Less is Better

We did a bit more work in the backyard this weekend.

We rented a chainsaw and Dad went to work.

There's a large bed area that runs through the backyard. We've already cut out several small trees, but there were still three pines and this Box Elder...just a tad bit squished in between two

unhealthy-looking pines.

We decided to leave the healthy pine (not shown in this photo) and

cut out the two that were squishing the Box Elder tree.

This is what happens when all of the adults' backs are turned.

Sure wish she had some fear!

(Once we caught her, this didn't happen again)

Bye bye, trees.

Gave us a nice bit of fire wood, and some

work for the kids. 'Bout time they

learned how to pack and stack wood!

I love any chance to get the kids doing work they are

not used to. Ryan's highlight of the weekend

was discovering that he's old enough to mow the lawn.

Our highlight was the fact that he thought it was fun.

This sight brought back memories.

I grew up on the same apple farm where my dad grew up

(he and Mom still live there).

When we were kids, spring was spent with the adults

up the apple ladders pruning and us kids

down on the ground picking up brush.

This is much less crowded now.

I probably won't do much with this area this year, except

weed it. It'll be added to next year's to-do list.

Look at the size of that brush pile!

Each week it grows.

We've pulled out a lot of brush since we moved

here in January.

Now what to do with it?!

Newly pruned cherry and apple trees.
Remember the messy vine that was
pulling the cherry tree down?
All of the branches that were in that area were dead.
We're not sure how the fruit trees will do this year,
but maybe we'll get a bit out of them!
If nothing else, they are the perfect climbing trees!