Backyard

 As much as we loved having this:

for our backyard, we thought it might be time to upgrade to something that doesn't look awful.  We worked our butts off over a weekend to remove, well everything:

(Michael loved all the bugs we dug up and found a ton of rolly pollies to keep in that bucket in the middle of the porch.)

And brought in professionals to cover the whole thing with cement (and they move the shed for us). Please forgive the quality of picture for these next few, as they were taken through Michael's bedroom window:

They worked really hard and only got some ice water and a check for their trouble, but we got this!:

(before putting everything back)

(after Michael has made himself at home)

At first, Michael didn't even know what to do with all the extra space and kept trying to bring his scooter and bike in the house to ride around rather than play in the new, awesomely huge (comparatively) area! Now that he's use to it, he loves to go run, draw, and ride in the new backyard and can do it all unsupervised!  Yay for everyone!!!!!

And now Michael will read you Duck is Dirty (notice the "quacks," as they are adorable):