Proof is in the pictures.

This is my sideyard before:

I know, right?  totally ugly, foundation concrete and weird fireplace box sticking out.  Yuck.  We know there was enough room to make a daylight basement here, the builder just didn't to save money (house was a spec, not sold before build out...)  Eventually we may add daylight windows if we finish the basement.

Anyway.  Moving On!

And now. Yes, I rock, I know. Literally. Its better - you can still see the foundation and all, but the garden and wall distracts the eye, at least.

(Too be fair, the first pic was taken before spring had kicked in so things look much less lushy than now, with all the rain)
I'm rather proud of myself.  In other news, Look!  A poodle, playing in an unfenced yard, without a leash!

A rather tired poodle, I might add, since I'd been throwing the tennis ball in the 80% humidity until he couldn't run anymore and just laid down.  He's such a wuss.  Anyway, POINT IS, he hung out with us in the yard, and didn't bolt.  I'm a big proponent of remote control shock collars now, people.  I have the dog I wanted - one who obeys.  Its wonderful.  By the way, Max had his one year Vet check up while I was off last week.  He weighs 65 lbs.  He was supposed to be no more than 55lbs.  Oops.  Monster Poodle!

Also, the tennis ball throwing?  If you don't have one of these, you are totally working too hard. Genius.

And finally:

Drew and Will saying cheese from World's of Fun/Camp Snoopy.  This picture snapped shortly before daddy (behind them) was asked to exit the ride. "You're supposed to have a child riding with you, sir."  That's right, my husband got kicked off a kiddie coaster.  He rawks.

(Company employee day at WoF, everyone had matching corporate logo shirts, if you're wondering why everyone is yellow.  The logo itself I will not show you.  Remember, I toljoo no blogging about new job.  Am a good girl.)

Anyway, I tend to dress my kids alike when we venture out into such a sea of humanity, because it makes them easier to spot and also if I lose one, I can show the police "he looks just like this one right here!"  But as I knew everyone in the entire company got a yellow t-shirt, which did sort of make me hyperventilate, I made them wear red hats for higher visibility.  I also quizzed them on my cellphone number the entire walk into the park from the car.  Am a spaz, I'm aware.  But, its happened before, It could happen again.