Dance Dance Dance

Farming Like an Inca

While we are not really farming, or living in the Andes, we have built a mini terrace garden. In the past, our vegetable garden has taken up a large portion or our grassy area in the back yard. This year, we decided to create raised beds along one of the sides of our back yard.

What David unrealistically guessed would be a one weekend project, turned into a three weekend project. We just have to remember that the majority of the time, we are working as one, or at best, one and a half people because one of us always has to be on Drake watch.

The majority of the project was made from recycled materials. We were able to find the majority of wood that was needed to build the beds in our backyard (from the shed that was torn down). The mulch that surrounds the beds was from a tree that our neighbor had cut down in the fall and we had them pile the chippings in our back yard rather than haul it off. We did have to buy a truckload of dirt (I really hate spending money on dirt...but it was necessary).

Drake spent much of the time supervising our work from the swing.

We planted the garden on Sunday with both seed and some small plants, so hopefully we will have a summer of fresh vegetables from our backyard. Now that we have these beds, I also hope to grow year-round. Now, just to keep the deer and other wildlife away from eating the fruits of our labor. Good thing I am married to a man that is in the wildlife removal business!

Hiking for a Cure

Our friends, Sarah and Warren, have a nephew named Hyde that has a rare disease called Atypical HUS. In February 2011, Hyde was the third person in the United States to have a kidney transplant in combination with Soliris Therapy. Warren made the kidney donation and has helped this 5-year old to live a life much like that other other children, not one tethered to a dialysis machine for 10+ hours a day.

While with the transplant, Hyde's quality of life has greatly improved, he will always live with this disease and the family has a goal of one day finding a cure. This past Saturday, the family hosted an event in Cumming, GA called Hike 4 Hyde. This was the fourth annual hike and after Saturday, they have now raised $110,000 to help fund research for Atypical HUS as well as for the Children's Hospital in Atlanta. http://www.hike4hyde.com/Home_Page.php

This was my second Hike 4 Hyde and David and Drake's first. Last time I went, I think I volunteered the whole time and was not able to go on the hike. This year, the three of us climbed the mountain and saw great views of the area. They have so many activities for the kids at this event, so I think Drake will have a great time next when when he can do some more stuff. In the meantime, he enjoyed dancing to the songs the DJ played, playing with the fire truck, and drive the Mercedes. We had a great day and enjoyed seeing Sarah, Warren, Will and Sarah's family. While we wish it was longer, it is always great to see them.

Drake playing on the fire truck

At the summit

Drake and Will (Drake is 3 months and 2 days older)

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

Drake spent his second Easter in New Orleans. He woke up with a box on animal crackers and a toy hippo in his basket from the Easter Bunny. Thanks to Aunt Genevieve for the very cute Easter pajamas.

After church, Drake participated in the Easter Egg Hunt with the other kids. In an effort to make it fair, they broke the kids into groups, with the "baby" group going first. The "baby" group was anyone under 7 years old and Drake was the youngest of the group (unless you count the 4 month old that the mother was holding). The eggs were hidden in plain sight and I had Drake go to an area where none of the other kids were "searching". Drake did not quite get the concept as he would pick an egg up, look at it and then if he went to pick another up, he would just place the first one back on the ground and not in his basket. Genevieve and I made sure to put some eggs in his basket as he walked past them. Maybe next year he will be more into the whole idea.

A Tail Full o'Meat, That's Good to Eat

Drake and I took a weekend trip to New Orleans this weekend to celebrate Easter and host a baby shower for my sister Amanda. My parents surprised me with a delicious crawfish boil on Saturday night. Last summer when we were here, we had crawfish but Drake was much too young to even think about trying to give him a taste...not this time!
Drake held and crawfish and then threw it on the ground. He held a claw and then threw it on the ground. I tried to give him a bit of tail to taste, but he did not enjoy it, spitting it out right away. Hopefully he will soon start to enjoy all things seafood but until then, it just means more for the rest of us!

Drake with Aunt Genevieve

Amanda and Jeff