Our Yard in Bloom

Here are a few shots of flowers we are enjoying at the moment. Did I tell anyone that it is pretty up here in the Evergreen State? (Top picture is our side yard and house. Bottom picture is our front yard with neighbor's house in background.)

Our Rock River

Our "rock river" is growing as we add interesting rocks from various places.

Asiatic lilies planted last year came back. Yeah!

New Roses

Lynn Anderson & Hot Cocoa

Sunsprite

Ebb Tide

Chihuly (He paid big bucks for his name to go on this.)

Gemini

June Roses in Bloom

In March we were impressed with the tulips. In June it is the roses! Paul, Val and I went to the Rose Garden at Point Defiance. So beautiful! When we moved to our new home with its "low maintenance" yard, I asked Paul if he wanted roses: "They are a lot of work; what do you think?" I asked. Paul replied, "Oh, maybe one or two." After seeing the roses it did turn into one and two–one dozen bushes making up two rose gardens! "Well, I have more time now to take care of them than I did before I retired." -Paul

June Birthdays

Our family has three June birthdays–Rae Ann (9th), Val (14th) and Monica (16th). Monica is patiently awaiting the birth of a new Merrill baby, but that won’t be until July. Rae Ann celebrated her birthday with the help of the Fields. Val was able to make a quick trip to North Creek Loop during her birthday week. We celebrated (several times) by going to lunch and having a party with the Fields.

Val, Paul and I had lunch at a great restaurant in Tacoma...Anthony's.

Val waiting for her salmon.

Anthony's is on the water at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. The ferry picture was taken from inside the restaurant.

Melanie, Val, Paul and I went to a Gig Harbor favorite for lunch--Tide's Tavern....great fish and chips and sandwiches, too.

Mel: "Humm. what shall I have?"

Beautiful Gig Harbor

When driving a few blocks to church or down by the water, which I do fairly often, I marvel at how beautiful Gig Harbor is. It feels like a perpetual vacation. On Saturday we went to the annual maritime parade again. Our second already!

President Fields is always on call....waiting for the parade..

Gig Harbor was discovered by a Captain Wilkes. (Note the sign in the picture.)

Melanie and Spencer viewing a fun car.

Lindsey, Karl, Mel, Spence, Paul and Mason (with his candy bag ready).

Lots of patriotism marching along.

Busy Springtime

We've had a busy spring with quite a lot of family time. After a visit to California in April, we brought Val back for a couple of weeks. We played like we were tourists and took in some of the sights. The weather was beautiful. Nathan, Jane and kids arrived on May 23 for a week. We had a great time with them as well. In between we've been gardening. We are really enjoying the beautiful spring flowers.

Fresh Mex Memorial Day Cook In

Chefs Nathan and Jane treated us to chicken and steak fajitas Chevy style. Only three hours to prepare, the "from scratch" dishes were wonderful. Melanie stepped in to help with making the flour tortillas. Sad note: Paul had stomach flu and didn't get to eat!!

Yum! Melanie and Karl enjoying dinner. 

Check out that grilled chicken! 

Is it ready yet? 

I got it! 

Lindsey treats Mason, Alex and Spencer to a game in the yard while things are cooking inside. 

"Grandma has interesting things to explore in her kitchen." 

"Hmmmm, What's in here?"