this (part 7)

this is our backyard.

this is where we have had many hamburger dinners. it's one of our favorite things to do as a family. while russ cooks out we play music outside, swim, dance, play, and then we eat lots of meat and chips.

i have a picture on this same deck of abby's little feet with water from the hose running over them. sam likes the hose every bit as much as the girls did.

and we can't forget mae mae. sam says her name so cute. he is crazy about her.

this has been a wonderful place. a place of freedom to play and laugh and yell. a place where i don't tell them as often to "please be a little more quiet because sam is sleeping." we will miss this backyard. i have videos of me chasing the girls as toddlers, and pictures of russ and i when we first had mae as a puppy. our first experience with the responsibility of another's well-being. this is where we have had so much quality family time. this is where abby got her first splinter and emma cut her toe on the flagstone. this is where we have had birthday parties and costume parties. this is where the girls saw and walked in their first snow. this is a place that will bring comfort in my heart whenever i think of it.