Deck Before and After

Before

After

Deck Expansion Project

Ever since we bought our house, Andy and I have lamented that fact that the deck was so small and didn't have stairs. Every time we had to take Boss out we had to go through the basement. For the past several months we have been talking about finally adding stairs and the possibility of adding a few extra feet while we were at it. After a bazillion quotes we finally settled on a local company and they were able to finish last Friday just in time for my birthday and the 4th weekend. Andy also had the wonderful idea of having a concrete slab poured under the deck to give us a nice shaded place to sit and watch Aiden play. The Price Brothers did a fabulous job and even built a gate to keep Aiden from flying down the stairs. I have pictures of the old deck somewhere. As soon as I find them I will post the before and after shot.

Next project-- sodding the backyard and finishing the landscaping.

It doesn't look like a lot of extra room, but it makes a huge difference!

Aiden's new gate.
We already had to add an extra latch to it because he figured that one out the first day.

We also had them add a little alcove for the grill.

Nice and shady under the deck!

The slab at the end of the stairs connects to the new slab.

Enjoying the view.

Kicked back and relaxed in his new chair.

Fourth of July

Every 4th of July the city of Moreland holds a barbecue. For those of you not from around here, Moreland is the town just north of Grantville and home to Lewis Grizzard. If you don't know who Lewis Grizzard is you are definitely not from around here. This was our second year in attendance. Aiden slept through most of it last year, but he was able to enjoy it more this year. We stood in line to get our $8 plate of BBQ and stew and then walked around to check out all the vendors. Aiden really enjoyed the little train ride and playing on the playground. He enjoyed his BBQ too.

We weren't sure what he would think of the fireworks noise so we stayed home and watched our neighbors shoot some off from our new deck (more on that later), but they didn't bother him so I guess we'll take him to see some big fireworks next year.

Getting ready to go in his cute and patriotic Bailey Boys outfit.

Aiden and Daddy waiting in line.

Aiden made a beeline to an 18 month old girl as soon as he got down.
Although, I think he was more interested in her wagon than her.

Checking out the craftsmanship on some rockers.

Aiden and Mommy riding the train.

The little train made a loop through "downtown" Moreland.

Aiden and Daddy playing on the frog.

Gracie's First Birthday

Last weekend we celebrated Gracie Hayes's first birthday. Gracie's mom, Holly, is Aiden's first cousin. Aiden, Drew and Gracie all stay with Memaw and Papaw on various days and are there together in different combinations so they are all big buddies and were glad to see each other at the monkey themed party. There were lots of other cousins to play with as well. Here are a few highlights.

Happy Birthday Gracie!

Aiden getting ready for the party.

Aiden, Papaw and Mia (Gracie's cousin)

Gracie's cute monkey cake

Meghan, Ethan (around 5-6 months), Andy

Gracie and Memaw

Gracie, Memaw, Aiden and Papaw.
Gracie wanted to see Aiden as soon as he got there.

This was the perfect sized bouncy thing for the little ones.

Surprise, Aiden goes straight for the balls!

Aiden and Mommy eating fruit, cheese and crackers.

Gracie getting ready to dig into her cake.

Gracie and Holly opening presents.

Who needs a big pool to have fun?

Papaw was kind enough to send me these pictures to share. This is Gracie (1 year--first birthday party post coming soon), Drew (16 months) andAiden at Memaw and Papaw's house for fun in the sun/shade...and a nap! I have to brag on my mother-in-law a minute. Is she a miracle worker or what? How did she get all 3 of them to fall asleep at the same time??? They love their cousin-time!

Zimmerman Family Reunion

Last Saturday we took a day trip to Camden, South Carolina, home of Uncle Sonny and Aunt Tish, for a Zimmerman family reunion. They were kind enough to open up their lovely home and pool to a bunch of crazy relatives. We had a wonderful time. We were a little nervous crossing into South Carolina because of last year's fiasco, but we made it all the way there and home without a problem. (Last year when we left St. Simons we were supposed to be driving to Ohio for Andy's cousin's wedding and to see the other side of his family. However, the water pump in the truck only made it to Orangeburg, SC.)

The gathering Saturday included most of Papaw's siblings and a few of their kids and grandkids. I will try to at least say who everyone belongs to in the group picture. I'm trying to do better at learning all of Andy's cousins and their spouses and children, but I still get a little mixed up at times. Chrissy and her family had been in Myrtle Beach the week prior so they came on over on the way home so Aiden had Drew to play with. As the day grew to a close Aiden and Drew held court in the screened-in porch playing ball and chasing each other around.

Ok, here goes... on the steps L to R is Andy, Aiden and me, Andy's cousin Vicky and her husband David, their 2 kids and Vicky's sister, Jenny's 2 kids. Vicky and Jenny are 2 of Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim's kids. In the back are Sonny and Tish's daughters Gretchen, with her husband Greg and Lauren with her boyfriend, Vicky with her boyfriend, Aunt Tish hiding behind Memaw, Uncle Jim and Aunt Teresa, Aunt Denise and Uncle Billy, Aunt Amy, Uncle Rich and their daughter Renee, Sonny and Tish's daughter Kristen, Papaw, Uncle Sonny, Andy's sister Chrissy and her husband David and their kids Drew, Zack, Donovan and Jeremy. Sorry to the ones whose names I forgot or misspelled! The ones in blue are Papaw's siblings.

Aiden and Memaw in the pool.

Aiden swimming with Memaw.

Papaw brought his keyboard to provide the "live entertainment."
Aiden loves to play with Papaw, so they had to perform a couple of duets.

Memaw and her youngest grandboys: Aiden and Drew.

Aiden and Drew playing in the water with Chrissy and Memaw.

Chrissy and Drew

Aiden entertained everyone by putting on Andy's size 13s and walking around the screened-in porch in them. He's gotten to where he likes having everyone watching him.

Show Me Your Muscles

Andy and Aiden have a new trick. I haven't said much about it on the blog, but Andy and I have been on Weight Watchers and working out since the first of the year. Andy has acquired quite a gym that now takes up 2 rooms in the basement, mostly from Craig's List. Andy has lost over 50 pounds and I've lost a little over 40 pounds. All this was trying to get us in shape for the newest weight loss/fitness extravaganza-- P90X. It is a really intense 90 day diet and exercise program that promises to get you in the best shape of your life. Today was day 2 and we are feeling it already!

I say all that to explain part of the reason Aiden has a new trick. Occasionally Andy will flex in the mirror to check his muscle building progress and Aiden has apparently been watching. Now whenever Andy says, "show me your muscles" Aiden will flex. He's working on the mean face and grunt that goes with it. A few mornings ago it took us quite a while to get through breakfast because Aiden had to stop every few bites to flex for me. I'll try to get a better pose for you, but this was my first effort at capturing it.