Flowers
This year Ben (kinda) landscaped the backyard and we grew all sorts of stuff, including flowers for cutting. I got this new jar/vase which I really like and we have had practically nonstop fresh flowers in the house for months (not really great for pollen allergies). We only got pictures of two of the arrangements he did, but they turn out really pretty and we're enjoying it while it lasts.

Everything we've grown has been from seed, and it has been quite the challenge and a test of patience.
In case you care, here's a list of some of the best cutting flowers we actually got to grow:

Sunflowers (really easy from seed, we did about 80)
Dahlias (from tuber, not seed, but also easy)
Gomphrena (special cutting varieties)
Black-eyed Susans
Feverfew
Yarrow
Celosia
Gladiolas (from bulbs)
Blue Flax
Zinnias (everyone should grow zinnias)
And some others that didn't do so well, we'll have to try again next year.

This summer's been so nice, I'm not ready for fall to come yet.
...Which has practically already arrived in Northern Arizona...
Winter's supposed to be bad this year.
Oh well, bring it on!!

A New Look...

Jolie got glasses!

Isn't that just so cute?

She picked them out herself.

Now she can clearly see the board at school, which is helpful.

She's also in the "I can't show my teeth in a picture" phase.

We just have to make sure she keeps those glasses on all the time.

Welcome to the club, Jolie Bear!