that made it great.  We have much more work to do on the yard, but we move slow and careful to make it nice.  Patio furniture was not included yet due to repairs on a chair.  But you can come by and sit now.  The furniture is in.

It all started here with 1.8 ton of Cement dropped off in our garage

Which was then moved to the back yard by us with much difficulty.  1.8 ton of cement was a lot lighter when I was in my 20's

Hampered by rain we pressed on.  I hand drilled 12, 8 inch deep holes into the cement so we could set the re-bar.  This took me three days.  Again it was so much easier when I was 25.  This is a job that I would have done in one day back then.

Then the day came.  We both got up the courage to pour the cement.  Rented a mixer and was done within one hour.  It wasn't as hard as we thought it was going to be.  I will admit we do have a lot of experience in doing these kinds of things, it's just a little more painful than it used to be.  This was the easiest part of the job so far.

One small addition to the project.  You may say it was graffiti, but I say it was necessary.

Jeannine laid the tile and it turned out very nice.

So what was once a place for the hot tub for so many good years, is now a patio for sitting.

Jeannine cut tiles to the shape and design she wanted.  She has a passion for Geometric shapes in her art.

Jeannine can't have it simple.  She NEEDED! to have a mosaic around the edge. 

Voila! and there you have it.

                                         Now on to the next project

Vania's Graduation 2011 Gilroy High

This was Vania's big day.  She was recognized for several awards and maintaining a high GPA, 3.8 throughout her high school career.  To say it all, she was one happy girl today.

Now Vania, Jared and Nick are off to BYU for the summer session.

Dr Aaron Rutman

Here are some pictures I took at Aaron's graduation.  We are proud of you Aaron and the hard work you have done.  More important you were a good father throughout the ordeal.

A man and his Ipod movies

I wonder sometimes how Seth is going to dress when he comes home from work someday.

The man knows how to relax.

Aaron's Kids in the pool

Ada

Seth

Drama in the pool

Ya just can't keep Seth down

Fun in the sun

Tyler's kids at the Beach

I have been married now coming up on 32 years.   When at the beach and not prepared to swim the words, "I promise I wont get wet" have often been heard.  I am glad to see Tyler's children have kept the tradition of being unable to keep that promise.  They had a blast.  It did my heart good to see my grand children have so much fun.

Doing his best to stay dry.

Athena attempting to keep her promise.

Standing at the edge of temptation.

Darius tempting fate. 

Athena trying to keep from getting wet.

Athena and Darius challenging the water while Ari is going above and beyond to keep from getting wet.  Check out Ari's feet.  She is doing her best to keep above the water line.

Just can't seem to keep away

Too much fun

The taste of temptation.

Maybe if we hold hands we wont get wet.

OK, that didn't work

Darius wasn't as stable as Athena.

All right,  we're wet no sense in wasting this time.

Total capitulation.

Athena not wanting to go.

Hanging on till the last moment.

I stayed dry and was a good girl.

I got totally wet.  Thank you Aunt Thyci for the coat

Athena in the top left still holding to the belief she can still stay.

Tyler, Alexis, Kalista in back.  Darius, Ari and Athena in front.  A good day had by all.