These next pictures were taken on my new phone - so I need to practice, they are not perfect - I really want to only have one gadget to carry with me.  So far I have been able to download my Nook books, so I can read whenever, where ever.  The phone is the Droid X - so far I am very pleased with it.  So much better than the old Droid I had.

The weather is warming up and we are happy to be back on our porch and in our yard.

New wreath.

Isn't she cute?  Bad hair day!

Some of my herbs are coming back strong, some not.  This is lemon verbena.

Bay Leaf.

Tarragon.

Rosemary.

This is a Rose of Sharon Tree.  Dug this from Kari and Lance's yard.  Flowers most of the summer and they spread like crazy.

All those little sticks - new Rose of Sharon Trees.

We will tackle the vegetable garden soon.

I was reading a great blog recently and the writer rates wine that she enjoys on the weekends.  I usually drink a generic cabernet that comes in a box - I am not a wine snob.  But I thought it would be interesting to try out some new and different wines.  Whatever strikes me when I am grocery shopping.  I usually choose a bottle of wine by the cool label. 

This was a very smooth, a little fruity Chardonnay.  At $6 I would definitely buy it again.  Dave seemed to enjoy it.  It went great with our meal...

This was one of the best dinners I have made in quite a while.

Chopped fresh rosemary from my garden.  Combined with fresh lemon, scallions, butter ---

Divine.

Picture from the blog "ramonagreenspan".  Those diced red potatoes were delish - roasted in the oven with lemon, butter, salt and pepper.

I made this spinach salad from "The Sisters Cafe Blog" (another favorite cooking blog).  I used strawberries instead of the apples.

I was going to make the salad dressing, but saw this in the store and wanted to try it - Good Stuff!

After dinner we walked around the yard to check out the lighting. 

Not sure why Bandit's eye is green?

The dog's love walking in the yard anytime.

Another very good Chardonnay - This was served when we ate at Ruby Tuesdays on the way home from St. Louis - they had run out of their House Brand.  Very good!!Love the name and label.

To St. Louis to celebrate the twins 6th birthday!

Alex is always glad to see our doggies.

Meighan immediately showed us her birthday present - American Girl Twin Dolls.  She loves them and takes them everywhere.

Opening presents from Grandpa and Grandma.

Barbie Dolls.

Alex asked for a batman outfit and some Star War Legos.

We headed to Dave and Buster's to celebrate and have fun!!

The food was very good.  Uh-oh no food pictures.

The game area was huge and fun for kids and adults.

Meighan with her winnings.

Having lunch before school.

Friday night we took the kids out for fun at the Drury Inn.  Mom and Dad had a much deserved "date night".

The pool and hot tub - we all had a good time.

We even swam underneath the window to the outside - I didn't think Alex would do it but he did.

My babies are growing up so fast.

Back at the room - Alex changed to his costume.

Our little dare devil.

Meg and I had some primping time and did each others nails.

We hated to leave.  I miss them already.