We have bees.  Or, a better way to put it…

OMG-OMG-OMG-BEES!WE-HAVE-BEES-BEES-BEES-BEES-BEEEEEEEEES!

That’s kind of how I felt as I tried to water my flowers about 10 minutes ago.  I mean, I know I should be grateful for them, what with their penchant for pollination and what have you, but I am, indeed, not grateful but rather terrified and mad.

I’m not talking one or two bees flying about, enjoying the meal I’ve planted for them in my front yard – I’m talking at LEAST 25-30, maybe more.

We have the big, scary, hairy bees like these:

I’ve heard in the past that these bees don’t actually sting – is that true?  Of course, why would they need to sting when they know that people like me will just break my neck trying to get away?

We also have plain old boring bees (that I know for a fact sting) like these:

They seem to particularly enjoy the flowers that have bloomed on our Hostas, which I intend to cut off tonight after they’ve all headed off to Beeville for the evening.  But they are also all over my Impatiens and I don’t know what to do about that.  Is there anything I can do?

In addition to bees, I noticed some little Beetle-like bugs all over my rose bushes and it appears they are eating the roses.  This is what they look like:

Do you have any suggestions as to what I should do about these guys? Ugh – I hate bugs…

In other, completely unrelated, news – We had a birthday party for Sloan last night at BounceU. Seriously – that’s the way to go when throwing a birthday party.  We actually split the party with some friends whose kids also have July birthdays, which made it even more fun and exciting for everyone. 

Remember last year’s birthday party?  This was way better – for me anyway.  I didn’t have to do anything but show up and take pictures.  And pictures I did take…

Sloan and his frined Nick beating the youknowwhat out of each other. They lasted a long time!

My friend Suzanne and I also beating the youknowwhat out of each other. We did not last nearly as long.

The kids bounced, wrestled, slid and climbed for an hour and a half. And they came home tired.

The three in the top middle were the birthday kids - Ian (8) Gini Lu (4) and Sloan (6)

The bouncing was followed by cupcakes and presents.  Sloan came home with a large bag filled with new Star Wars toys.  In fact, I think he only got Star Wars toys, which thrilled his little galaxy lovin’ heart.  The final gift he opened was from Lee and I.  We decided to give him his gift early since we’re leaving tomorrow for Florida. 

It’s a new light saber.  One that lights up and makes noise.  He’s been asking for one for a very long time now.  His reaction was priceless.

May the force be with you all.