Ah, homeownership... so far we've had a broken sprinkler manifold that flooded the backyard and a broken drain pipe we accidentally cracked in two when we were digging up some rock hard dirt. We feel like we have been officially welcomed to the club. Good thing all the hard work ends up feeling so rewarding.

Before:

Love the hydrangeas, but the weeds, rock and old wood chips... no thanks.

Oh the anticipation! 

During:

Ryan was helping to make our 'sifter'. The one we used to sift all the rocks out of our flower bed. It seriously looks like someone broke up terra cotta pots in our soil. My biceps were there, they can attest to the amount of rocks we pulled out. Scott and Ryan happened to be gone during the actual sifting... hmmm...

I guess thats ok because they were so cute making the sifter.

After:

Don't you think there are gardens in heaven? There have to be, flowers are too beautiful to only be here.

All my gardening skills come from my dad. (Just kidding, he's the one with the skills... I just ask what I should do where.)  

My mom with the decorating skills... I'm sad we covered up the cute flowerpot arrangement she made for my porch in this picture.  

So that day was hard, hot, sweaty, dirty.... and awesome. I loved every second of it. And now every time I walk up my front step I get to see the beautiful garden we created. Thanks guys for ALL you did. And thanks Hannah for watching the wild one so we could get this done. 

Now for the backyard... remember our marigolds... they didn't make it. Don't worry- we are NOT giving up!!