Backyard improvements

Jeff took some vacation days from his job and spent much of it doing improvements to our back yard.  

Like all of our neighbors, our yard has a 6 foot privacy fence around the back part.
He spent several days converting one of the front sections into a double gate.

Now that we have a gate,  he can drive his pick-up into the back yard .
That is especially handy when he has a load to drop off......

Like this wood he used to put a roof on this pergola that has been in our backyard since we bought the house.

It had slats in the roof part but they gave no shade or protection from rain.
This picture is in the middle of the roof construction.

It is finished now but I am not going to climb up on that ladder to take a picture of it.
just take my word, OK?

He also took apart and cleaned out the Rubbermaid storage building in the back yard.
Then he made a new higher foundation for it and put it all back together.  

The next plan is to do some kind of paved surface under and around that pergola- either poured concrete or maybe pavers.

I only assisted a little - and mostly just kept his Iced Tea mug full.
But I sure am glad to have all these jobs done!

Our newest Grandson

Meet baby Braeden
He was born 7/10/2012 and  is Gavin's little brother.

Welcome to the world, baby boy!

Cookie can + oilcloth = booster chair for a big toddler

Have you been wondering about this project?  

Well,  I finished them and have a grandchild to model for the picture, so here it is!

I am very happy with how they turned out.  

Gavin on one of the new booster seats.  

I started with 2 large cookie cans, 1 yard of oilcloth and it was just about the right  amount  to cover 2.
I also used masking tape, batting and E6000 glue.

In case you are wondering if a cookie can is sturdy enough for a child to sit on,  yes they are!
My fully grown daughter tried sitting on one and it held her just fine,  
Yes,  I should of taken a picture of Nina on the cookie can!

First, I covered the cans with batting scraps and some old baby things that Nina was getting rid of.  (you all know I do things thrifty whenever possible.)

 I am sure there are much better tutorials to upholster at many other blogs, this is just the simple way I did them.  You might want to look into more detailed instructions than mine........

cut 2 circles about an inch bigger than the cans.
Also cut a long piece about an inch bigger on all edges to go around the base.
I used pins but just in the very edge so the pin-holes would not show 

I machine-sewed the first circle to the long piece,  and also used the machine to attach  the 2 ends of the  long piece.
Then I turned it right side out and put it on the cookie can.
I used more masking tape to pull the oilcloth tight around the can.
Then I attached the bottom oilcloth piece with E6000 glue to seal everything in.

a bear tries the chair

just the booster.
My photos are not good but I think you can get the idea.

These are not approved by the child safety commission but I think they are fine for older toddlers .

I got the oilcloth at Joanns Fabric store in my town.  

Who thinks up this stuff?

My son went to a convention and got a few goodies there.
He brought this insulated bag to me.
It is a good shape and size.  I think I will use it often to take drinks when we are out doing errands or on trips.

See the pockets on the front?  

The pockets hold a small cutting board, a cheese knife and a cork screw.
I guess it is intended for a French style picnic with cheese,  grapes and a bottle of wine.
The thing is,  the bag is not tall enough to hold a bottle of wine.

It is plenty tall enough for water and soda bottles though.

But I think the wine drinkers may be disappointed when they try to pack their bag for a picnic  

Like Father, Like Daughter

Granddaughter Andie
just about 4 months

These are professional photos by Okie Photo

isn't she just the cutest little 4th of July Sparkler?  

This is Bobby,  Andie's daddy.
In this newest batch of pictures,  I think Andie looks so much like Bobby did at the same age.  

Bobby had some crazy hair
and once he learned to smile,  he pretty much never stopped!