Our beautiful Lilac tree has bloomed this weekend. Because it only lasts for about a week we’re trying to enjoy it as much as possible.

The resort we stayed at in Hawaii had these amazing pods around the pool that were perfect for curling up in.

Remembering how much we enjoyed those makes me really want one of these in our backyard, pool or not.

via notcot

This past weekend we had a picnic in the park and soaked up some sun before we headed back to the house for lots of good food and a candlelit dinner in the backyard.

It was a relaxed, low-key affair. A nice change of pace and maybe the calm before the storm of Halloween in a couple of weeks.

After dinner everyone helped clean up while I sat back and watched.

The warm weather promised this weekend is making me think of this summer in the backyard.

I was taking a post work nap when I was woken up by a huge branch falling off of our tree in the backyard.  Fun times.

Thankfully we weren’t having a party and no one was hurt…the big tree is on its farewell tour and will be going to an early retirement in the wood chipper within a week.

The only cool part of this whole ordeal is that Andres, Tung, and I got to bust out some power tools and chop stuff up. I knew I bought that Jigsaw for a reason!

Here are some photos

These beautiful roses come back with a vengeance every Summer. Knowing that they are in the backyard makes it just a little easier to get through the week.

Hey guys. Soon I’ll be smelling you and sipping a martini.

It may seem a bit odd as it’s something like 80 degrees at the moment, but a few weeks ago we purchased a stack of wood for our backyard fires. Now we can all huddle around the chimenea after a long evening of drinks and food, inhaling massive quantities of smoke. Yum.

Thankfully the wood is no longer cluttering our dining room. Thom moved the wood down into the basement shortly after it’s arrival.

Something that I keep forgetting to mention - our awesome new sunjars! Tung was kind enough to give us 4 of these guys and they produce a lovely glow in the backyard in the evening. They charge in direct sunlight (which we have plenty of) during the day and automatically light up at dusk.

One more reason to never leave our house…

A few weeks ago (at least a month by now) Thom and Ben planted some seeds in the herb garden. I didn’t have much faith - especially after a friend’s dog kicked up the dirt in the herb box. But now we have several different kinds of basil growing! Sure, it doesn’t look like much yet but it’s something.

Ben - what else did you plant in there??

And the rose bush bloomed again… One of the reasons why the backyard is our favorite room.