This past weekend, we finished up our work on the patio and photographed it.  (Vivi's adorable dress from here!) I'm so glad to have this project done, and excited to be able to use this space now that it's warmer outside and the backyard is in gorgeous full bloom.  We had a fun little celebration while we photographed everything, and I'm pretty sure Brigette thought it was the best deal ever to wake up from her afternoon nap and then be whisked outside to be placed in a chair just her size to have her fill of scones, fruit, whipped cream, and other delights.  It was really fun to watch my little people enjoy themselves.

It has been somewhat of an exhausting couple of weeks!  I recall specifically that 14 and 15 months was a really challenging age for Vivi; she was walking, but not very stable, and she wasn't very verbal yet, so she would get frustrated easily since we couldn't always communicate well.  She was also frequently falling or getting boo boos as she worked on her mobility, and it seemed she was just crankier than usual.  I would often find myself in the driveway, exhausted and counting the minutes until Chip came home.   If there was supper on the table, it was a miracle.  Now we are there with Brigette, and it's actually much easier this time, but still it is draining.  She wants to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. every day, which isn't such a bad deal except that is also when I need to get supper together and it tends to be when Vivi is tired and needs attention as well.

One night last week I dropped a pan as I was trying to hang it on the rack above the stove, and it came crashing down, breaking a glass pitcher and landing on my foot.  I was at the end of my rope that afternoon, and told Vivi not to move an inch while I stayed put in my place until Chip came home to clean it up (he was only a couple of minutes away, thankfully, and Brigie was in her high chair!).

To top it all off, Chip, myself, and Vivi all got the stomach bug last week, and then Chip was out of town for two nights.  But in the middle of the crazy, I'm so grateful for rays of sunshine.  My parents came to visit and helped with the girls and with finishing up the patio project, I got in a rare visit with my sister, and we enjoyed some good family time this weekend.  Also, by some miracle the girls slept until 8 on Sunday morning, and Chip and I relished the chance to catch up on some sleep.  Saturday afternoon really was a delight, and I loved watching the girls enjoy themselves.  It's a joy to watch Vivi get excited over things, and she had been looking forward to the "patio party" all week.

I'm looking forward to sharing the patio soon, but here are a couple of small snippets.  That vintage glass and caddy set is one of my favorite little details.  I've been wanting to find one for awhile, and figured a backyard patio was the perfect excuse because after all we will be toting drinks back and forth.  Aren't those glasses lovely, and how about the perfect mid century wooden handle?  It was also a great reason to take my little side cart out to use.  I'm finding it's really helpful to have pieces that can do double duty in our smaller home.  We don't have a lot of extra storage, so when something can work as a nightstand and is a great asset for entertaining, it's a sure win!

I was so grateful that the dogwoods bloomed just in time for us to take photos.  Spring always brings a sense of renewal, doesn't it?  It's a fresh start, with the long days, the warm sunshine, and the happy colors.