Well, it's another hot, muggy day here! I got up early to pull some weeds before it got too hot. I have neglected weed-pulling duty for most of the season, and the weeds were about to take over in our beds in the back. Actually, the black-eyed Susans are about to take over if we're not careful! I should take a picture--they've managed to line one side of the pond all by themselves. It's kinda pretty. Now if they could just work their way over to the other side of the pond, we'd be in good shape. I ran into (almost literally) a couple of frogs while weeding. They hopped away quickly.

Then I spent more time up to my elbows in yucky pond water. I bought a new pump last month, and it hasn't been working as well as it should. This pump is smaller than the one I bought last summer (so much for the two year warranty), and it's not as powerful. Since it's smaller, it doesn't really fit the existing pipes...so I got creative. It's still a temporary fix, but at least more water is flowing up to the waterfall. If you're ever contemplating putting in a pond, let me tell you now, DON'T DO IT!

What else have we been up to? On Friday we went to Dorney Park in Allentown. The kids had a blast in the wave pool. I had fun, but I just skeeved every time the kids would splash water at my face. Call me crazy, but after watching countless kids spit water back into the pool all afternoon, I didn't want to be drinking from that particular fountain. We all appear to have survived, but I think next time I'm bringing a travel size of Listerine just for a quick rinse!

And speaking of e. coli, the dreaded Baby Ruth appeared at the town pool yesterday! I knew as soon as I heard the whistles blow. That's the second time that has happened this summer. I don't think we're going to the pool this afternoon. I need a break from germs and bodily functions.

In the Unexpected Fun department, we have discovered a robin's nest right outside our front door. It's in one of the decorative shrubs next to our front door (I don't know the name of the plant). I had been hearing bird chirping a few times in the last week, and on Friday I found the source! We can see the nest from inside the house. There are two babies in the nest, and the mama robin is often hopping around the front yard with worms hanging from her mouth. Yesterday Rob was painting the wood trim around the front door, and poor mama robin was hopping around the yard for some time--I imagine she was stressed about him being so close to her babies! I'll try to get some pictures to show.

On Tuesday of this week, Caroline gets her anti-thumbsucking retainer/thingy put in her mouth. This should be interesting. I wonder if it's going to affect her sleep because that's really the only time she sucks her thumb. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

And finally, I've been wanting to link this, but I forget. If you're ever in Chattanooga, be sure to stop here. It's my brother's place!