Something For Everyone

As the Summer season wraps up, we look back and are so thankful for many things, one of which is week after week of enjoyment right in our very own backyard.

It is a small, but lovely space which really has something for everyone.  After having an overwhelming amount of yard to take care of at our last house, less land and low-maintenance was a priority this time around.

There is a spacious deck where the little girls played for hours under a shade in their kiddie pool and water table.

With the purchase of the house, came a little swing set, which has surprised us with how much use it has gotten by ALL of the kids.

Another hit feature that was left behind by the previous owners was a fire pit.  Bonfires are a big thing here and I love that almost every evening the scent of one in the neighborhood drifts through an open window.

The biggest plus from the kids viewpoint is the swimming pool.  They were in and out of it several times per day no matter what the weather was like.  It's what is called a semi-inground pool, meaning that it is not totally above ground, but somewhat and it has decking all around that gives the illusion of an inground pool.  As parents, we love the gate enclosure that helps keep it a safer space.

Pierre made a few visits to the pool store for advice early on in the Summer, but after a week or so he had the pool in tip top shape chemically and it was easy for him to test and maintain after that.

Pierre and I love the screened in gazebo that also came with the home purchase.  It provides nice shade throughout most of the day and is just a great place to watch the kids play in the pool from.  We have enjoyed many meals out there this season.

We are still getting nice weather here in early September and continue to hold on to lots of outdoor time.  I am well aware of Fall on the horizon and then comes the (5 months long) winter.  I can't bring myself to think about that just yet.  For now, I am loving looking at all these warm weather pics.