We have about 100 projects on the docket, but the most important one to us right now is getting a farm fence up around our property, most especially in the front so the babies can’t run or wander out into the road. But before Cam can build said fence, we had over 40 pine trees that needed to be cleared from both the front and the back. He spent this past weekend doing just that with the help of a rented excavator and John Shea (on his lap for good company). The morning it arrived, both boys were up at literally the crack of dawn, too excited to sleep! I’m really not sure that I’ve ever seen John more giddy than this past weekend, seeing a real live excavator show up at his house!!
The soil here is very soft and sandy. The areas where the excavator dug up roots are now huge natural sand boxes that the kids have been absolutely loving.
There had been a barely-standing cute picket fence back here that we’re going to repurpose around my garden… which will be huge! It’s going to go in just beyond that huge pile of felled trees. I’ll try to remember to snap a photo of the “blueprint” for our land. I’m laughing out loud because by “blueprint” I mean the doodle we created with one of Gracie’s colored pencils in her notebook. The first section will be a big area for the kids and all their outdoor toys that leads into the large garden area, separated by gravel walkways, which will lead to the barn (one day… with all that wood we now have), then to the chickens’ pasture, and in the very back to the orchard and flower field. We’ve got a lot of work to do… ha!
Malin says
Dear Amanda,
I have been following you for a couple of years now, from just after your move to Okinawa up till now in NC. It’s great to see how your family has grown and how you guys are super excited to start this new adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together. Enjoy your journey together and happy holidays from Holland.
Malin
Amanda says
Thank you so much for reading, Malin! I wish I could give you a hug in person – that’s so kind! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and happy New Year!
Love, Amanda
Nancy Beardsley says
Looking forward to watching your progress! Such an exciting time for all of you. Merry Christmas!
Amanda says
Thank you, Nancy! Thank you for saying so – that’s very true and important for us to remember when we’re still missing our life in Croatia so much!
Merriest Christmas and happy New Year to you and your family!!
Love, Amanda
Lanna says
So excited for you guys!!!! I am impressed Cammy is out there himself. Timmybear decided with his bad back (is it your back?) he’d shell out the cash for a professional. But it’s not cheap! Anytime he says “maybe we should take out a few more trees” I immediately yell “NO!!!!”
Can’t wait to see the progression of this house and yard — it’s gonna be a WOW for sure!!
LOVE YOU!!!!
lanneybear
PS. CANNNNNNNNOOOONNNNNNBALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Amanda says
Haha no no it’s Cam’s back! And yes, Timmy Bear is right when saying that felling trees hurts it! We had to pay to have the very last tree in our front come down (long story that Cam will tell you;) ) so I can definitely get behind your NO!!!
Can’t wait to see you!!! Love you!