Eliot's Redbud Tree

Every year I try get a picture of Eliot in front of the tree she planted. Of course she then preceded to climb the tree with her back packnon. The weather is ominous as tornados may be on the way...

It is a Chinese tallow tree

My dear friend, Jenna, identified the tree right away. It is definitely a Chinese tallow tree. Now, how do I get one to grow officially in my yard and should I? It is an invasive species. I like the way it looks but should I plant a local tree instead?

What kind of tree is it?

OK, my quest for tomorrow is to identify this tree. It is big enough for a 9 year old to climb. It has spade shaped leaves and some sort of fruit / seed. Hmmm any guesses?

Two of a kind

Out of all of my seven children these two are the most similar. Lyn is 12 years old and Eliot is 3. Their personalities are very much alike. I see so much of Lyn in Eliot. Lyn was the sassy quick witted child that Eliot is becoming. They are only half sisters but you would have thought they were cut from the exact same cloth. The tree in the above picture is in an area where we go to collect firewood. Lyn noticed the hole and said it would make the perfect "fairy hideout". Eliot just liked that she could see through a tree.

Eliot really liked these two trees. She called them her special sister trees.

We finally found the best way to collect firewood. We loaded up the wagon and it lasted for two night's worth of fires.