Yard and Garden

 We were finally able to plant our first garden!!!  We've (or more I've) been itching to plant a garden for - YEARS!!  We've never been in a place where we've been able to.  To start off with we had to build some raised beds because the soil here is SUPER clay like and rocky.  So we used a bunch of pallets that Ry was able to get from work (they deliver fish food on them - so there are LOTS). We also built this "fence" around it with left over boards and panels to keep the rabbits out (they ate my lettuce - I was very sad!)

Then we got planting!  We have cucumbers, peas, corn, lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots and onions in this box - and watermelons planted and tomatoes planted in the pots behind this planter.

 This planter has tomatoes and green bell peppers in it.  We also have a few pots with tomatoes and squash in front of these.

 Next year's plans - yes - we have HUGE plans lol

 Asher ate pretty much all of the fresh peas all by himself - I know what I'm going to plant LOTS of next year :)

 And Aiden's been eating all of the fresh carrots - while running around saying "eh, what's up doc?" haha

 We're also supposed to be getting a fence soon (yay! then we can really get the garden planned, some grass and flowers put in - we're not doing ALL grass, but just some - and a deck!! yay!!!) Here's a picture of one side of the yard - the fence will cut across in front of the basketball hoop and connect with the house

 then it'll follow the riverbed here

 and connect over to this side and meet up with the house on this side (our propane tank is in the middle of the side of our house - so unfortunately we can't wrap the fence all the way around to the front ... but that's okay!  We still have A LOT of yard!)

 Here's our garden as of a week and a half ago - it's already bigger!

 My gorgeous basil plant!

 WATERMELON!!!  We have six decent size ones and a bunch of smaller ones - this one is already significantly bigger than this.  They grow crazy fast!

 CORN!

 Onions and the last spinach

 carrots, one lettuce I was able to save, and cucumbers!

 We pulled out the radishes and peas (we ate them all and they were DELICIOUS haha)

 These would be my tomato plants - in desperate need of a pruning - I did end up pruning them when we got back from Albuquerque - I'll have to take some updated pictures.

 We have like 75 tomatoes - and I haven't counted in about a week - so there's probably a lot more!

 Squash - this is also MUCH bigger and starting to flower!

 Lastly - BELL PEPPERS!!  How cute are those?!  I'll put up more pictures in a couple weeks!

   Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding, wonderful experiences!  Plus it's such a good thing to know how to do!  If you can't grow - it you probably shouldn't eat it - so why not grow your own?! (BTW - yes I eat a lot of things you can't grow - I just love my pepsi and skittles....I'm workin on it haha)

Ash Bash

 Asher is so funny!  His personality is really starting to shine through.  He's trying to talk a lot more (THANK GOODNESS) and he has some definite likes and dislikes.  He likes Bugs Bunny, Elmo, AFV, Books, Soft BIG blankets, Milk, Cheese and Ham.  Anyway - if it's a little quiet and you don't know where Ash is chances are he's curled up in my bed with any or all of the above mentioned things :)

(He did happen to be watching Elmo at this time too...he's obsessed I swear!)

Fourth of July and Swasey Parents Come for a Visit

My Parents Came for a Visit!

The beginning of July my parents came down for a short visit!  

 Ryan had to work most of the time - but it was neat to take my dad over to the pond next to our house to watch Ry stock it with fish!

 Red River

 That afternoon we went up to Red River and ate and walked around.

 Shotgun Willie's is our FAVORITE little burger joint to go for lunch.  It's REALLY good!

 Taos

 The next day we went into Taos for the day.

 Aiden and Asher's favorite place...

 TWIRL!!! :)

 We walked through all the little side street toward the main plaza

 If you are ever in Taos I highly suggest stopping at the gallery.  Charles Collins is an AMAZING artist and just over all a very nice person.  He walks you through his studio personally and explains his art.  You can really feel the passion and love he has for his artwork.

 And you must stop and get ice cream at The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Co. as well :)  They have the BEST Cheesecake ice cream I've ever had!

Fourth of July 

 My dad was a good sport and brushed Aid's teeth

 We woke up nice and early on the 4th to head back up to Red River for their Parade. We parked next to this really cool church up on the hill when you first come into town.

 This Vet is smoking a big old cigar - seriously - click on the picture! haha

 Aiden made himself right at home with all the older people in front of us - in fact he took one of the gentlemen's chairs and ended up with one of the lady's flags!  He is definitely NOT shy haha

 After the parade was done we headed over to the park and ate some fried chicken (SO good) and the boys went on some rides around the park.

 Aiden thought it was great

Ash - not so much haha

 Aiden also got his face painted!  I'd say all in all it was a GREAT day!

 Then we headed home, ate burgers, and just chilled.

 (More random parade pictures...sorry they aren't in order...)

see - sitting in NOT his chair lol 

 waving NOT his flag haha

 We were very sad when Grandma and Grandpa left

But at least we have these guys to remind us of them whenever we got outside :)